Convert any annual salary into hourly, daily, weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly rates. The smartest way to compare job offers and benchmark freelance rates.
Formula: Hourly = Annual Salary ÷ (Hours/Week × Working Weeks). Standard 40hr/52wk: $65,000 ÷ 2,080 = $31.25/hr. With 10 vacation days (50 working weeks): $65,000 ÷ 2,000 = $32.50/hr — your actual rate while working.
$80k at 55 hrs/week = $27.97/hr. $65k at 40 hrs/week = $31.25/hr. The lower-salary job pays more per hour — always calculate before accepting.
Freelance rate should be 1.5–2× employed equivalent to cover self-employment tax (15.3%), no benefits, unpaid admin time, and income variability.
Federal minimum: $7.25/hr ($15,080/yr). Most states: $14–17+. Living wage in major US cities: $22–35/hr depending on family size and location.
10 PTO days raises your effective rate from $31.25 to $32.50/hr on the same salary. Always factor PTO into job offer comparisons.
Earning $65k salary ($31.25/hr equivalent)? Your freelance market rate should be $55–70/hr minimum to maintain the same take-home. Most freelancers undercharge by 30–50% because they ignore self-employment taxes, no employer benefits, unpaid client acquisition time, and slow months.