IT consultants often underestimate the true cost of gaps between contracts, self-employment taxes, and equipment costs. This calculator works backwards from your income goal to find a sustainable rate.
// frequently asked questions
How much should an IT consultant charge per hour?
IT consultant rates typically range from $50-250/hr depending on specialisation and market. Infrastructure, cloud, and security specialists command the highest rates. Use this calculator to find your floor based on your actual income target.
How do I calculate my IT consulting rate?
Start with your annual income target, add self-employment taxes, equipment costs, and professional development. Divide by realistic billable hours accounting for gaps between contracts. This calculator does all of that automatically.
Should IT consultants charge hourly or by project?
Both are common in IT consulting. Hourly works best for ongoing work and support. Fixed-price projects require accurate scoping. Either way, knowing your hourly floor from this calculator is essential.