Freelance Software Developer Rate in United Kingdom
What should a freelance software developer charge in United Kingdom? Calculate your hourly rate in GBP with local market benchmarks.
🇬🇧 Software Developer rates in United Kingdom (GBP)
Entry
£28/hr
Mid
£59/hr
Senior
£95/hr
Expert
£138/hr
Billable hours ratio60%
736 hrs/yr on admin, proposals & marketing
Annual business expenses£5,000
Software, equipment, insurance, coworking
Estimated tax rate28%
Income tax + self-employment contributions
Weeks worked per year46 weeks
6 weeks for holiday, sick leave & gaps
Your minimum rate
£105/hr
Recommended (+ 20% buffer)
£126/hr
Billable hrs/yr
1,104
Required gross
£116K
Annual at rec. rate
£139K
How we calculated your rate
Target net income£80,000
+ Tax (28%)+£31,111
+ Business expenses+£5,000
= Required gross income£116,111
÷ 1,104 billable hours/yr£105/hr
💻 Software Developer market rates
Entry level
£28/hr
Mid-level
£59/hr
Senior
£95/hr
Expert
£138/hr
Orange line = your minimum rate. Data from Upwork, Clockify & Payscale.
Market insight
Your minimum rate is 78% above the typical market rate for your level. Consider increasing your billable hours ratio or adjusting your income goal first.