Desired Income · Expenses · Taxes · Billable Hours
Software, equipment, insurance, home office, travel
Admin, marketing, invoicing, meetings = non-billable time (~35%)
| Skill | Beginner | Mid | Expert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Development | $50-75 | $75-125 | $125-250+ |
| Graphic Design | $35-50 | $50-85 | $85-150+ |
| Writing/Content | $30-50 | $50-100 | $100-200+ |
| Marketing/SEO | $50-75 | $75-150 | $150-300+ |
| Consulting | $75-100 | $100-200 | $200-500+ |
| Video/Animation | $50-75 | $75-125 | $125-300+ |
| Principle | Why |
|---|---|
| Never charge by the hour for value work | A logo that takes 2 hours but earns millions isn't worth $200 |
| Quote project rates when possible | Rewards efficiency, not slow work |
| Raise rates 10-15% annually | Match inflation + growing expertise |
| Your rate is a filter | Low rates attract difficult clients |
| Always add a buffer | Scope creep is inevitable — price for it |