Freelance Day Rate Calculator
This calculator shows the math, every line, every reason. No guessing. No apology. How we calculate it →
A free day rate calculator for cinematographers, DPs, video editors, colorists, motion designers, producers, and camera operators. Enter your take-home goal and we'll calculate the freelance day rate you need to cover self-employment tax, health insurance, and a profit margin — then check it against real market floors for your experience level and location.
Start with your annual take-home goal, add health insurance (~$7,400/year for an individual), then add self-employment tax (15.3%), and an optional 20% profit margin. Divide the total by your estimated billable days — typically 100–175/year. This gives the day rate you need to break even and build a sustainable business.
Freelance cinematographer (DP) day rates typically range from $500–$800/day for emerging to mid-level, and $1200–$1500/day for senior and expert DPs. Rates increase by roughly 30% in major markets like New York or Los Angeles.
Freelance video editor day rates generally range from $350–$550/day for emerging to mid-level editors, up to $750–$1000/day for senior and expert editors. Major markets like LA and NYC command a 30% premium.
Freelancers pay both the employee and employer halves of Social Security and Medicare taxes — a 15.3% self-employment tax that salaried workers split with their employer. Freelancers also pay their own health insurance, have no paid time off, and must cover slow periods with revenue from billable days. These costs must be built into the day rate to break even.
Major markets like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago typically pay 25–35% more than national baseline rates due to higher cost of living and denser production markets. Mid-sized markets approximate the national baseline. Smaller markets run 10–20% below.
Most full-time freelancers bill between 100 and 175 days per year. The rest goes to unpaid admin, business development, travel, invoicing, taxes, and seasonal slowdowns. 150 days is a realistic estimate for an established freelancer.
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, business, legal, or tax advice. Actual rates depend on your market, portfolio, client relationships, and many other factors. Consult with industry peers or a financial advisor before setting your rates.