How to use this calculator
See how commute and unpaid preparation change your real hourly return. Enter your values into the fields above. Your result and individual components update immediately without leaving this page.
The formula
Effective hourly return = (paid hourly wage × paid hours − daily work expenses) ÷ (paid hours + commute hours + unpaid preparation hours).
Worked example
Eight paid hours at $25 yields $200. After $8 of expenses and 80 minutes of unpaid travel/prep, your effective return is about $20.57 per committed hour.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a legal wage calculation?
No. It is a personal comparison metric, not a legal definition of compensable time.
Can I compare two job offers?
Yes. Use the same assumptions for both offers and compare effective hourly returns.
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Important: This calculator provides arithmetic estimates, not employment, tax or legal advice. Check local rules and your own agreement before relying on a payroll figure.