Our Guide to Hourly Pay for Freelance Professionals

As a freelancer, you have more autonomy when it comes to determining your hourly pay.

While the market rate will largely dictate what you can charge, your experience, level of expertise, and unique value proposition as a freelancer can give you more freedom to charge what you determine to be a reasonable hourly wage.

What is Hourly Pay?

Hourly employees work different schedules and varying hours from week to week. Hourly pay means that workers get paid specifically for the hours that they work instead of getting paid a set amount each pay period.

This differs from salaried employees who receive a set compensation in relation to their agreed-upon annual salary. 

What are the Advantages of Hourly Pay?

While many people like being on a salary due to income stability, there are advantages to hourly pay. As an hourly employee, you can (often) be more in control of your schedule, and choose the number of hours you work each week.

This is specifically true with freelancers largely in charge of their own schedule. Additionally, when working for an employer, you can earn overtime pay when you work overtime hours in excess of the allotted amount of 40 hours per week. 

Unlike salary workers who receive the same amount of compensation whether or not they put in overtime work, hourly workers get compensated for the additional working hours. Keep in mind that employers will likely work to minimize the amount of overtime workers earn because it increases their costs, and can be an issue regarding HR protocols.

With this said, if your job regularly requires you to put in additional hours, getting paid by the hour can massively increase your paycheck. Be mindful that this often is not the case for freelancers because you can determine your own hours. However it may be worth it to discuss this or set expectations with the company upon contract negotiations.

How Can I Calculate Hourly Pay 

Research your job title using a tool like Salary.com or Glassdoor. If you’ve worked in a similar salaried position in the past, you can use a salary calculator to break your salary down into an hourly rate. 

When converting a salary to an hourly rate, keep in mind whether you’d be working as an exempt or non-exempt employee, as taxes have a huge impact on the breakdown. 

A good strategy for determining your hourly wage as a freelancer:

• Work backward starting with your desired annual salary.
• Once you have your desired annual earnings, divide that by 52 (the number of weeks per year) to determine how much you need to make per week.
• Divide that number by 40 (the traditional hours worked per week) to determine your hourly pay rate.
• If you want to work less or more, instead of dividing by 40, divide the weekly pay rate by the hours you want to work to determine your hourly pay rate.

Be mindful of any hidden fees you may need to pay as a freelancer such as fees for certifications or specialized training. If those are significant expenses you will incur each year, it might be worth it to add the cost of these into your desired annual earnings so you can help offset the cost with your hourly wage.

When planning to charge above market value for your services, you’ll need to offer value to your clients and have a unique value proposition to entice others to pay your rate. If you can be the solution to their problem, you likely won’t have any issues charging a higher rate. 

30 Common Hourly Pay Rates for Freelancers + Contract Workers

Here are some common hourly pay rates for freelance jobs and related jobs you can get.

1. Hourly Rate for Consultants

Description of job: Consultants offer advice and expertise to client organizations to help them improve their business performance. Their work can focus on operations, strategy, management, IT, finance, marketing, HR, and supply chain management across various industries and specialties.

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly wage for a freelance consultant in the United States is $41 as of January 26, 2023. The salary range typically falls between $35 and $46.

Related jobs: 

Business Analyst

Financial Advisor

Marketing Strategist

2. Hourly Rate for Coaches

Description of job: A career coach helps you build the skills and capabilities to improve your job-searching skills. Career coaches help clients identify personal interests and goals. They also assist clients in planning strategic career moves and how to obtain a job in line with their goals.

Typical hourly rate: Generally, career coaches charge $75 to $150 per hour. More in-demand career coaching services can run from $250 to $500, occasionally even higher. 

Related jobs:

Strategic Advisor

Learning and Development Professional

3. Hourly Rate for Hardware Technicians

Description of job: Hardware technicians support and maintain computer systems and peripherals by installing, configuring, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing hardware. These professionals provide all essential IT support to large and small organizations. They should possess relevant knowledge regarding the integration of hardware boards, random access memory, motherboard, processor and other essential components.

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly wage for a hardware technician in the United States is $24 as of , but the salary range typically falls between $22 and $26.

