Calculating Hourly Rates


When calculating hourly rates consider the following points:

Hourly rates can be identified by two types of costs, namely (1) payroll costs and (2) opportunity costs
4. 'Opportunity costs' are defined as billable hours to a client and are typically more relevant to high-performing employees.

Remuneration costs vary according to wages, salaried and executive staff and include the total cost of salary and benefits where applicable. If you are unsure of how to calculate the cost of benefits estimate them at 35% of the salary cost. Additional on-costs such as superannuation can be estimated at 20% of the salary figure.

4. 'Costing Human Resources', Wayne Cascio, PWS Kent (1991)