What Should I Charge?

🤔 How This Calculator Works

This tool uses a straightforward, market-based pricing model that helps you charge what you're worth:

1. Market Baseline Rates: We start with industry-standard hourly rates based on your service type and experience level. These rates are adjusted for your location to reflect regional market conditions.
2. Client Type Adjustment: Different clients have different budgets and expectations. We apply appropriate multipliers: Friend/Family (0.75x), Individual (1.0x), Small Business (1.15x), Corporate (1.4x). This helps you price appropriately for each situation.
3. Project Hours: Your estimated hours PLUS any meeting time, discovery/research, and a project management buffer (typically 15%). This ensures you're paid for all the work, not just execution time.
4. Smart Multipliers: We apply realistic adjustments for complexity, rush deadlines, number of revisions, usage rights, and exclusivity. These reflect the actual market value of these factors and help you avoid underpricing.
5. Platform Fees: If you're working through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, we gross up your price to cover their fees so you still receive your target amount.
6. Profit Margin: We add a standard 20% profit margin on top of your costs. This isn't "extra"—it's essential for business sustainability, taxes, equipment, and growth.
7. Three Pricing Tiers: Budget (85% of standard), Standard (calculated rate), and Premium (125% of standard). These give you negotiation flexibility while ensuring you don't undervalue your work.

Remember: These are starting points based on market averages. Your actual pricing should reflect your unique value proposition, portfolio quality, client relationships, and market positioning. Don't be afraid to charge more for exceptional work!