Built because freelancers deserve real data, not guesswork.
WhatShouldICharge is a free freelance rate calculator that uses Bureau of Labor Statistics data to show freelancers what to charge across 21 professions. It pairs that data with transparent formulas so you can charge what your work is actually worth.
The problem
Most freelancers set their rate by guessing, copying a competitor, or accepting whatever the first client offered to pay. They never account for self-employment tax (15.3%), unbillable hours (30–40% of every week), software costs, health insurance, or the fact that they take 4 weeks off but price as if they work 52.
When you actually run the numbers, almost everyone discovers they need to charge 40–80% more than they currently do — just to match what they'd earn as an employee with benefits. That's not an opinion. That's arithmetic.
WhatShouldICharge exists to make that arithmetic visible, accessible, and defensible to any client.
The data behind the numbers
Every rate recommendation on this site traces back to verifiable sources:
Wage Data
Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS — 150,000+ wage records covering 830 occupations across 391 US metro areas. Updated annually.
Regional Adjustments
Bureau of Economic Analysis RPP — Regional Price Parities measuring relative price levels across US metros.
Tax Calculations
Self-employment tax rates from theIRS. 15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare) on net self-employment income.
Formula
Every multiplier is documented on the methodology page. Nothing is a black box.
Who built this
Smith Shah
Group Head of SEO, Content & Growth atSchbang
I've spent 7 years building SEO and growth systems at one of India's largest independent digital agencies. I've led organic growth for brands like UltraTech Cement, Swiggy, Pidilite, Motorola, Jio Business, and Tata Communications — scaling a 2-person SEO pilot into a 30-member team generating ₹6+ crore in annual revenue impact.
I built WhatShouldICharge because I watched freelancers, consultants, and agency professionals consistently undercharge — not because they lacked skill, but because they lacked data. This tool gives them the same market intelligence that large agencies use internally.
I teach pricing, SEO, and growth strategy at MastersUnion, KC College, HubSpot Academy, upGrad, and DSP Mutual Funds. I write about growth and SEO onSubstack.
7+
Years in SEO & Growth
30
Team Members Led
6+
Industry Awards
Recognition
Teaches at
Our position on AI
Every other pricing calculator on the internet assumes you do 100% of the work manually. In 2026, that's dishonest. AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Midjourney, and Copilot change what "hourly rate" actually means — they reduce production time, which means your effective earning per hour of effort is higher than your posted rate.
Our AI toggle accounts for this. It's not a gimmick — it's the math that every freelancer using AI tools needs to understand. Your rate reflects the value you deliver, not the time you spend. AI is your margin advantage, not your client's discount.
Get in touch
Questions, feedback, or partnership inquiries:hello@whatshouldicharge.io
Or find me onsmithshah.in.
Stop guessing what to charge.
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