Free tools / Hourly rate calculator / Photographer
Photographer hourly rate calculator
See what a freelance photographer in Ontario should charge per hour and day — free, nothing stored.
Starting numbers assume an Ontario photographer who bills the shoot, not the editing.
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
How much do photographers charge per hour in Ontario?
Freelance photographers in Toronto commonly charge $75 to $150 per hour for commercial and event work, with newer photographers from around $30 to $55 and senior specialists up to $150 or more. Most package shoots by the session rather than the hour, so this rate is the number behind the package. Rates vary by region and specialty.
Why are billable hours so low for a photographer?
A one-hour shoot often means three or four hours of travel, setup, culling and editing that never appear on an invoice. The default of 20 billable hours a week is deliberately low to account for that; if you bill editing time separately, raise it and the rate drops.
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.