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How Much Should Freelancers Charge Per Hour?
Setting your freelance rate isn't just about picking a number. Your rate must cover taxes (self-employment tax is 15.3% in the US), health insurance, retirement, time off, business expenses, and the non-billable hours spent on marketing, admin, and client communication.
Quick rule of thumb: Take your desired annual salary, divide by 1,000, and double it. If you want $80,000/year, start at $160/hour. This accounts for taxes, expenses, and non-billable time.
Freelancers charge $25–$250+/hour depending on skill, niche, and experience. Developers and designers typically charge $75–$150/hr. Writers and VAs charge $30–$75/hr. Specialized consultants can charge $200+/hr.