Tradie Charge-Out Rate Calculator (Australia 2026-27)
Find the hourly and day rate you need to charge to cover your pay, 12% super, overheads and profit. You get it ex-GST and inc-GST.
Last updated 29 Oct 2026Figures for 2026-27Sources: ATO, SRO Victoria, ASIC Moneysmart
Your results
- Charge-out rate (ex GST)
- Charge-out rate (inc GST, if registered)
- Day rate (ex GST)
- Break-even rate
- Annual cost incl. super
- Billable hours / yr
- Equivalent markup on cost
Not financial or tax advice. This is a general estimate from the figures you enter. It does not consider your personal circumstances. Check with a registered tax agent or licensed adviser before acting.
Got your rate? Put it straight into a quote with the free Simple Quote Template (Excel or Google Sheets, no sign-up).
How it's calculated
- Annual cost = pay + (pay × super %) + overheads.
- Billable hours = billable hours per week × working weeks.
- Break-even rate = annual cost ÷ billable hours.
- Charge-out rate = break-even ÷ (1 − margin). This is a true margin on price, not a markup.
- Inc-GST = ex-GST × 1.10.
Worked example
$85,000 pay + $10,200 super (12%) + $26,000 overheads = $121,200. 30 hours × 46 weeks = 1,380 billable hours, so break-even is $87.83/hr. At a 20% margin the rate is $109.78/hr ex GST, or $120.76/hr inc GST.
Rules and sources
- Super guarantee rate of 12% for 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027: ATO: Super guarantee.
- GST rate of 10% and the $75,000 registration threshold: ATO: Registering for GST.
Last checked 29 October 2026. The result is a cost-based floor, not a market rate.
FAQ
What should a tradie charge per hour in Australia?
It depends on your costs and how many hours you can actually bill. Work it out from the bottom up: your wage, plus super, plus overheads, divided by billable hours. Then check the result against local market rates.
Should sole traders pay themselves super?
Super guarantee is compulsory for employees, at 12% for 2026–27 (ATO). Sole traders don't have to pay super for themselves, but building 12% into your rate keeps you level with an employee.
What's the difference between markup and margin?
Margin is profit as a share of the sell price. Markup is profit as a share of cost. A 20% margin needs a 25% markup, because rate = cost ÷ (1 − margin).
Do I add GST to my hourly rate?
Only if you're registered for GST. Registration is required once your GST turnover reaches $75,000 (ATO). If you're registered, quote ex-GST and add 10%.
How many billable hours should I assume?
Count only the hours you can invoice. Quoting, travel, materials runs and admin aren't billable. Many solo tradies bill well under the hours they actually work, so be conservative.