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Labor Rate Calculator

Build your hourly rate from the ground up using your actual costs. Not guesswork. Not what a competitor charges. Your numbers. Your rate.

01 Your Income Goal
$
What you need to take home after paying yourself, before taxes
Typically 240 (48 weeks x 5 days, excluding holidays)
Hours customers actually pay for. New solo: 4-4.5. Established: 5-6.
%
Buffer above survival. Healthy solo operation: 15-20%
02 Vehicle Costs
$
$
$
$
Payment + fuel + maintenance for all additional vehicles
03 Insurance
$
$
$
Required in NY even for solo operators
$
You cover this fully when self-employed
04 Tools, Equipment and Overhead
$
Replacements, upgrades, consumables averaged monthly
$
$
$
05 Team Labor Costs
Not including yourself
$
%
FICA, FUTA, SUTA combined typically 13-17%
$
Health, retirement contributions if provided
05 Tax and Retirement Provision
%
15.3% federal SE tax, you pay both employer and employee share
%
Combined federal + state effective rate. NY metro: ~28-32%
%
% of income goal set aside for retirement. Recommended: 10-15%
Your Labor Rate Results
Floor Rate
$0
Minimum to survive, no profit
Target Rate
$0
Covers all costs + profit margin
Stretch Rate
$0
Target rate at 4 billable hrs/day
Cost CategoryAnnual Amount
Key Insight

Why Most HVAC Techs Are Undercharging
Read the full article behind this calculator
→
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