Side Hustle Hourly Wage Calculator (real hourly pay vs minimum wage)

How it works

Net income = side income − tax withheld (income × tax rate) − costs. Real hourly pay = net income ÷ (work hours + unpaid extra hours such as preparation, admin, messages and travel). Comparing it with the minimum wage shows whether the side job pays better than an ordinary part-time job. Tax withheld at source is often refunded or topped up in the yearly tax return, so the final tax can differ.

⚠ Estimates for information only — not financial advice.

FAQ

Why count unpaid hours?

Replying to messages, preparing, editing, travelling and doing paperwork take time even if nobody pays for them. Leaving them out makes a side job look better paid than it is.

Is the 3.3% the final tax?

No. It is withheld in advance. In May the income is added to your other income in the yearly tax return, and you may get money back or pay more depending on your total income and expenses.

Checked 11 Nov 2026. Korea minimum wage: Ministry of Employment and Labor press release of 14 July 2026 (2027 hourly minimum wage 10,700 won, 380 won or 3.7% above the 2026 rate of 10,320 won). Withholding on freelance business income: 3% income tax + 0.3% local income tax.