What this calculator does

This tool helps cleaners understand how switching from charging by the hour to charging a flat rate per clean can dramatically increase your actual hourly income — even while offering clients a better, more predictable price.

Why flat rate is always better than hourly

When you charge hourly, your income never changes: if your rate is $35/hour, you will always earn $35/hour no matter how fast or skilled you become. Faster work = less pay. Slower work = more pay. This setup punishes hard workers and rewards inefficiency.

With flat rate pricing, the opposite happens. You charge one total price for the job. As you get faster and more efficient, your hourly earnings increase — and the client still sees a clear, upfront price.

For example:
Charge a flat rate of $180:
• 6 hours → $30/hr
• 5 hours → $36/hr
• 4 hours → $45/hr
• 3.5 hours → $51/hr

You earn more per hour while the client still pays less overall compared to your old hourly price. Flat rate rewards your speed, skill, experience, and efficiency.

This calculator shows you:

• Your recommended minimum and maximum flat rates
• The amount of hours you can take before the job becomes unprofitable
• Your actual hourly earnings based on your chosen flat rate and time
• A clear profitability warning if your chosen numbers are too low

How to use it (step by step)

1. Enter your current average total hours for this type of clean.
2. Enter what you currently charge per hour.
3. Enter the fastest realistic hours you could finish this job in.
4. Enter the minimum hourly rate you want to earn.
5. Enter the flat rate you want to charge for the job.
6. Enter how many hours you expect this job to take.

The calculator will show your real hourly earnings, your maximum allowed time, and whether your chosen rate is profitable or not.