Related jobs:

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Computer Network Architects

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

Database Administrators

Computer Systems Analysts

4. Hourly Rate for Technical Support Professionals

Description of job: Technical support specialists resolve customer technical inquiries and issues via email, phone, and/or chat. They assist customers with installation and issue resolution. These professionals use a database of technical product information to inform decisions and recommendations on maintenance and configuration.

Typical hourly rate: The median hourly wage for a technical support specialist is $29. The overall range of hourly pay is from $21 to $38. 

Related jobs:

Customer Service Advisor

Software Maintenance Technician

Hardware Maintenance Technician

5. Hourly Rate for Web Designers

Description of job: Web designers plan, create and code internet sites and web pages, many of which combine text with sounds, pictures, graphics and video clips. A web designer is responsible for creating the design and layout of a website or web pages. It and can mean working on a brand new website or updating an already existing site.

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly wage for an entry level web designer in the United States is $31 as of January 26, 2023. The range typically falls between $28 and $35.

Related jobs:

Graphic Designer

Coder

UX Designer

UI Designer

6. Hourly Rate for Bookkeepers

Description of job: Bookkeepers oversee a company’s financial data and compliance by maintaining accurate books on accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and daily financial entries and reconciliations. They perform daily accounting tasks such as monthly financial reporting, general ledger entries, and record payments and adjustments.

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly wage for a bookkeeper in the United States is $21 as of January 26, 2023. The range typically falls between $18 and $23.

Related jobs:

Finance Manager

Accountant

Data Entry Specialist

7. Hourly Rate for Accountants

Description of job: An accountant helps businesses make critical financial decisions by collecting, tracking, and correcting the company’s finances. They are responsible for financial audits, reconciling bank statements, and ensuring financial records are accurate throughout the year.

Typical hourly rate: As of Feb 22, 2023, the average hourly pay for a freelance accountant in the United States is $28.19 an hour.

Related jobs:

Bookkeeper

CPA

Tax Preparer 

8. Hourly Rate for Photographers

Description of job: Photographers use a variety of photographic equipment to capture events, people, objects or scenes for records, art or commercial use. Many photographers begin their careers as photographic assistants, setting up lights and stands, arranging transport and occasionally acting as a ‘second shooter’.

Typical hourly rate:  The average hourly wage for a freelance photographer in the United States is $21 as of January 26, 2023. The salary range typically falls between $19 and $25.

Keep in mind that you can charge more per hour once you have shown your unique value as a photographer. Becoming a sought after photographer is a very lucrative role.

Related jobs:

Second Shooter

Photo Editor

Photography Assistant

9. Hourly Rate for Movers

Description of job: The primary responsibility of a mover is to ensure no items are damaged while moving. They need to load, unload, pack items with care, wrap the furniture in protective material and take inventory throughout the day.

Typical hourly rate: On average, movers charge between $25 to $50 per mover, per hour for local moves. A two-person team working for four hours will cost a minimum of $200 to $400, just for labor. Keep in mind that other expenses will be incurred as well, like transportation fees, materials, and gas.

Related jobs:

Manual Labor

Transportation Professional

Truck Driver

10. Hourly Rate for Graphic Designers

Description of job: Graphic designers create visual text and imagery concepts, by hand or using computer software, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports, etc.  

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly wage for an entry level graphic designer in the United States is $28 as of January 26, 2023. The range typically falls between $25 and $32.

For very experienced designers: Freelance graphic design pays an average hourly rate of $509 and hourly wages range from a low of $446 to a high of $578.

Related jobs: 

Art Director

Creative Designer

Brand Marketing Strategist

Illustrator

11. Hourly Rate for Babysitters

Description of job: A babysitter keeps children safe and engaged while ensuring that living and play areas are tidy. They may help with homework and tutoring as needed. Additionally, a babysitter may care for infants, including feeding, diapering, and dressing. They meet the physical, social, and emotional needs of children in their care.

Typical hourly rate: The estimated total pay for a nanny/babysitter is $32,521 per year in the United States area. This equates to an average salary of $30,584 per year. This equates to about $15 per hour.

