Tools

DAY RATE CALCULATOR

Figure out what you actually need to charge per day as a freelance AV technician. This calculator factors in taxes, insurance, gear, and the months you won't be working.

$
$30k$250k

Before accounting for slow months

200
100 days260 days

Months with little or no work (summer, holidays, etc.)

2
0 months5 months

Monthly premium (marketplace average for individuals)

$/mo
$0$1,500/mo

Tools, software, maintenance, amortized purchases

$/mo
$0$1,000/mo
Your Day Rate
$625
per 10-hour day · $62/hr
Gross Needed
$104,368
SE Tax (15.3%)
$15,968
Annual Expenses
$8,400
Billable Days
167

The Math

Target take-home income$80,000
+ Health insurance ($500/mo x 12)$6,000
+ Gear & equipment ($200/mo x 12)$2,400
= Pre-tax target$88,400
+ Self-employment tax (15.3%)$15,968
= Gross income needed$104,368
Working days per year200
- Slow months (2 mo = 17% reduction)-33 days
= Billable days167
$104,368 / 167 days$625/day

What This Doesn't Include

Federal & State Income Tax

This calculator covers self-employment tax only. Set aside an additional 15-25% for income tax depending on your bracket and state.

Retirement Savings

SEP-IRA, Solo 401(k), or other retirement contributions. Add these to your target income if you want to save for retirement.

Business Expenses

Vehicle, travel, meals, phone, internet, professional development, and liability insurance.

Rate Negotiations

Markets vary. A day rate in San Francisco is different from Nashville. Check the Truss Rate Guide for city-specific data.

Know Your Rate. Own Your Career.

Set your day rate on Truss and let producers find you. Free profile, no middlemen, no markup.

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