The Rate Reality Check

The 3-Minute Calculation That Changes Everything

A Truth Before We Start

This calculation reveals why most engineers struggle financially.

You're about to discover the exact gap between what you charge and what you need. Not because you lack talent. Because nobody taught you the business math.

Over 147+ engineers worldwide have done this calculation. Every single one found they were undercharging by at least 40%.

Ready? Get your calculator out.

No, seriously. Right now. This only works if you actually do it.

The Professional Reality Most Engineers Never Calculate

Line 1: Your Monthly Essentials

(Your baseline professional expenses)

  • Housing (rent/mortgage): _____

  • Utilities & Internet: _____

  • Food & Necessities: _____

  • Insurance (health/equipment): _____

  • Transport: _____

  • Phone & Software: _____

  • Family obligations: _____

  • Other essentials: _____

TOTAL A (Essentials): _____

Line 2: Your Professional Goals

(Building a sustainable career)

  • Monthly savings: _____

  • Equipment upgrades: _____

  • Emergency fund: _____

  • Professional development: _____

  • Personal life/vacation: _____

TOTAL B (Goals): _____

Line 3: Business Costs

(The overhead everyone forgets)

Add Total A + Total B: _____

Now add your business costs:

  • Taxes (15-40% depending on location): _____

  • Business insurance/fees: _____

  • Marketing/promotion: _____

  • Currency buffer (if applicable): _____

TOTAL C (Business Costs): _____

YOUR REAL MONTHLY REQUIREMENT:

A + B + C = _____

Write that number down. Circle it.

That's what you need EVERY MONTH for a sustainable career.

The Moment of Truth

Line 4: Your Current Reality

  • Your average rate per song: _____

  • Songs mixed per month: _____

  • Monthly income: _____

THE GAP:

Real Requirement minus Current Income = _____

Take a moment with that number.

What This Actually Means

If your gap is 40% of your requirement (common):

  • You need to raise rates by 40%, OR

  • Increase volume by 40%, OR

  • You're operating at a loss

If your gap is 70%+ (typical for emerging engineers):

  • Your current model isn't sustainable

  • You need systematic change, not small adjustments

  • It's time for a complete business restructure

The Hourly Reality Check

(The number that changes perspectives)

Your last project:

  • Project rate: _____

  • Initial communication: ___ hours

  • File prep/organization: ___ hours

  • Actual mixing: ___ hours

  • Revisions (all rounds): ___ hours

  • Final delivery/stems: ___ hours

  • Follow-up/support: ___ hours

TOTAL HOURS: ___

Your actual hourly rate: Project Rate ÷ Total Hours = _____

Compare this to:

  • Entry-level office worker in your city: _____/hour

  • Junior audio technician: _____/hour

  • Your calculated requirement: _____/hour

You likely have years of experience and significant investment in gear and training.

Does your rate reflect that?

For International Engineers

The Dual Opportunity

(If you're outside US/UK/EU)

Local Market Rate: _____ (your currency) International Remote Rate: _____ (USD/EUR/GBP)

Current client mix:

  • Local clients: ____%

  • International clients: ____%

Target client mix:

  • Local clients: ____%

  • International clients: ____%

Monthly income at target mix: _____

The opportunity isn't just raising rates. It's accessing global markets while leveraging your local advantages.

Why This Happened

Three Universal Truths:

  1. Pricing from fear instead of math

    • "They'll go elsewhere" thinking

    • Competing on price instead of value

    • Not knowing your actual worth

  2. No business systems

    • Everything lives in your head

    • No consistent pricing structure

    • Reactive instead of strategic

  3. Serving the wrong clients

    • Racing to the bottom on price

    • Working with people who don't value quality

    • No clear ideal client profile

What Successful Engineers Do Differently

They understand three things:

  1. Professional rates aren't negotiable - They're mathematical requirements

  2. Quality clients pay properly - The best clients rarely negotiate

  3. Systems create sustainability - Success isn't accidental

Your Three Paths Forward

Path 1: Awareness Without Action

  • Close this guide

  • Feel informed but overwhelmed

  • Continue with current approach

  • Revisit this calculation in 6 months

Result: The gap grows larger

Path 2: The Blueprint Approach

Get the Complete Implementation Guide ($47)

Includes:

  • Rate increase email templates (that actually work)

  • 30-day transformation timeline

  • Client communication scripts

  • CRM setup guide (takes 1 hour, saves 10 weekly)

  • Positioning frameworks for premium rates

  • Boundary-setting templates

  • International market access strategies

Get the Complete Blueprint →

One engineer increased project rates by 60% using a single email template. The blueprint pays for itself with your first adjusted project.

Path 3: Professional Transformation

Work directly with someone who's guided 147+ engineers to sustainable careers.

This isn't about templates. It's about transforming how you operate, position yourself, and value your work.

Choose Your Path →

For engineers ready to move from survival to success.

The Universal Truth

Every successful engineer—regardless of location—got guidance. Not because they lacked talent. Because talent alone doesn't build a business.

The gap you calculated reveals one thing:

Information without implementation equals continued struggle.

You now understand exactly where you stand financially. The question is: What will you do with this knowledge?

Your Next 6 Months

You'll either:

  • Implement changes and close the gap

  • Continue hoping things improve naturally

The choice happens now. Not tomorrow. Not next month. Now.

That gap you calculated? It compounds every month. Each project at current rates increases the total loss.

The best time to fix this was when you started. The second best time is today.

Ready to transform your practice?

Get the Blueprint ($47) | Choose Your Path

Michael J. Morgan
Business Coach to 147+ Mix Engineers Worldwide

P.S. - The most common response to this calculation: "I wish I'd done this years ago." The second most common: "This changes everything." Which will yours be?

Quick Reference

Your Numbers:

  • Monthly Requirement: _____

  • Current Income: _____

  • The Gap: _____

  • Hourly Rate: _____

  • Action Deadline: _____

Keep this visible. Review weekly. Adjust accordingly.