How much should I charge as a freelancer?
Work out the income you need, add costs and taxes, and divide by your realistic billable hours.
Your rate should cover your income target, business costs, taxes and the time you cannot bill, such as admin and finding clients. Many beginners undercharge by ignoring these.
Start with a simple calculation, then compare it with the market.
A simple formula
Add your yearly income goal and business costs, then divide by your billable hours. For example, 48,000 plus 6,000 in costs is 54,000. If you can bill about 1,000 hours a year (around 20 a week), the rate is 54 per hour.
Research and positioning
Check what others with similar skills charge. Specialists and results-focused services can charge more.
Hourly or project pricing
Project or package pricing rewards efficiency and is easier for clients to understand. Review your rates at least once a year.
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