Contractor vs. Employee
Compare true net income after taxes and overhead.
ℹ How it works
Contractor net = day rate × billable days − business overhead, then taxed at the self-employed rate. Employee net = gross salary × (1 − combined income + social security rate). The breakeven day rate answers: "What must I charge as a contractor to take home the same as this employee salary?" Employer total cost adds employer-side social contributions on top of gross salary.
Contractor
Employee
€64,350
Contractor net
€48,000
Employee net
+€16,350
Annual advantage
€373
Breakeven day rate
Contractor gross: €110,000 · Overhead: €11,000 · Taxable: €99,000
Employer total cost: €96,000
⚠️ This tool is for informational purposes only and does not replace financial or investment advice. Consult a qualified adviser for financial decisions.