Free tool for tradies
True charge-out rate calculator for Australian tradies
Free calculator that factors net pay, tax, 12% super, workers comp, leave, public holidays, and unbillable admin time into your real hourly and day rate.
Guideline only. Not financial, tax, or legal advice.
What you need to take home
Rough planning rate only. Your accountant will refine the tax figure. Default assumes a typical sole-trader effective rate.
Super, cover, and fixed overheads
Australian Super Guarantee is currently 12% of ordinary time earnings. This slider is a planning input only. ATO Super Guarantee rates · Digit employer guide
Fixed overheads total $11,440 /yr
Real billable time
Your true charge-out
- True charge-out hourly
- $130
- Break-even hourly
- $111
- Day rate (up to 8 billable hrs)
- $1,043
- Actual billable hours / year
- 1,420 hrs
- Total to recover per year
- $157,300
45.8 working weeks × 31 billable hrs
Why the naive rate fails
- Net ÷ 2,000 hours
- $50
- You would undercharge by
- $80
Ignores tax, super, overheads, leave, and unbillable time.
Per hour, before you even open the quote.
Common questions
Why is my true charge-out higher than salary ÷ 2,000?
Because up to 40% of a tradie week is often unbillable, and net pay ignores tax, super, leave, workers comp, and fixed overheads. Dividing a target salary by 2,000 quietly underprices every job.
Does this include the 12% superannuation guarantee?
Yes. The calculator defaults to 12% super on your net-plus-tax base as a planning input. Confirm employer SG obligations with the ATO. This tool is a guideline, not financial advice.
Should I use break-even or the buffered charge-out?
Break-even covers costs. The buffered rate adds a profit margin so one quiet week or a materials surprise does not wipe you out. Most crews quote off the buffered number. Check with your accountant before locking prices.
Guides and further reading
Use these sources to check current benchmarks and formulas. Our tools are guidelines only - not quotes or professional advice. Swiftscope does not endorse third-party advice beyond linking the reference.
- ATO Super Guarantee rates
Official Superannuation Guarantee percentage (currently 12% of ordinary time earnings / qualifying earnings).
- ATO Super Guarantee rate increase notice
ATO notice on the move to 12% SG.
- Digit Super Guarantee employer guide
Employer-focused summary of SG rate, due dates, and Payday Super changes.
- Finder hourly rate calculator guide
Australian benchmarks for building a charge-out from costs and realistic billable hours.
- FigsFlow Australian charge-out rate breakdown
Breakdown of salaries, super, overheads, and non-billable time in charge-out math.
Save your true charge-out rate straight into your Swiftscope profile so on-site quotes automatically protect your profit.