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:
Pricing from fear instead of math
"They'll go elsewhere" thinking
Competing on price instead of value
Not knowing your actual worth
No business systems
Everything lives in your head
No consistent pricing structure
Reactive instead of strategic
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:
Professional rates aren't negotiable - They're mathematical requirements
Quality clients pay properly - The best clients rarely negotiate
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
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.
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.