Consulting Fee Calculator
Determines a daily or hourly billable rate based on operating costs, billable days, and target income
Total annual business expenses (office, software, travel, etc.)
Working days available for client work after vacation and admin time
Your desired annual take-home income
Recommended daily consulting fee
Equivalent hourly rate based on an 8-hour day
Equivalent monthly retainer based on 20 working days
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set my consulting fee?
Add your annual operating costs to your target annual income, then divide by your billable days per year. This gives your minimum daily rate. Divide by 8 for an hourly rate. Adjust upward based on your expertise and market demand.
How many billable days should I plan for?
Most consultants realistically bill 180-220 days per year after accounting for weekends, holidays, vacation, sick days, and time spent on business development and administration.
Should I charge daily or hourly?
Daily rates are common in management consulting and reduce the incentive to work slowly. Hourly rates work better for advisory or part-time engagements. Some consultants offer both options and let clients choose.
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