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From a money standpoint, when is it worth going freelance in France? Three profiles from the SAP market, and a simulator to run your own numbers.
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Skills (the capacity to perform) and revenue, compared for each stage of a career. Examples for SAP jobs in France, with 17 billed days a month, 12 months a year, 50% taxes, 70% gross-to-net and a 28% retirement plan.
1 / 3 · Junior
Skills are still low, so is the ability to perform. The risk of failing is greater.
| Freelance at €500 / day | €51,000 |
| Permanent at €40,000 gross | €39,200 |
| Freelance ahead by | €11,800 |
The money says freelance, but the odds of a skill trap are high: it is hard to compete with more senior freelancers, and clients keep you on low-skilled work with no chance to improve over time.
2 / 3 · Senior
Three years of experience at the bare minimum. Fully independent, able to deliver.
| Freelance at €650 / day | €66,300 |
| Permanent at €60,000 gross | €58,800 |
| Freelance ahead by | €7,500 |
The best time to go freelance: the skills are there, the pay beats a permanent contract, and you get the flexibility to pick your missions.
3 / 3 · Expert / Manager
Five years of experience minimum, more often around eight. Fully independent on expertise, able to manage a team, or both.
| Freelance at €750 / day | €76,500 |
| Permanent at €90,000 gross | €88,200 |
| Permanent ahead by | €11,700 |
That's why some freelancers go back to a permanent contract at some point, with career growth potential on top.
The simulator
Nothing you enter is stored or sent anywhere. The default values are the examples above.
Step 1 / 3
Loads the example day rate and salary for that profile. You can change them below.
Three years of experience at the bare minimum. Fully independent, able to deliver.
Step 2 / 3
What you bill, and what you keep.
Step 3 / 3
The salary, plus the retirement plan that comes with it.