Freelance vs. Employee
See how your freelance rate stacks up against a full-time salary once benefits, payroll taxes, and unpaid time off are factored in.
Employee Side
Freelance Side
The Comparison
Employee Total Comp
$0
Salary + benefits value
Freelance Net Income
$0
After expenses & SE tax
Gap
$0
Rate Needed to Match Employee Comp
$0/hr
At your current billable hours
What this comparison includes (and doesn't)
Employee total compensation = salary + the dollar value of benefits (health insurance, 401(k) match, paid time off) as a percentage of salary. Freelance net income = (billable rate × hours × 50 weeks) − annual business expenses − self-employment tax. This is a simplified model for quick comparison — it doesn't include income tax brackets, state-specific rules, or healthcare premium specifics. For a full breakdown of your freelance project profitability including platform fees and scope creep, use the main calculator.