How to Set Your Freelance Rate as a Beginner

Understand What Freelancing Means

Freelancing means you’re the boss of you. You pick your own freelance jobs, your own hours, and yep—your own freelance rate.

Writers, graphic designers, video editors, and even voice-over folks are all part of the freelance crew. If you’ve got a skill, there’s probably a freelance gig just waiting for it.

Clients don’t hire you full-time—they bring you in when they need something awesome done. You’re basically a superhero… with a laptop.

One of the biggest things you’ll do as a freelancer? Set your rate. That’s the price tag for your time and talent.

Too low and you’ll be eating cereal for dinner every night. Too high and clients might ghost you faster than a squirrel on caffeine.

A solid freelance rate says, “Hey, I know what I’m doing.” It tells the world (and your clients) that your work is legit.

Think of it like a price tag on a toy. People wanna know what they’re getting and what it’ll cost.

Freelancers who price fairly can build a steady paycheck (and maybe even treat themselves to fancy coffee someday). Learning how to set freelance rates is your first move.

Know Your Skills and Experience

Before you pick a price, grab a snack and think: what can I actually do? Make a list of your freelance skills—no need to be shy.

Are you good at writing? Can you draw cute animals in sunglasses? Maybe you’re a whiz at editing videos or organizing messy inboxes.

Experience totally matters. A beginner freelance rate is lower, but that’s okay. You’re building up.

It’s like riding a bike—wobbly at first, but soon you’re speeding around with no hands (just maybe don’t try that in your freelance life).

If you’re just getting started, go easy on the rates. As you get better, you can level up like a video game character.

Be honest about where you’re at. Clients appreciate realness more than fake ninja skills.

Ask yourself, “Can I knock this job out of the park?” or “Will I need Google and a gallon of coffee?”

Still unsure? Test yourself with a mock project. It’s like a dress rehearsal but with fewer costumes.

Learn What Others Are Charging

Want to know how to set freelance rates that make sense? Spy on the competition (in a super professional way, of course).

Go peek at freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or even LinkedIn. Type in the kind of work you do and see what others are asking for.

Find freelancers who are at your same level. Don’t compare yourself to someone with 200 clients and a gold trophy collection.

You might see new graphic designers charging $20 an hour. Seasoned pros? They could be raking in $75 or more.

Writers just starting out may ask $30 per blog post. But veteran wordsmiths? They can make $100 or more for the same thing.

Check out a bunch of profiles—not just one. And look at what’s included: Do they offer lightning-fast delivery? Extra edits? A dance video? (Okay, probably not the last one.)

If someone charges super low, they may be new just like you. High prices usually mean top-notch work and years of practice.

Don’t feel like you have to be the cheapest. You’re not a discount bin at a dollar store.

Charge a fair freelance rate that fits your skills. Clients will take you way more seriously.

Decide on an Hourly or Project Rate

Here’s the deal: you can charge by the hour or by the project. Kinda like ordering pizza by the slice or the whole pie.

Hourly means you get paid for each hour you work. So if you charge $25/hour and work 4 hours, that’s a crisp $100.

Project rate means one flat price—like $150 to design a flyer, no matter if it takes 3 hours or 8.

Hourly is great when you’re not sure how long something will take. Project rates work better when you know the steps like the back of your mouse.

Some freelance clients like hourly ’cause it feels fair. Others like project rates so they don’t get surprise bills.

If you’re speedy, project pricing could mean more money in less time (hello, bonus snacks!). If you’re still learning, hourly might be a safer bet.

Use a timer or app to track your hours. It keeps things fair and kind of makes you feel like a secret agent.

You can switch it up later. Lots of freelancers offer both, depending on the job vibe.

Try both and see what works best for your style. Your freelance rate should fit your flow.

Think About Your Costs and Time

Being your own boss comes with bills, baby. Your freelance rate needs to cover more than just snacks (though snacks are vital).

