Freelance Industry Rate Guide
Typical hourly rates by industry, experience level, and specialization. Use these as benchmarks—your rate should ultimately be based on your financial needs.
Remember: Market rates tell you what others charge, not what you should charge. Your rate should cover your costs and goals—even if that's above or below these ranges.Learn how to calculate your rate →
Experience Levels Explained
0-2 years experience. Still learning, needs guidance.
2-5 years. Works independently on standard projects.
5-10 years. Leads projects, mentors others.
10+ years or recognized specialist. Top of field.
Rates by Industry
Software Development
Junior
$40 - $75
Mid
$75 - $125
Senior
$125 - $200
Expert
$200 - $400+
Rates vary significantly by technology stack. React, TypeScript, and cloud skills command premiums.
UI/UX Design
Junior
$35 - $60
Mid
$60 - $100
Senior
$100 - $175
Expert
$175 - $300+
Product designers who can do both UI and UX earn more. Figma expertise is expected.
Graphic Design
Junior
$25 - $50
Mid
$50 - $85
Senior
$85 - $150
Expert
$150 - $250+
Brand identity and motion graphics specialists command higher rates than general graphic design.
Content Writing
Junior
$25 - $50
Mid
$50 - $100
Senior
$100 - $175
Expert
$175 - $300+
Technical writers and UX writers earn significantly more than generalist content writers.
Marketing
Junior
$30 - $60
Mid
$60 - $100
Senior
$100 - $175
Expert
$175 - $350+
Performance marketers with proven ROI track records can charge premium rates.
Video Production
Junior
$30 - $60
Mid
$60 - $100
Senior
$100 - $175
Expert
$175 - $400+
Rates often quoted per project or per finished minute. YouTube editors often charge per video.
Data & Analytics
Junior
$50 - $85
Mid
$85 - $140
Senior
$140 - $225
Expert
$225 - $400+
Machine learning and AI specialists command the highest rates in this category.
Project Management
Junior
$40 - $70
Mid
$70 - $120
Senior
$120 - $200
Expert
$200 - $350+
Product managers with technical backgrounds and successful launches earn premium rates.
Consulting
Junior
$75 - $125
Mid
$125 - $225
Senior
$225 - $400
Expert
$400 - $1000+
Consulting rates vary wildly based on industry expertise and client size. Big 4 alumni command premiums.
Photography
Junior
$25 - $75
Mid
$75 - $150
Senior
$150 - $300
Expert
$300 - $1000+
Often quoted per hour, half-day, or full-day. Commercial and advertising photography pays highest.
Advertisement
Factors That Affect Your Rate
↑ Higher Rates
- • Specialized niche expertise
- • Enterprise/Fortune 500 clients
- • High-stakes or regulated industries
- • Proven track record with case studies
- • In-demand tech stack or skills
- • Strong personal brand/referrals
↓ Lower Rates
- • Generalist without specialization
- • Competing on price (race to bottom)
- • No portfolio or testimonials
- • Commodity skills (easily outsourced)
- • Platform-dependent (Upwork, Fiverr)
- • Low-budget client segments
Regional Rate Adjustments
The rates above are based on US markets. Here's how rates typically compare globally:
US, UK, Australia, Canada
Base rate (100%)
Western Europe
80-100% of US rates
Eastern Europe
40-70% of US rates
Latin America
30-60% of US rates
South/SE Asia
20-50% of US rates
Africa
20-40% of US rates
Note: These are generalizations. Individual rates depend on skill level, client type, and positioning. Many freelancers from lower-cost regions charge US rates when working with US clients.
Find Your Ideal Rate
Don't just copy market rates. Calculate what you actually need to earn based on your goals and expenses.
Open Calculator