How much should I charge as a marketing consultant?
Build a consultant rate that supports your ideal lifestyle by working backwards from your salary goal, factoring in Australian superannuation, paid leave, and the number of days you want to work each week.
Set your income and working pattern
See your recommended rate
Suggested day rate
$0
Excludes GST. Update the inputs to tailor the calculation.
Target annual revenue
$0
Includes salary, superannuation, and your buffer for overheads.
Billable days per year
0 days
Assumes 46 working weeks once leave and sick days are removed.
Super contribution
$0
Amount you need to set aside each year to keep pace with employees.
Hourly guide (7.6h day)
$0
Use for short retainers or workshops when a day rate is not practical.
How to use this number
Combine this target rate with live market intel from our Marketing Consultant Rate Guide to package services that match client expectations.
Dial in your marketing consultant positioning
Once you are comfortable with your baseline day rate, use the insights from our marketing consultant rate analysis to craft retainers, project fees, and value-based packages that resonate with founders and CMOs.
Frequently asked questions
Have more questions about consultant pricing? Contact us and we'll help you find the right pricing strategy for your consulting business.
- Do I need to add GST on top of this rate?
- Yes. The calculator focuses on the amount you need to earn before GST. Quote clients your day rate plus GST if your ABN is registered. In proposals, be explicit about whether prices are inclusive or exclusive of GST.
- How should I handle retainers or part-day engagements?
- Start with the daily figure, then convert it to an hourly guide or monthly retainer by multiplying the number of days you expect to dedicate. Ring-fence non-billable time for strategy, reporting, and client management so your effective rate stays healthy.
- Can I tweak the leave or sick day assumptions?
- We locked in 4 weeks of annual leave and 2 weeks of sick leave to match typical Australian entitlements. If you expect more downtime, increase the overhead buffer or work fewer days per week to maintain sustainable pricing.
- What if I'm just starting out as a consultant?
- New consultants often charge 20-30% below market rates initially to build experience and testimonials. Use this calculator as your target rate, then gradually increase your pricing as you gain confidence and proven results with clients.
- How do I price value-based projects vs time-based work?
- For value-based pricing, start with your day rate as a baseline, then multiply by the perceived value to the client. A project that generates $100k in revenue might justify 10-20x your daily rate, while maintenance work stays closer to time-based pricing.
- Should I charge differently for different types of clients?
- Consider adjusting rates based on client size, industry complexity, and project scope. Enterprise clients often pay premium rates, while startups might get discounted rates in exchange for equity or case study rights. Always maintain your minimum viable rate.