Hourly Rate Calculator
Calculate the hourly rate you need to charge to hit your income goals. Stop undercharging — know your worth.
Enter Your Goals
Take-home pay you want to earn
Your Target Rate
Enter your goals and click
"Calculate My Rate" to see results
Setting Your Hourly Rate
Why Most Contractors Undercharge
Many tradespeople set their rates based on what competitors charge, not what they actually need to earn. This calculator works backwards from your income goal to tell you the minimum you should charge.
Billable vs. Non-Billable Hours
Not every hour you work is billable. You need time for:
- • Driving between jobs
- • Estimates and follow-ups
- • Paperwork and admin
- • Marketing and sales
- • Equipment maintenance
Most contractors are only 60-70% billable. A 40-hour week typically means 25-30 billable hours.
Don't Forget Overhead
Your rate must cover more than your paycheck. Factor in:
- • Vehicle costs (payment, insurance, fuel, maintenance)
- • Tools and equipment
- • Insurance (liability, workers comp)
- • Software and subscriptions
- • Office/shop expenses
- • Taxes (self-employment, income)
Industry Rate Benchmarks
- • HVAC Technicians: $75-150/hr
- • Electricians: $65-130/hr
- • Plumbers: $70-140/hr
- • General Contractors: $50-100/hr
- • Landscapers: $45-85/hr
Rates vary significantly by region, experience, and specialization.
Ready to See Your Real Profit on Every Job?
Join 500+ trade professionals who stopped guessing and started growing with SkilledOS.