Hourly Rate Calculator
Work out what you need to charge per hour to cover your take-home pay, superannuation, and business expenses. Built for Australian tradies and small business owners. Free, instant, and private — nothing leaves your browser.
100% private. Your data never leaves your browser. No cookies, no tracking, no server calls. Everything runs locally.
Estimate only — not financial advice. This calculator does not account for income tax, GST obligations, industry-specific costs, or your individual circumstances. Results are a starting point only. Always consult a registered tax agent or qualified accountant before setting your rates or making financial decisions.
Your Details
52 weeks minus holidays, sick days, and public holidays
Vehicle, tools, insurance, software, phone, uniforms, etc.
Current SG rate is 11.5% (2024-25)
Your Hourly Rate
Required hourly rate (ex GST)
$0.00
Annual Breakdown
Based on 0 billable hours per year
Three simple steps
Enter your take-home pay
Start with how much you want to take home each year after super and expenses.
Adjust hours, weeks, and expenses
Set your actual working schedule and add up your annual business costs.
See your required hourly rate
Get your rate with GST and super included, plus a full annual breakdown.
Tips for setting your rate
Don't forget super
The SG rate is 11.5% in 2024-25. If you don't factor it into your rate, you're effectively underpaying yourself. Treat it as a non-negotiable cost of doing business.
Account for non-billable time
Admin, quoting, travel, invoicing, and downtime all eat into your working hours. Most tradies are only billable 60-80% of the time. Reduce your hours or weeks to reflect this.
Review quarterly
Costs change. Fuel, insurance, materials, and registration fees go up. Review and adjust your hourly rate at least every quarter so you don't fall behind.
Frequently asked questions
What hourly rate should tradies charge in Australia?
Hourly rates for tradies in Australia typically range from $60 to $120+ per hour, depending on the trade, experience, location, and demand. Metropolitan areas generally command higher rates than regional areas. Specialist trades and emergency callouts can charge significantly more. The key is to calculate your true costs — including superannuation, insurance, vehicle expenses, and tools — then add a reasonable profit margin rather than simply matching what others charge.
How do I factor in superannuation?
As a sole trader or contractor, you are responsible for paying your own superannuation. The current Superannuation Guarantee rate is 11.5% for 2024-25. You should add this on top of your desired take-home pay when calculating your hourly rate. For example, if you want to take home $80,000, you need to earn an additional $9,200 for super contributions. This calculator automatically includes super in your hourly rate calculation.
What about income tax?
This calculator shows the pre-tax revenue you need to generate. Your actual income tax will depend on your total taxable income, deductions, and business structure (sole trader, company, trust). We recommend consulting a registered tax agent or accountant for proper tax planning. As a general guide, consider setting aside 25-30% of your gross income for tax if you are a sole trader.
Should I charge for travel time?
Yes, travel time is a real cost to your business. Many tradies either charge a callout fee (typically $50-$150 depending on distance), include travel in their hourly rate by reducing their estimated billable hours, or charge a half-rate for travel time. The approach depends on your trade, location, and client expectations. This calculator lets you adjust your billable hours to account for non-billable travel and admin time.
What are common hourly rates by trade in Australia?
Common hourly rate ranges for Australian trades (2024-25):
- Electricians: $70 - $100/hr
- Plumbers: $80 - $120/hr
- Carpenters: $55 - $85/hr
- Painters: $45 - $70/hr
- Landscapers: $50 - $80/hr
- Tilers: $60 - $90/hr
- Concreters: $65 - $95/hr
These are general guides — rates vary significantly by state, metropolitan vs regional areas, experience, and specialisation. Always calculate your actual costs rather than relying solely on industry averages.
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Use CalculatorDisclaimer: This calculator is a general guide only and does not constitute financial, tax, or professional advice. It does not account for income tax, GST obligations, Medicare levy, PAYG instalments, industry-specific costs, award rates, or your individual financial circumstances. The results are estimates intended as a starting point — they should not be relied upon for business pricing decisions without independent verification. Devalo Pty Ltd is not a licensed financial adviser, tax agent, or accountant. Always consult a registered tax agent or qualified financial adviser before making decisions about your pricing, superannuation, or tax obligations. Devalo does not accept any liability for loss or damage arising from the use of this calculator.
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