> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.paintscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.paintscout.com/support/customization/pricing-and-rates/how-to-update-your-hourly-rate.md).

# Update Your Hourly Rate

Your hourly rate in PaintScout determines how all production rate pricing is calculated on estimates. Update it in Account Settings under Estimates > Settings.

## What is an hourly rate?

Your hourly rate is the amount you charge customers per hour for your painting services. It typically includes **labor, overhead, materials, and your profit margin.**

Some contractors itemize material costs separately. If you add product prices in the Products section of your Account Settings, you should not include those costs in your hourly rate to avoid double-counting.

**▶️ Want to figure out your hourly rate? Watch this video!**

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUYYdCncWmk>" %}

## How to Update Your Hourly Rate

1\. Navigate to your Person icon and select **Account Settings > Estimates > Settings.**

<figure><img src="/files/gcQc5ZiEwScn43pnbPYV" alt="Screenshot showing the Account Settings Estimates Settings page with the hourly rate input field"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2\. Input your custom hourly rate into the provided space.

3\. Ensure to press the **Save Changes** button. This change will be effective for new estimates.

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## Related articles

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Calculate Your Hourly Rate</strong></td><td>Calculate your all-in hourly rate for painting estimates by combining labor wages, materials, overhead costs, and profit margin with step-by-step examples.</td><td><a href="/pages/n8G2CcKvY6B1U4gf1iAW">/pages/n8G2CcKvY6B1U4gf1iAW</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>What is a Sales Rate?</strong></td><td>Understand sales rate as total project price divided by total hours to determine project profitability and discount flexibility.</td><td><a href="/pages/ZzxZvA4dCmDgmkJODPaQ">/pages/ZzxZvA4dCmDgmkJODPaQ</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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