What hourly rate do I need as a freelancer?
An hourly rate must also carry the time you cannot bill. A survey names a share for this; with your target you work out the required rate.
Documented price ranges
| Item | from | to | Unit | Source | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freelancers on average (survey 2026) | 103 | 103 | EUR/hour | M8 | Documented |
| Non-billable share of working time | 12 | 12 | % approx. | M8 | Documented |
Calculator: use your numbers
What to watch for
Taxes, health insurance and provisions are not included in this simple calculation. Plan them in addition.
Sources and date
- M8 freelancermap: Freelancer-Kompass 2026 – https://www.freelancermap.de/freelancer-kompass. Check status: geprüft. Retrieved/as of: 03.11.2026.
General orientation, not tax, legal or financial advice. Prices change; the date at the source is what counts. Calculators run in your browser, nothing is sent. No warranty.