Rate IncreaseCalculator
A rate you set a few years ago can feel different today. Your costs may have changed, and the work you take on may carry more responsibility. This calculator gives you a practical starting point for reviewing what you charge.
Enter your current hourly rate and the years since your last increase to compare an inflation estimate, a market estimate, and a rounded recommendation. Use the comparison to explore a possible increase before your next quote or client conversation.
Recommended rate
How it works
We use fixed illustrative assumptions: prices increase by 3.5% per year, and the market estimate increases by 5.5% per year. The recommended rate averages those two estimates and rounds up to the next $5.
The equivalent rate shows what your current rate would be worth after adjusting for 3.5% annual price increases. These are planning estimates, not current CPI or market data.
Make the number fit the job
Start with the result, then look at the work in front of you: the scope, deadlines, level of responsibility, and outside costs. Compare it with similar projects you've delivered and the time they actually took. That gives you a clearer basis for choosing a rate that fits the job.
For an existing client, make the change easy to understand. Explain the new rate, when it will apply, and which future work it covers. For a new quote, show the hours and assumptions behind the price so you and the client can review the same details.
FAQ
What assumptions does the calculator use?
It uses fixed illustrative rates of 3.5% for inflation and 5.5% for the market estimate. It does not claim to use current CPI or live market research.
Why is the recommended rate rounded?
A clean number is easier to communicate and use in a quote. The result rounds upward to the next $5.
Should I use the recommendation as my final rate?
No. Treat it as a reference point, then weigh your own business and client context.
Turn that brief into a clear quote.
Paste the brief you already have into Roadbase and get an editable project draft with the work, phases and price laid out. Review the hours, costs and assumptions, change what doesn't fit, then use the draft to build your quote.