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Retainer Pricing Calculator
Turn regular monthly work into a retainer. A small discount for a longer commitment can still raise your yearly income.
hrs
$
%
months
Retainer
How it’s calculated
The monthly fee is hours times rate, less the retainer discount. The contract value is that fee times the minimum term.
retainer = hours × rate × (1 − discount)
Worked example
20 hours a month at $85 with a 10% retainer discount is $1,530 a month, or $9,180 over a 6-month minimum term.
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Questions
Should retainer hours roll over?
Most freelancers say unused hours expire at month end. Rolling hours create a growing debt of work.
How big should a retainer discount be?
5–15% is typical. It pays for the security of guaranteed monthly income.
Doing these numbers every month? Accounting software can automate invoices, reminders and tax reports.
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