Related jobs: 

Childcare Worker

Home Health Aide

Teacher 

12. Hourly Rate for Electricians

Description of job: Electricians install and maintain wiring, control, and lighting systems. They also inspect electrical components, such as transformers and circuit breakers. Electricians identify electrical problems using a variety of testing devices. Additionally, they repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures using hand tools and power tools.

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly wage for a self-employed electrician in the United States is $25 as of January 26, 2023. The salary range typically falls between $22 and $29.

Related jobs:

Maintenance Specialist

Service Technician

Control Technician

13. Hourly Rate for Plumbers

Description of job: Plumbers install, repair, and maintain pipes, valves, fittings, drainage systems, and fixtures in commercial and residential structures. They often collaborate with general contractors, electricians, and other construction professionals. Plumbers follow building plans and blueprints, and respond to, diagnose, and resolve plumbing emergencies.

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly wage for a plumber II in the United States is $30 as of January 26, 2023. The range typically falls between $26 and $34.

Related jobs:

Construction and Building Inspectors

Maintenance Repair Workers

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics

14. Hourly Rate for Home Improvement Contractors 

Description of job: Home improvement contractors are involved with all phases of a home improvement project, including supervising other members of the team. They speak to clients and work with them to turn their ideas into a detailed plan. They create a budget and timeline for the work involved and help keep everything on schedule.

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly wage for a home improvement contractor in the United States is $21 as of January 26, 2023. The salary range typically falls between $15 and $24.

Related jobs:

Project Manager

Foreman

Home Improvement Installer

Tile Installer

15. Hourly Rate for Lawyers

Description of job: Lawyers interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses. They present facts in writing and verbally to their clients or others, and argue on behalf of their clients. Lawyers also repair and file legal documents, such as lawsuits, appeals, wills, contracts, and deeds

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly rate for an entry level lawyer ranges from $42 to $57 with the average hourly pay of $49.

Related jobs:

Arbitrators

Mediators

Conciliators

16. Hourly Rate for Project Managers

Description of job: A project manager is accountable for planning and allocating resources, preparing budgets, monitoring progress, and keeping stakeholders informed throughout the project lifecycle. All of this takes place within the framework of achieving a company’s goals and achieving their vision.

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly wage for a project manager in the United States is $66 as of January 26, 2023. The range typically falls between $59 and $74.

Related jobs:

Program manager

Construction manager

Project estimator

17. Hourly Rate for Virtual Assistants

Description of job: A virtual assistant is a self-employed worker who specializes in offering administrative services to clients from a remote location, usually a home office. Typical tasks a virtual assistant might perform include scheduling appointments, making phone calls, making travel arrangements, and managing email accounts.

Typical hourly rate: The salary range for a virtual personal assistant job is from $15 to $18 per hour in the United States.

Related jobs:

Data entry clerk

Administrative clerk

Bookkeeper

Human resources assistant

18. Hourly Rate for Tutors

Description of job: A Tutor is responsible for helping students learn and understand new concepts and complete assignments. They prepare lessons by studying lesson plans, reviewing textbooks in detail to understand the topic they will be teaching and providing additional projects if needed during a session.

Typical hourly rate:  The average hourly rate for tutor ranges from $17 to $24 with the average hourly pay of $20.

Related jobs:

Teacher

Guidance counselor

Corporate trainer

Coach 

19. Hourly Rate for Nutritionists

Description of job: Nutritionists counsel clients on nutrition issues and healthy eating habits. They are experts in the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage disease. Nutritionists plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to help people lead healthy lives.

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly rate for nutritionist ranges from $30 to $36 with the average hourly pay of $32.

Related jobs:

Dietician

Health coach

Food scientist

Nutrition educator

Wellness director

20. Hourly Rate for Personal Trainers

Description of job: Fitness trainers and instructors lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities, including cardiovascular workouts (for the heart and blood circulation), strength training, and stretching. They work with people of all ages and skill levels.

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly rate for personal trainer ranges from $23 to $39 with the average hourly pay of $31.

