The most common question I get from freelancers is this: how do I price my projects? There’s no simple answer. I wanted to share the databases I’ve personally referenced as well as resources that other freelancers have recommended. These rate databases and resources will help you better price freelance projects.
These resources are just a starting point
Before we examine these rate databases, let me make something clear: these don’t determine what your rate should be. These rate databases reflect what freelancers have been paid in the past for different types of work and for different clients. Some of these databases may have outdated information, or may not have relevant information that helps you. That said: looking through these databases can help you better understand how to price your own projects.
16+ Freelance Rate Databases and Resources
1. Freelancing Females Rate Database
The Freelancing Females Rate Database is one of the most updated rate sheets I’ve found. With more than 1,700 entries, freelance graphic designers, writers, product managers, web developers, social media managers, and producers have shared what they’ve made for projects in different industries and have transparently included their location, gender, experience level, yearly income, and business type (aka full- or part-time).
Don’t be fooled by the name: Freelancing Females is collecting rates from all genders. Freelancing Females is currently updating its rate database with new information, so please take the time to add your details!
2. Contractrates.fyi
Contractrates.fyi is a fairly new rate database that crowdsources rate data for freelancers and consultants. Unlike every other rate database on this list, Contractrates.fyi compiles international rates for a wider variety of roles including plumbers, fullstack engineers, accountants, animators, photographers, WordPress developers, UX researchers, and virtual assistants. Sort by hourly and project rates or by role.
3. The Editorial Freelancers Association Rate Database
The Editorial Freelancers Association has compiled rates for copy editors, developmental editors, proofreaders, fact checkers, transcribers, writers, and sensitivity readers. The EFA is a generally great resource for freelance editors, but I will gently point out that this data is from a survey to EFA members in April 2020. And obviously a lot has changed since early 2020!
4. Try Vetted
If you don’t yet have access to Try Vetted’s Reviews and Rates Database, you need to change that ASAP. You can only see Vetted’s reviews and rates database after leaving a review of a brand you’ve worked with. These anonymous reviews on brands big and small include an overall rating, pitch process, project scope, the rate, payment type (ex. hourly, project), and whether they paid on time.
These honest reviews of different brands are illuminating. I would recommend referring to it when vetting potential clients.
5. Association of Independents in Radio
The Association of Independents in Radio has a ton of research on podcasting and radio rates for audio engineers, audio editors, composers, editorial consultants, story editors, mix engineers, producers, reporters, sound designers, and studio engineers. A few of these rate guides are only available to AIR members, but most are open to the public.
6. American Writers and Artists Institute 2023 State of the Industry Report
I had no idea about this one until a few freelance writers recommended it! The AWAI State of the Industry report is the most comprehensive looks at the freelance industry that I’ve seen. It includes fee ranges for different types of copywriting projects like keyword research, articles, landing pages, white pages, ebooks, podcast scripts, book ghostwriting, and audits.
7. A Photo Editor
Though A Photo Editor isn’t a rate database, it does a lot of work to create transparency around how photographers make a living. A Photo Editor has a “Photographers, how much do you make?” series where photographers anonymously share their annual earnings, what they do, and how much experience they have. I’d also recommend following the conversation on Instagram!
8. Who Pays Writers?
Who Pays Writers is so handy that I included a direct link to publications on the Places to Pitch Trello board. Sorted by publication, Who Pays Writers lists various rates and project scopes so you understand who pays well and who…doesn’t. I’ve noted that lately, the homepage can be a little wonky so if it doesn’t work for you, try this link.
9. Salary Transparent Street
Salary Transparent Street has a salary database that only focuses on U.S. locations. Like A Photo Editor, it focuses on annual salaries and overall careers over individual project rates.
10. FYPM
Like Vetted, influencers and creators must apply to join FYPM (which stands for F*** You, Pay Me). You must also leave one anonymous review. Don’t be afraid of the word “influencer” here: as long as you’ve made an agreement to promote a brand on your social media, blog, newsletter, or website, you count.
11. Lightbox
Lightbox is a rate database for graphic designers, illustrators, cartoonists, and comercial artists. Lightbox sorts listings by companies, jobs, rates, and year. It also includes whether or not creatives were paid and if they were paid in 30 days.
12. Levels.fyi
Levels.fyi compiles salaries by title, location, and company. Adding your salary unlocks more results. Levels.fyi leans more toward traditional full-time roles, but it’s cool to review.
13. Contently’s Rate Database
Much like Who Pays Writers, Contently’s rate database sorts by publications. You can see the pay, payment method, and notes left by anonymous freelancers. This rate database isn’t my favorite because it hasn’t been updated since 2019 (and a lot has changed since then!).
Freelance Writer Surveys
14. Peak Freelance 2022 Freelance Writing Rates
Peak Freelance surveyed 213 freelance writers in 2022 to better understand freelance rates. The survey found that more than half of freelance writers surveyed earn less than $30,000 a year. Those earning more than $100,000 a year have been freelance writing for at least two years.
15. Ashley Cummings Freelance Writing Rates Survey
Ashley Cummings surveyed 344 freelance writers in 2023. Her survey found that most freelance writers surveyed price per project and 66% of freelancers find new clients through referrals. Older freelancers charge more than younger writers and freelance writers with a bachelor’s degree are charging more per hour than those without.
I particularly enjoyed the section where freelancers share advice on portfolios, pitching, networking, and setting rates.
16. All Things Freelance Writing Freelance Writers Survey
All Things Freelance Writing surveyed 346 freelance writers from 31 countries in 2023 to learn more about the average income of freelance writers, their charging methods, and payment schedules. The survey found that most writers surveyed get paid in full after a project is complete.
More resources for pricing freelance projects
Rate databases and surveys are great, but they’re not the only resource you can rely on. Here’s a few more resources I use as I price freelance projects and sponsorships.
Setting sponsorship rates
As many freelancers expand into offering sponsored newsletter ads and social media posts, understanding how to price sponsorships is crucial.
FYPM is the only database I know of that’s just for sponsorships. I recommend looking through Passionfroot’s Creator Gallery to see what other freelancers and brands charge for sponsorships. Creator Wizard and Newsletter Crew have some great resources on sponsorship rates as well.
I based my sponsorship rates on the size of my audience, the value I provide, and what I thought was fair.
Other resources
Jasmine Williams has a free freelance rate calculator that’s pretty handy. Harlow also has a long list of resources to consult.
Raise your rates with these templates
These email templates will help you raise your rates with existing and new clients. I’ve had many freelancers tell me that they’re effective!
Speaking about your rates is an act of advocacy
So much about freelancing is obscure. By discussing your rates and sharing resources with other freelancers, you can play a part in creating a more transparent culture. Take the time to add your rates to open rate databases. Join freelance communities where you can talk about what freelancers charge for projects. Ask “what’s the rate?” when you see a freelance opportunity posted without a rate range.
Want to support my work?
2. Subscribe to my newsletter featuring 100 freelance opportunities every week
3. Share this article (or any other) with a friend and tag me
4. Explore my Bookshop
5. Work with me
Kaitlyn Arford 