Simplicity Chasers

Tools · For Freelancers

FM Freelance Rate Benchmark

Find out if your day rate is competitive in the Belgian FM market. Anonymous, instant, and based on real market data.


Your profile

IFMA FMP/CFM, RICS, EFM, SSVV, or equivalent

100% anonymous · No email required · Results shown instantly


Micro-Simulation

Freelance Rate vs. Employee Total Cost of Ownership

Companies often react to a freelancer's day rate without accounting for the full cost of a salaried employee. Use this calculator to show the real comparison — including every mandatory Belgian employer contribution.

Employee profile

Gross salary on the payslip

Belgium avg: 220 days (excl. holidays & leave)

/day

Include in TCO

3%

Full employer cost breakdown

Gross annual salary

Salary

4.500 €/month × 12

€54.000

Employer ONSS (25.07%)

Mandatory

Mandatory social security contribution

€13.538

Dubbel vakantiegeld

Mandatory

~7.67% of gross — Belgian statutory holiday pay supplement

€4.142

Meal vouchers

Mandatory

€6.91/day × 220 days (max employer portion, indexed 2025)

€1.520

13th month bonus

Common

Common in most Belgian sectors via CBA

€4.500

Group pension (3%)

Common

Typical supplementary pension contribution

€1.620

Hospitalisation insurance

Common

Group hospitalisation plan per person/year

€550

Training obligation (1.9%)

Overhead

Belgian CBA requirement (sectors ≥10 FTE)

€1.026

Recruitment cost (amort.)

Overhead

€9,000 one-off amortised over 3 years

€3.000

IT & equipment

Overhead

Laptop, phone, software licences, desk setup

€2.500

Total employer TCO

÷ 220 days = €393/day

€86.396/yr

Head-to-head comparison

Employee (full TCO)

€393/day effective cost

€86.396/yr

Freelancer (€875/day)

220 working days

€192.500/yr

Freelancer premium

Extra cost vs employee TCO

+€106.104/yr(+122.8%)

The freelancer costs +122.8% more per year vs full employee TCO — but brings zero severance liability, no sick-day risk, no benefit administration, and can be engaged for exactly the duration needed.

Salarygross payslip salary
Mandatorylegally required in Belgium
Commonstandard in most Belgian sectors
Overheadreal but often overlooked

This calculator is designed for the Belgian employment market and applies Belgian-specific rates: employer ONSS (25.07% on gross salary), dubbel vakantiegeld (7.67%), and the sectoral training obligation (1.9% CBA requirement). Rates are based on SPF Emploi, ONSS/RSZ, and sectoral CBA guidelines (2024–2025). Meal voucher employer cap is €6.91/day (indexed). Actual costs vary by sector, CBA, and company policy. This tool does not constitute legal or financial advice.