Related jobs:

Wellness advisor

Client services

Fitness class instructor

21. Hourly Rate for Copywriters

Description of job: A copywriter is a professional who writes clear, concise copy for ads and marketing materials. They work closely alongside web and graphic designers to ensure their message is clear, whether in an email inbox or a website landing page.

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly wage for a freelance copywriter in the United States is $26 as of January 26, 2023. The salary range typically falls between $24 and $30.

Related jobs:

Advertising agent

Editor

Creative director

Journalist 

22. Hourly Rate for Editing

Description of job: Editors plan, coordinate, and revise material for publication in books, newspapers, or periodicals or on websites. Editors review story ideas and decide what material will appeal most to readers. During the review process, editors offer comments to improve the product and suggest titles and headlines.

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly wage for a freelance editor in the United States is $31 as of January 26, 2023. The salary range typically falls between $27 and $35.

Related jobs:

Copywriter

Reporter

Content director

23. Hourly Rate for Social Media Managers

Description of job: A social media manager is responsible for overseeing a company’s interactions with the public by implementing social media platforms’ content strategies. Their duties include analyzing engagement data, identifying trends in customer interactions and planning digital campaigns to build community online.

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly wage for a digital media manager in the United States is $40 as of January 26, 2023. The salary range typically falls between $35 and $45.

Related jobs:

Marketing manager

Digital media manager

Marketing specialist

Brand manager

24. Hourly Rate for Illustrators 

Description of job: Illustrators are responsible for creating intrinsic images that tell a story or express an idea or feeling to their clients. People in this field typically use digital media to complete their work, requiring illustrators to understand and utilize CAD software.

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly wage for a painter/illustrator in the United States is $22 as of January 26, 2023. The range typically falls between $18 and $26. 

Related jobs:

Production artist

Animator

Assistant designer

Graphic designer

25. Hourly Rate for Software Developers

Description of job:  A software developer designs and builds computer programs that power mobile devices, desktop computers, and even cars. They not only identify user needs but also create new applications for any given market while making improvements based on feedback from users.

Typical hourly rate: The average salary for freelance software developer is $97,856 per year in the United States. This equates to about $47 an hour.

Related jobs:

Application developer

Software architect

Software consultant

26. Hourly Rate for Digital Marketers

Description of job: Primarily, a digital marketer is in charge of all the digital channels and uses them to drive brand awareness and generate leads. Furthermor, a digital marketer’s roles and responsibilities involve overseeing and development of the overall content strategy for an enterprise, as well as marketing campaigns.

Typical hourly rate: The average salary for a freelance marketer is $46 per Hour in the United States.

Related jobs:

SEO Specialist

Content Developer

Copywriter

Social Media Manager

27.Hourly Rate for Nurses

Description of job: Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly rate for Level 1 registered nurse ranges from $29 to $37 with the average hourly pay of $32.

Related jobs:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Radiology tech

Sonography Tech

Medical Assistant

28. Hourly Rate for Phlebotomists

Description of job: A phlebotomist verifies patient identification and explains sampling procedures to patients. They also obtain blood specimens by performing venipunctures and finger sticks. A phlebotomist maintains specimen integrity by using aseptic technique, following department procedures, and observing isolation procedures.

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly wage for a phlebotomist in the United States is $18 as of January 26, 2023. The range typically falls between $17 and $21.

Related jobs:

Medical Assistants

Medical Laboratory Technicians

Science Technicians

Medical Laboratory Technologists

29. Hourly Rate for Home Care Providers

Description of job: A Home Health Aide provides primary personal care to patients, such as bathing and dressing them in their own home. Along with medical care, they also may provide light housekeeping duties around the home and help patients with other tasks around their home.

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly rate for a home care aide ranges from $12 to $15 with the average hourly pay of $13.

Related jobs:

Medical assistant

Hospice worker

Childcare worker

30. Hourly Rate for Translators

Description of job: Translators translate reading material and research industry-specific terminology. They convert text and audio recordings in one language to one or more others. Translators ensure that translated texts conveys original meaning and tone.

Typical hourly rate: The average hourly rate for a translator ranges from $24 to $31 with the average hourly pay of $27. 

Related jobs:

Medical Interpreters

Legal translators

ESL Teachers