Your daily rate (TJM) is the single most important number in your freelance career. Set it too low and you leave thousands of euros on the table every year. Set it too high and you risk losing missions. This guide gives you a clear framework to calculate, benchmark and confidently negotiate your TJM.
Step 1, Calculate your minimum TJM
Under umbrella payroll, your TJM must cover gross salary, employer contributions, CP200 provisions and the platform management fee.
Tip
Know your net before you negotiate. Our experts run the simulation for you today.
Step 2, Benchmark against the market
| Technology / Profile | Junior (0,3y) | Mid-level (3,6y) | Senior (6y+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Java / Backend | €350,€450 | €450,€600 | €600,€800 |
| Python / Data Engineering | €350,€450 | €450,€650 | €650,€900 |
| React / Frontend | €300,€400 | €400,€550 | €550,€750 |
| AWS / Azure / Cloud | €400,€500 | €500,€700 | €700,€950 |
| DevOps / Kubernetes | €400,€500 | €500,€700 | €700,€950 |
| SAP Functional | €450,€550 | €550,€750 | €750,€1,000 |
| Salesforce | €400,€500 | €500,€700 | €700,€950 |
| Data Science / ML / AI | €400,€550 | €550,€750 | €750,€1,100 |
| Cybersecurity | €400,€500 | €550,€750 | €750,€1,050 |
| Project Manager / Scrum | €350,€450 | €450,€600 | €600,€850 |
Brussels commands 10 to 20% above the national average. Rates are daily (TJM) in euros excluding VAT. Source: Belgian market data Q2 2026.
Step 3, Factors that justify a higher rate
Specialisation and scarcity
Certifications and credentials
Track record and references
Sector knowledge
Availability and timing
Step 4, The negotiation itself
Always anchor high
In any negotiation, anchor 10 to 15% above your target rate. This gives you room to negotiate while still landing where you want.
Reframe from day rate to total value
A senior developer earning €70,000 gross per year costs the company approximately €90,000 to €100,000 all in including employer ONSS, holiday pay, equipment, training and HR management time. That is €450 to €500 per working day, before recruitment time and risk.
Know when to walk away
If a client cannot meet your minimum rate, it is better to decline and find a mission at your rate than to accept below your floor.
Step 5, When to increase your rate
- Growing experience and track record
- New certifications or skills acquired
- Inflation in Belgium
- Changes in market demand for your stack
Success
Common mistakes to avoid
- Setting TJM based on previous employee salary divided by working days
- Never asking for a rate increase with long term clients
- Accepting below market rates to build a portfolio when you already have experience
- Forgetting that TJM must cover gaps between missions
- Undervaluing sector expertise worth €50 to €150 per day extra