You’ll need stuff like a laptop, software, and good Wi-Fi. Maybe even a comfy chair that doesn’t squeak every time you move.

Think about tools like Canva, Photoshop, or Zoom. Or fees for stock photos, plugins, or your website.

Office supplies, taxes, coffee—these all cost money. Yes, even the coffee (sad but true).

Also, your time is a big deal. Every hour spent freelancing is time you’re not watching cat videos or hanging with friends.

If you work 5 hours and only make $20 total… that’s $4 an hour. That’s like… super not great.

Figure out how long the work takes. Then decide how much you’d like to earn each hour—maybe $20? $30?

If a job takes 3 hours and you want $20/hour, charge at least $60. Add a bit more for emails, research, or that mini panic attack.

Make sure your freelance rate covers time, tools, and your brainpower. You’ll avoid burnout and still have time to live your life.

Start with a Beginner-Friendly Rate

When you’re new, it’s totally cool to start small. You’re building reps, trust, and an awesome portfolio.

Beginner freelance rates usually fall between $15–$30/hour. That’s a sweet spot for getting your foot in the door.

Your rate might be lower than someone who’s done 100 projects. No biggie—you’ll get there!

Every job makes you better. Every “yes” teaches you something new.

Be bold when you share your rate. Practice in front of your cat, your mirror, or both.

Say, “I charge $20 an hour, and I always hit deadlines.” Boom—confidence!

If someone asks why your rate is lower, just be real. Try, “I’m new, but I deliver solid work and I’m eager to grow.”

But please—never ever work for free. Unless grandma asks for help, and even then… maybe a cookie?

Everyone starts somewhere. You’ll raise that freelance rate soon enough.

Offer Packages or Tiered Pricing

Want to look extra pro? Offer packages! It’s like a menu for your services—basic, standard, and fancy-pants premium.

Packages help clients choose easily. And they help you charge more for the extra goodies.

A writer might offer: Basic = 1 blog post. Standard = 2 longer ones. Premium = 2 posts + SEO magic.

Designers, try this: Basic = 1 logo. Standard = logo with revisions. Premium = logo + branding + social media stuff.

Packages make it crystal clear what folks get. Nobody likes surprises (unless it’s a cake).

Think of it like ordering fries: Small, Medium, Large. Some folks want a nibble, others want the full combo.

Plus, clients love choices. And you won’t have to explain your prices a million times.

As you get better, you can add new services or bump up your price. More value = higher freelance rate.

Also, packages save time. And time = more snacks. Win-win.

Raise Your Rates Over Time

You’re learning, growing, glowing… and yep, it’s time to raise that freelance rate.

Maybe every 6 months. Or after 10 solid projects. Or when your inbox is overflowing with new clients.

If you learn a cool new skill, that’s reason enough. Even better if you get glowing reviews—those are gold.

If you’re constantly booked, your price might be too low. Busy bees need better honey.

Start small: add $5–$10 to your rate. See how it feels and if clients blink.

Always give your clients a heads-up. Try saying, “Starting next month, my rate will be $30/hour.”

Raising your freelance rate means you believe in your growth. You’ve earned it!

Keep proof of your awesome work. Save those kind messages, finished projects, and “wow” moments.

That way, when someone asks why your price went up, you can show ‘em the magic.

Handle Price Talks with Clients

Okay, money talks can feel… weird. But guess what? You can totally do this.

Practice saying your rate out loud. “I charge $25 an hour for this kind of work.” Boom—simple and strong.

If a client says, “That’s too high,” don’t panic. Just say, “I understand, but that rate reflects my time and skill.”

You can offer a smaller package or suggest a simpler option. But never feel like you have to slash your price just to get the gig.

Your freelance rate = your value. And value doesn’t go on clearance.

Clients respect freelancers who know their worth. Be nice, but don’t budge like a stubborn goat.

Being clear builds trust. And trust turns clients into regulars (and maybe even friends who send snacks).

You’ve got this. Go rock those price talks like the CEO you are.