Setting Your Accountant Freelance Rate
As a freelance Accountant, your rate should reflect both the market average and the unique value you bring to clients. The average hourly rate of $55.00 serves as a useful benchmark, but your actual rate may be higher or lower depending on factors like geographic location, years of experience, industry specialization, and the complexity of the projects you take on.
When pricing your services, consider the full picture of your costs. Beyond your desired take-home pay, account for self-employment taxes, health insurance, retirement savings, software and tools, professional development, and time spent on non-billable activities like marketing and administration. These overhead costs typically add 20 to 30 percent to the income you need to generate.
Use the calculator above to experiment with different scenarios. Adjusting the billable hours, weeks per year, and overhead percentage helps you understand how each variable affects your required rate. This data-driven approach takes the guesswork out of pricing and ensures your freelance business is financially sustainable.