Contractor Hourly Rate Calculator
Work out the minimum hourly and day rate an Australian contractor or sole trader needs to cover income, super, business expenses and unpaid leave properly.
Your results
Calculation breakdown
- Working weeks
- 52 − 6 = 46 weeks
- Billable hours
- 46 × 38 hrs × 70% = 1,224 hrs
- Hourly rate
- $133,333.33 ÷ 1,224 hrs = $108.97
Assumptions
- This calculation excludes GST and is not tax or business advice.
- Only a percentage of available hours are assumed billable to clients.
- The profit margin is applied on top of income, super and expenses.
- Superannuation is treated as a cost you must set aside for yourself.
How this calculator works
Employees get paid leave and employer super; contractors have to build both into their rate. This calculator converts your target income, super allowance, business expenses, unpaid leave and billable percentage into a minimum sustainable hourly and day rate.
Rates sourced from the Australian Taxation Office for the 2026–27 financial year. Last reviewed 01/07/2026.
Frequently asked questions
What billable percentage should I use?
Most independent contractors bill 60–80% of available hours once admin, sales and training are accounted for.
Should I add a profit margin?
A margin covers risk, bad debts and reinvestment. Many contractors add 10–20% on top of their cost-recovery rate.
Does this include GST?
No. If you are registered for GST you add 10% on top of the rate shown.
Results are estimates only and are not financial, tax, legal or credit advice.
Rates and thresholds are configured for the 2026–27 Australian financial year and should be reviewed when government settings change.