What to Charge as a Freelancer (How to Set Your Rates)

Short answer

Calculate your minimum hourly rate based on what you need to earn, then research what the market pays for your skill. Your actual rate should be where your floor meets the market ceiling — and most freelancers undercharge.

Step 1: Calculate your minimum hourly rate

Work out what you need to earn:

Annual expenses (rent, food, bills): e.g., $48,000
Add 30% for taxes: $62,400
Add business expenses (software, equipment): $65,000
Divide by billable hours (1,000 is realistic for a full-time freelancer): $65/hour minimum

This is your floor — the rate below which you're effectively losing money.

Step 2: Research market rates

Where to look:

Job boards (LinkedIn, Indeed) for equivalent salaried roles — divide salary by 1,000 for a rough hourly equivalent
Freelance communities (Reddit r/freelance, Facebook groups for your niche)
Glassdoor salary data
Ask other freelancers in your field

Typical rates by discipline (US market, 2026)

| Discipline | Junior | Mid | Senior | |-----------|--------|-----|--------| | Web development | $50–$75/hr | $75–$125/hr | $125–$200/hr | | Graphic design | $35–$60/hr | $60–$100/hr | $100–$150/hr | | Copywriting | $50–$75/hr | $75–$125/hr | $125–$250/hr | | Social media management | $25–$50/hr | $50–$75/hr | $75–$150/hr | | SEO | $50–$75/hr | $75–$150/hr | $150–$250/hr |

Project pricing vs hourly

Many experienced freelancers charge per project rather than per hour. Benefits:

You get paid for your expertise, not your time
Efficient work is rewarded (you don't earn less because you're fast)
Clients prefer predictable costs

To price projects: estimate hours × your hourly rate × 1.25 (buffer for scope creep).

The biggest mistake

Undercharging to get clients. Low prices attract low-quality clients and create resentment. Raise your rates with every new client until you start getting pushback.