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Freelancer Calculator

Calculate your minimum and recommended freelance rate accounting for AU tax, super and expenses.

AU Tax IncludedSuper + Expenses

Desired Annual Income ($)

Billable Hours per Week

Weeks Holiday per Year

Annual Business Expenses ($)

Super Rate (%)

About this tool

Calculate your minimum and recommended freelance rate accounting for AU tax, super and expenses. MyCalcTools calculators are designed for quick everyday estimates with clear inputs, instant results and no account required. Results are provided for general information and planning, not as professional financial, medical, legal or trade advice.

How to use it

Enter the values requested in the calculator fields.
Choose the option that best matches your situation, unit or goal.
Press the calculate button and review the result summary.
Adjust your inputs to compare different scenarios.

Common use cases

Checking a quick estimate before making a decision.
Comparing two or more everyday scenarios side by side.
Planning budgets, meals, projects, dates or personal routines.
Double-checking manual calculations with a simple online reference.

About the Freelancer Income Calculator

This freelancer income calculator helps Australian independent contractors estimate their annual income, tax liability, and take-home pay based on their hourly rate and projected hours worked. It is particularly useful when comparing a freelance offer to an equivalent salaried position, or when planning your finances for the financial year.

How to Use It

Enter your hourly rate and average billable hours per week.
Enter your estimated annual business expenses.
Select whether you operate as a sole trader or company (different tax rates apply).
Review your gross income, taxable income after expenses, estimated tax, and net take-home.

Freelancing vs Salaried Employment in Australia

Freelancing offers flexibility and potentially higher gross income, but comes with additional financial responsibility. Unlike employees, freelancers do not receive paid annual leave, sick leave, or superannuation contributions from clients (though you can charge rates that include these). You must lodge a tax return and potentially quarterly BAS statements if GST-registered. On the plus side, legitimate business expenses — home office, equipment, professional development, subscriptions — are generally deductible against income. A good accountant or tax agent who works with freelancers can often save you more than their fee.

Freelancers (sole traders) pay income tax at the same marginal rates as employees, but are not subject to PAYG withholding. This means you must set aside money throughout the year to pay your tax bill. The ATO may require quarterly PAYG instalments once your income reaches a certain threshold. Superannuation is not mandatory but is strongly recommended — contributing 11% of income to super voluntarily maintains parity with employed peers.