Free tools / Hourly rate calculator / Graphic designer
Graphic designer hourly rate calculator
See what a freelance graphic designer in Ontario should charge per hour and day — free, nothing stored.
Starting numbers assume a freelance designer in Ontario with a laptop and software subscriptions.
Hourly rate calculators by trade
Same calculator, opened with starting numbers for your line of work. Change anything that does not match your business.
How we calculate it
We take the income you want to keep, add your tax reserve, yearly business costs and profit margin: that is what you must bill in a year. Divide that by billable hours (hours per week times weeks worked) for the hourly rate; a day is eight hours. Our invoice generator and CRM handle the paperwork.
Common questions
What do freelance graphic designers charge per hour in Canada?
Freelance graphic designers in Canada commonly charge $35 to $55 per hour when starting out, $55 to $95 per hour with a few years of experience and $95 to $150 for senior brand and packaging work. Toronto tends to run a little higher than the rest of Ontario. Rates vary by region and specialty, so use these as a guide.
Should a designer charge per hour or per project?
Most experienced designers quote per project, with the hourly rate as the number behind the quote. Hourly makes sense for retainers, revisions and open-ended work. Work the rate out here, then multiply by a realistic estimate of hours to get a project price that still covers your costs.
How do I calculate my hourly rate as a freelancer in Canada?
Add up the income you want to keep, the tax you will owe on it and your yearly business costs, add a margin for slow months, then divide by the hours you can actually bill in a year. That is what this calculator does, and it shows every step.
How many billable hours a week is realistic?
Most full-time freelancers bill 20 to 30 hours a week, not 40. The rest goes to quoting, admin, invoicing, learning and finding the next client. If you bill fewer hours, the rate has to be higher to reach the same income.
Do I charge HST on top of my hourly rate?
Once you are registered for GST or HST, yes, it is added on top of your invoice at your province's rate and passed on to the CRA. Registration becomes mandatory once your revenue passes the small-supplier threshold, which the CRA publishes. Keep the rate and the tax separate on every quote.
How much should I set aside for taxes as a contractor in Ontario?
It depends on your total income and deductions. Many self-employed people set aside a quarter to a third of what they earn for income tax and CPP contributions, and adjust after their first tax return. An accountant can give you a percentage for your situation.
What is a day rate and how is it worked out?
A day rate is a flat price for a full day of work, usually your hourly rate times eight hours. Some freelancers discount it slightly for booked full days. It is common for on-site work, filming, training and consulting.
Should I charge hourly or per project?
Hourly is simpler and fair when the scope is unclear. Per project works when you can estimate the hours well, and it rewards you for being fast. Either way, start from your hourly rate so a project price still covers your costs.
Is this calculator free, and do you keep my numbers?
Yes, it is free. Everything runs in your browser and nothing you type is sent or stored. The only thing that leaves the page is the message you choose to send us on WhatsApp.
Charging the right rate is step one.
Keeping track of quotes, invoices and follow-ups is step two. We set up a CRM shaped around how you already work.