If you’re hiring a freelancer for the first time, one of the hardest things to figure out is the price. You don’t want to overpay. You don’t want to underpay either. You just want to know what’s fair.
The truth is, rates vary. But there are simple ways to set a budget that makes sense. This article will help you get there.
Why Freelancer Rates Vary
Some people charge $20 an hour. Others charge $200 or more. That doesn’t always mean one is better than the other. But it does mean they’re offering different things.
Rates depend on:
- Experience
- Location
- Type of work
- Speed and reliability
- How much they handle on their own
If someone works fast, communicates well, and delivers without drama, you’ll likely pay more — and it’s often worth it.
General Price Ranges (per industry)
Here are common ranges we see in 2025. These are based on skilled freelancers working with small businesses and startups.
Designers
- $50 to $125 per hour
- $1,000 to $5,000 per project
Logo design, branding, and website work are usually priced by the project.
Marketers
- $60 to $150 per hour
- Monthly retainers from $1,000 to $4,000
Email, content, growth campaigns — rates go up with experience.
Developers
- $75 to $200 per hour
- $2,000 to $10,000 per project
Custom work costs more. No-code builds cost less. Expect to pay more for complex sites or fast deadlines.
Writers
- $50 to $100 per hour
- $300 to $1,000 per page or piece
Good writing takes time. Long-form content, brand voice work, and conversion copy often cost more.
Video Editors
- $50 to $125 per hour
- $500 to $2,000 per video
Price depends on how long the video is and how polished you want it.
Audio Editors
- $40 to $100 per hour
- $150 to $600 per podcast episode
Faster turnaround or sound design work costs more.
Operations / Project Managers
- $60 to $120 per hour
- $1,500 to $4,000/month retainers
They’re often hired on a weekly or monthly basis. Rates go up when strategy is involved.
Hourly vs. Project-Based
Some freelancers charge by the hour. Some charge by the project. Here’s how to think about it.
- Hourly is good when the work is open-ended or ongoing.
- Project-based is better when the scope is clear.
If you can describe exactly what you need, a flat fee is usually easier for both sides.
What to Watch Out For
Don’t choose the cheapest option just to save money.
You might end up paying more to fix the mistakes. Look for value, not just cost.
Be clear about your budget.
A good freelancer will tell you what’s possible within your range — or recommend a better fit.
Paying more doesn’t mean you lose control.
It often means things will move faster, smoother, and with fewer problems.
Final Thoughts
Freelancer pricing can feel confusing at first. But once you know what to expect, it gets easier to plan, budget, and make smart choices.
If you want help finding someone in your price range who’s already been vetted, Hyrilla can match you with options that fit your project and your budget.
