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Client bill rate calculator

Start from what the worker is paid and the margin you need, and get the rate to put on the quote, with the markup the client will see.

The figures behind it · Employer on-costs (prefilled)
gratuity 5.83 % of basic
Formula
cost ÷ (1 − margin)
Common target margin
15 to 25 %

Your figures

What the worker is paid per hour, gross.

Gratuity accrual, leave accrual, medical insurance and visa costs as a share of the pay rate. Prefilled with the statutory gratuity accrual.

Payroll processing, compliance, timesheets, insurance per worked hour.

The share of the bill rate you want to keep after the worker's full cost. 15 to 25 % is common in temporary staffing.

How the bill rate is built

Margin is a share of the bill rate, so the cost is divided, not multiplied.

Cost per hour
Pay rate plus employer on-costs (gratuity accrual, leave pay accrual, medical insurance and visa costs spread over the assignment) plus per-hour overheads such as payroll and compliance.
Bill rate
Cost divided by (1 − target margin). A cost of AED 24 at a 20 % margin bills at AED 30; multiplying by 1.2 would give AED 28.80 and only a 16.7 % margin.
Markup
What the client sees when comparing with the pay rate: (bill − pay) ÷ pay. The same AED 30 on an AED 20 pay rate is a 50 % markup.
Source and rules

Jober

Rule set 2026.1, last checked on October 12, 2026.

The result is an estimate based on the statutory rules. Your contract, collective agreement or tax code may change the figures. It is not tax or legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

What bill rate do I need for a 20 % margin on AED 20 an hour?

About AED 26.85: AED 20 plus 5.83 % gratuity accrual is AED 21.17, plus AED 0.30 of overheads is AED 21.47, divided by 0.8. Add insurance and visa costs per hour for a fuller figure.

Why not just add 20 % to the cost?

Because the margin is measured on the bill rate, not the cost. Adding 20 % to the cost gives a 16.7 % margin; dividing by 0.8 gives the 20 % you want.

Should leave pay be in the on-costs?

Yes: 30 calendar days of leave on 365 is about 8.2 % of basic pay. Add it to the on-costs field, with medical insurance and visa costs, unless you bill them separately.

What next?

Filling roles for clients? Post them on Jober and manage every applicant in one place.

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