Contractor Salary Calculator

Find out how much you can actually take home as a contractor

Free tool by ThePocketBoss - enter your job volume, pricing, and expenses to estimate your real annual income as a self-employed contractor.

Your Business Numbers

jobs

Average number of paying jobs you complete each week

$

What you charge on a typical job (revenue, not profit)

$

Insurance, vehicle, fuel, tools, marketing, software, taxes

weeks

Subtract vacation, holidays, and seasonal downtime

Pro Tip: Don't forget to include material costs in your monthly expenses - or subtract them from your average job price. This calculator uses total revenue, so expenses should include everything.

Your Estimated Income

Estimated Annual Income
$0
After all business expenses
Weekly Revenue (5 jobs × $800)$0
Annual Revenue (48 weeks)$0
Annual Expenses-$0
Net Income$0
Monthly Take-Home
$0
Weekly Take-Home
$0
Effective Hourly
$0/hr
Profit Margin
0.0%
Income Level: Below Average
Your income is below the national average for self-employed contractors. Look for ways to increase job volume or average price.

How Much Do Contractors Actually Make?

The Reality of Self-Employed Income

Revenue is not income. Many contractors bring in six figures in revenue but take home far less after expenses, taxes, and seasonal gaps. This calculator cuts through the noise and shows you what actually ends up in your pocket.

Three Levers to Increase Your Income

  • More jobs per week: Better marketing, faster estimates, and repeat customers
  • Higher average price: Premium services, upsells, and value-based pricing
  • Lower expenses: Optimize routes, negotiate supplier pricing, reduce waste

Expenses Most Contractors Underestimate

  • Self-employment tax: 15.3% on top of income tax
  • Health insurance: Can be $500-$1,500/month for a family
  • Tool replacement: Tools break, batteries die, equipment wears out
  • Vehicle depreciation: Your truck loses value even if the payment is done
  • Bad debt: Customers who don't pay or pay late

How ThePocketBoss Helps You Earn More

ThePocketBoss gives you a real-time dashboard showing revenue, expenses, and profit. You'll see exactly which jobs make money, which customers are most valuable, and where your expenses are eating into your income.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do independent contractors make a year?

It varies widely by trade and location. Solo handymen might make $40,000-$70,000 while specialty contractors (HVAC, electrical, plumbing) can make $75,000-$150,000+. Your income depends on job volume, pricing, and expenses.

Is contractor income the same as salary?

No. Employees get a salary with taxes withheld and benefits included. Contractors get revenue and must pay their own taxes (including self-employment tax), health insurance, and retirement. Your take-home is always less than your gross revenue.

How do I increase my average job price?

Offer premium service tiers, add maintenance plans, bundle related services, and stop competing on price alone. Customers will pay more for reliability, professionalism, and guarantees.

Should I factor in taxes?

Yes - include estimated quarterly tax payments in your monthly expenses. As a self-employed contractor, you'll owe income tax plus 15.3% self-employment tax. Budget 25-35% of net income for taxes.

Track Your Real Income - Not Just Revenue

ThePocketBoss shows your actual profit on every job, every month, all year long. No spreadsheets required.

Only $19.99/month • 14-day free trial • Cancel anytime