"People have told me for an app of this caliber" Also, that's not really a good yardstick to use. Bigger issue for you is... you. Even without looking for ou

"People have told me for an app of this caliber" Also, that's not really a good yardstick to use. Bigger issue for you is... you. Even without looking for outsized "profits", you have living costs. Assuming you work in the US (or similar western-ish country), $30/hr to provide the level of professionalism you'd want to provide is not enough. For the project: adequate time/money for meetings, travel, equipment, tools, testing, documentation. For your operation - time/money for dealing with your taxes/finances, investigating any server stuff you need to do, any other miscellaneous stuff... On 'hourly' - I typically, use between $100 and $150. I go less sometimes if certain criteria are met (history of client paying on time, largish duration of project, interesting space to learn new skills and meet new people, etc). I do not bill for 5 minute meetings or 3 minute emails. I usually don't charge for travel time (driving 30 min for a meeting). If I need a $50 service or tool for the project, I'll buy it, if it helps me get the project done. I do not bother adding on misc line items like that, as in the majority of cases, these tools/services just make me better at my craft, and possibly can be used in other projects later too. Higher rate (project or hourly, whatever) give you the opportunity to budget to get better - again, tools, or videos, or conferences to meet specific people, etc. Assuming a western country, look to budget for at least $60/hr, regardless of your experience level. The rate should help you take your own process and your own image of yourself more seriously. Missing a deadline may be easier for some people who say "well, they're only paying $25/hr". Treat everything as if it's high priority and urgent, and charge accordingly. Then deliver on that.