Deciding Your Hourly Rate on Upwork

Consider Your Experience and Skills

Your hourly rate on Upwork should reflect your level of experience, expertise, and the quality of work you can deliver. As a freelancer, it is important that you value your own work and charge a fair price for it.

Starter Hourly Rate

If you’re a beginner on Upwork, you may want to start with a lower rate until you accumulate reviews and build your reputation on the platform. However, this doesn’t mean you should go too low—undervaluing your work might bring the wrong kind of clients, and it can be tough to raise rates later on.

Research the Market Rates

Look at freelancers on Upwork with similar experience and skills. What are they charging? This serves as a good benchmark. Upwork also provides data about typical rates for various categories of work.

Factor in Upwork Fees

Don’t forget to take into account the fee Upwork charges. 20% is taken from the first $500 you earn with a client, then 10% until you reach $10,000 with that same client, and then it drops down to 5%.

Consider Your Living Expenses

Determine how much you need to earn to cover your bills, taxes, and desired savings. This will give you an idea of what base hourly rate you’ll need to meet those needs.

• Example: If you want to make $50,000 a year, working 40 hours per week, excluding two weeks of vacation, you should start with an hourly rate around $25. But remember, this rate needs to cover taxes and the Upwork fees!

Remember to Regularly Review and Adjust Your Rates

As you gain experience, skills, and a solid reputation on the platform, adjust your rates accordingly. Your worth as a freelancer isn’t static—it grows with experience and achievements.
So don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth!