Day Rate to Salary Converter
Compare a freelance day rate with annual, monthly or hourly salary equivalents. Conversions use editable working-day assumptions.
Comparing a freelance day rate with salary
The calculator multiplies the day rate by your chosen working days per year, then converts the annualized amount to the selected pay period. The default is 220 billable days, but freelancers may have fewer billable days after leave, sales, training and gaps between projects. Adjust the assumption to explore that difference.
Billable days drive the annual projection
A day rate of 400 produces different annual revenue depending on how many days are invoiced. Count contract gaps, time off, administration and business development when setting a scenario. The default 220 is a starting assumption, not a forecast or a recommendation.
Use the annualized amount to align the time units of an offer, then compare costs separately. If a client offers a day rate for only a three-month engagement, multiplying by a full year assumes replacement work after that engagement ends.
Formula
Day rate × billable days per year
| Day rate | Billable days | Annual revenue |
|---|---|---|
| 400 | 160 | 64,000 |
| 400 | 190 | 76,000 |
| 400 | 220 | 88,000 |
Annual invoiced revenue is not an equivalent employee package. No automatic allowance for benefits, employer contributions or business costs is made.
Common questions
Why does the calculator default to 220 days?
It is a starting assumption, not a promise of 220 billable days. Change it to match the number of days you expect to invoice.
Does the salary equivalent account for employee benefits?
No. The tool annualizes the amount mathematically and does not value leave, pension, insurance, taxes or other benefits.