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Photographer Rate Calculator

Preset for a photographer: $80K goal, 50% billable (editing eats hours).

A photographer's rate has to cover more than the work clients see — admin, marketing, equipment, insurance, and the unpaid hours between gigs. This calculator starts from typical numbers for a working photographer (a $80K income goal and 50% billable time) and produces your minimum hourly and day rate. Adjust every field to your real numbers; the defaults are a starting point, not a verdict.

How it works

1. Income goal starts at $80,000 — set it to what a salaried role would pay you.
2. Billable share starts at 50% — typical for photographers once admin and client-hunting are counted.
3. Add your real annual business expenses (gear, software, insurance, studio).
4. Read your minimum hourly and day rates. Quote projects above this floor.

Common questions

What do photographers typically charge?

Published surveys show enormous ranges because they mix beginners with specialists. What matters is your floor: with the defaults here, a photographer needs roughly $94/hour just to match the salaried equivalent — before any premium for experience or specialization.

Hourly, day rate, or per project?

Use the hourly floor internally, quote fixed project prices to clients. Project pricing rewards efficiency; the floor keeps you from bidding below your own salary.

When should I raise my rates?

When more than about 80% of proposals get accepted without negotiation, you are underpriced. Raise 10–15% for new clients first; existing clients at renewal.

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