Salary Calculator
Convert your salary between hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and annual amounts
How to Use This Salary Calculator
- Enter your salary amount and select the pay period (hourly, monthly, annual, etc.)
- Input your standard work hours per day and days per week
- Add paid holidays and vacation days per year
- The calculator automatically converts to all pay periods
- View both unadjusted (theoretical) and adjusted (actual work time) rates
Example: A $50,000 annual salary equals $24.04/hour unadjusted (52 weeks × 40 hours). With 10 holidays and 15 vacation days, your effective hourly rate is $26.60—what you're actually paid per hour worked.
Tip: When comparing job offers, convert everything to the same basis (usually hourly or annual) and factor in PTO differences.
Why Use a Salary Calculator?
Understanding your true earning rate helps with budgeting, job comparisons, and freelance rate setting.
- Convert between hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual salary figures
- Compare job offers with different pay frequencies
- Calculate effective hourly rate accounting for PTO
- Determine hourly rate needed to match a salary position
- Budget based on actual take-home timing
- Set freelance rates that account for unpaid time and benefits
Understanding Your Results
Two perspectives on your earnings: theoretical rates and effective rates based on actual hours worked.
| Result | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Unadjusted hourly $40+ | Solid professional-level compensation | Compare to market rates for your role and location |
| Unadjusted hourly $20-40 | Mid-range compensation | Evaluate benefits package and growth potential alongside salary |
| Unadjusted hourly under $20 | Entry-level or below market in many areas | Consider whether experience gained justifies compensation |
Meaning: Solid professional-level compensation
Action: Compare to market rates for your role and location
Meaning: Mid-range compensation
Action: Evaluate benefits package and growth potential alongside salary
Meaning: Entry-level or below market in many areas
Action: Consider whether experience gained justifies compensation
Note: The adjusted rate shows your actual pay per hour worked. A lower salary with more PTO might have a similar adjusted rate to a higher salary with less PTO.
About Salary Calculator
Formula
Annual Salary = Hourly Rate × Hours/Day × Days/Week × 52 Standard conversion uses 2,080 hours (40 hrs × 52 weeks). Adjusted rate divides annual salary by actual hours worked (2,080 minus PTO hours).
Current Standards: US average work year: 1,750-1,900 hours after holidays and PTO. Bi-weekly pay (26 paychecks) is most common. Federal minimum wage: $7.25/hour, though many states are higher ($15-16+ in CA, NY, WA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between bi-weekly and semi-monthly pay?
Bi-weekly means every two weeks (26 paychecks/year). Semi-monthly means twice per month, typically 1st and 15th (24 paychecks/year). Bi-weekly results in two 'extra' paychecks per year and slightly higher per-check amounts on a semi-monthly basis.
How do I compare a salary job to hourly work?
Convert the salary to hourly, then consider: salaried positions often include benefits (add 20-30% value), job security, and potential overtime exemption. Hourly workers get paid for every hour but may face variable schedules. Include benefits value in your comparison.
What hourly rate should freelancers charge?
Start with your desired annual income, add 25-30% for self-employment taxes and benefits you must cover, then divide by billable hours (typically 1,000-1,500/year, not 2,080, since you have admin time, marketing, and unpaid time). A $75K salary equivalent requires roughly $55-75/hour freelance rate.
How does overtime affect salary calculations?
Salaried exempt employees don't receive overtime pay. Non-exempt workers earn 1.5× for hours over 40/week. If you work significant overtime, your effective hourly rate drops. A $50K salary at 50 hours/week is effectively $19.23/hour, not $24.04.
Should I negotiate salary or hourly rate?
Negotiate the total compensation package. Salary is more predictable; hourly can benefit if you work overtime and aren't exempt. Also negotiate PTO, bonus potential, 401(k) match, and other benefits. A $5K salary increase may be worth less than an extra week of PTO or 2% higher 401(k) match.