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Retainer pricing calculator

Retainer = hours per month × hourly rate × (1 + priority premium). Twenty hours at $100 with a 15% premium is $2,300 a month, or $27,600 a year per client. At that price you need 4.3 clients to reach $10,000 a month.

Your numbers

Suggested monthly retainer
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Effective rate on all hours-
Annual value of one client-
Clients needed for $10k a month-
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Hourly versus retainer

Hourly billing pays for time. A retainer pays for availability and predictable results. See hourly vs retainer pricing.

Find your minimum hourly rate first.

Frequently asked questions

How do I price a monthly retainer?

Multiply the hours you will deliver by your hourly rate, then add a premium for priority access and availability. Include time for admin and communication when you judge the effective rate.

Should a retainer be cheaper than hourly?

Not necessarily. Clients get predictability and priority, you get steady income. Many freelancers keep the same rate and add a premium, or give a small discount only for long commitments.

What should a retainer agreement include?

Hours or scope per month, response times, what happens to unused hours, how to add extra work, billing date and notice period to cancel.

How many retainer clients do I need?

Divide your monthly income target by your retainer price. The calculator shows how many clients you need for $10,000 a month.