Compare total compensation and take-home outcomes between freelance and salaried paths.
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Open the Freelance vs Full-Time Calculator and fill in the required input fields with your numbers or selections.
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The tool automatically computes the result as you type. Double-check your inputs to ensure accuracy.
Interpret your results
Review the calculated output along with any breakdowns, charts, or explanations provided to understand what the numbers mean for your situation.
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Continue your workflow with these tools from the same playbook.
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Next Step
Continue with Freelance Rate Calculator
Comparing a freelance rate to a full-time salary is never apples-to-apples. A $100,000 salary comes with hidden employer costs worth $20,000-$40,000 in benefits, taxes, and perks. This calculator reveals the true total compensation on both sides.
Employers cover half of your FICA taxes (7.65%), contribute to health insurance (often $6,000-$15,000/year for a family plan), match 401(k) contributions, provide paid time off, and offer other perks like life insurance, disability coverage, and professional development budgets. These add 25-40% on top of your base salary.
As a freelancer, you pay both the employee and employer halves of FICA (15.3% total on 92.35% of net earnings). You also lose access to employer-subsidized benefits and must fund your own health insurance, retirement, and paid time off. This is why freelancers typically need to charge 40-60% more than an equivalent hourly salary rate.
Financial comparison is only part of the decision. Freelancing offers schedule flexibility, client choice, unlimited earning potential, and location independence. Full-time employment provides stability, team collaboration, career progression, and reduced administrative burden. Consider which factors matter most to your lifestyle and career goals.