Trade Lab

FREE EXCEL CALCULATOR

Find out what an hour of your labour really costs

Most tradies set their rate on gut feel. This free calculator works out your true labour cost, so you can price with confidence.

✓ KiwiSaver, ACC levies and insurance worked out for you

✓ Allows for holidays, sick leave and non-productive time

✓ Choose employee or self-employed and your trade, and the ACC levy is applied

Free. No spam. Unsubscribe any time.

Calculator result: a $40 wage really costs $62.92 an hour, so charge at least $89.89

Built by Trade Lab: trusted by 6,000+ New Zealand tradies

HOW IT WORKS

Your real rate in three steps

1. Enter your numbers

Hours per week and hourly wage. Pick employee or self-employed, and your trade.

2. It adds the hidden costs

KiwiSaver, 2026/27 ACC levies, leave, breaks and downtime are added automatically.

3. See your true cost

Your real cost per hour, and the minimum charge-out rate to hit your margin.

Nik McIntosh

WHO'S BEHIND IT

Hi, I'm Nik McIntosh

I'm a certifying plumber and gasfitter and the founder of Trade Lab.

We've helped more than 6,000 New Zealand tradies get through their exams and run more profitable businesses.

I built this calculator after watching too many good tradies undercharge without realising it.

Stop guessing your rate

Download the free calculator and know your numbers today.

Send me the free calculator

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