Freelance Rate Benchmarks 2025: What to Charge by Industry
Real market data across 16 freelance industries. See where your rate falls and what you could be earning.
Freelance Rate Benchmarks 2025: What to Charge by Industry
Stop guessing. Here's what professionals actually charge.
How to Read This Data
Each industry shows three tiers:
- Entry Level: 0-2 years experience, basic skills
- Mid-Range: 3-5 years experience, proven portfolio
- Premium: 5+ years experience, specialized expertise
Your rate should reflect your skill level, not your desperation level.
The 16 Industry Benchmarks
1. Web Development
- Entry: $75/hr
- Mid: $125/hr
- Premium: $200/hr
What moves you up: Full-stack skills, framework expertise (React, Next.js), performance optimization, security best practices.
2. Mobile Development
- Entry: $90/hr
- Mid: $150/hr
- Premium: $250/hr
What moves you up: Native iOS/Android, cross-platform (React Native, Flutter), App Store optimization, backend integration.
3. UI/UX Design
- Entry: $65/hr
- Mid: $110/hr
- Premium: $180/hr
What moves you up: User research, prototyping, design systems, accessibility, conversion optimization.
4. Copywriting
- Entry: $50/hr
- Mid: $100/hr
- Premium: $175/hr
What moves you up: Conversion copywriting, SEO writing, email sequences, sales pages, case studies with ROI data.
5. Video Production
- Entry: $60/hr
- Mid: $120/hr
- Premium: $200/hr
What moves you up: Motion graphics, color grading, sound design, multi-camera shoots, client testimonials.
6. Digital Marketing
- Entry: $55/hr
- Mid: $100/hr
- Premium: $175/hr
What moves you up: Paid ads (Google, Meta), analytics, A/B testing, funnel optimization, attribution modeling.
7. Business Consulting
- Entry: $100/hr
- Mid: $175/hr
- Premium: $300/hr
What moves you up: Industry specialization, proven ROI, executive coaching, change management, strategic planning.
8. Data Science / Analytics
- Entry: $80/hr
- Mid: $140/hr
- Premium: $220/hr
What moves you up: Machine learning, predictive modeling, data visualization, SQL optimization, Python/R expertise.
9. SEO Specialist
- Entry: $50/hr
- Mid: $100/hr
- Premium: $175/hr
What moves you up: Technical SEO, link building, content strategy, local SEO, case studies with traffic growth.
10. Photography
- Entry: $50/hr
- Mid: $100/hr
- Premium: $200/hr
What moves you up: Commercial work, product photography, retouching, lighting expertise, client portfolio.
11. Graphic Design
- Entry: $50/hr
- Mid: $90/hr
- Premium: $150/hr
What moves you up: Brand identity, print design, packaging, illustration, motion graphics.
12. Social Media Management
- Entry: $40/hr
- Mid: $75/hr
- Premium: $125/hr
What moves you up: Content strategy, paid social, analytics, community management, influencer partnerships.
13. Content Writing
- Entry: $40/hr
- Mid: $75/hr
- Premium: $125/hr
What moves you up: Niche expertise, SEO optimization, thought leadership, ghostwriting, case studies.
14. Virtual Assistant
- Entry: $25/hr
- Mid: $50/hr
- Premium: $85/hr
What moves you up: Executive support, project management, CRM management, automation, industry specialization.
15. Illustration
- Entry: $50/hr
- Mid: $100/hr
- Premium: $175/hr
What moves you up: Character design, editorial illustration, children's books, licensing, unique style.
16. Audio Production
- Entry: $50/hr
- Mid: $100/hr
- Premium: $175/hr
What moves you up: Mixing, mastering, sound design, podcast production, music composition.
How to Use This Data
- Find your industry
- Assess your skill level honestly
- Start at the appropriate tier
- Raise rates every 6-12 months as you gain experience
The Rate Positioning Strategy
Below Entry Level
Signal: Inexperienced, desperate, low quality Action: Raise immediately to entry level minimum
Entry to Mid-Range
Signal: Competent, building portfolio Action: Focus on case studies and testimonials to justify mid-range rates
Mid-Range to Premium
Signal: Specialized, proven ROI Action: Niche down, showcase results, target high-value clients
Premium+
Signal: Industry expert, thought leader Action: Publish content, speak at events, build personal brand
The Confidence Factor
Clients pay for certainty, not hours.
If you quote $75/hour and deliver $10K in value, you're undercharging.
If you quote $200/hour and deliver $50K in value, you're a bargain.
Price on value, not time.
Action Steps
- Find your industry benchmark above
- Calculate your true rate with FreelanceQuote Calculator
- Add profit margin and tax reserve (use the calculator)
- Quote your next project at the new rate
- Track results and adjust every 6 months
The Bottom Line
Market rates exist for a reason. If you're below them, you're subsidizing your client's business.
Calculate your professional rate → FreelanceQuote Calculator