One of the biggest challenges freelancers face—especially beginners—is pricing their services correctly. Charge too low, and you attract low-quality clients who don’t value your work. Charge too high, and potential clients may not respond at all.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to set your rates as a freelancer, even if you’re just starting out. This beginner-friendly freelancer pricing guide shares practical pricing strategies that help you stay competitive, confident, and profitable. If you’re new to freelancing and still finding clients, learning how to get your first freelance job can help you apply these pricing strategies with confidence.
Why Setting Freelance Rates Is So Difficult
Many freelancers struggle with pricing freelance work because of:
Fear of losing clients
Lack of confidence or experience
Not knowing standard freelance rates for beginners
Competition from low-cost freelancers
The goal isn’t to be the cheapest option. It’s to choose freelance pricing strategies that are fair, competitive, and sustainable in the long run. Fixed pricing works well for clearly defined tasks, especially when you understand how freelancers fixed price projects on Upwork.
Step 1: Understand Your Freelance Skill Level
Before deciding how much you should charge, be honest about your current skills and experience.
Common freelancer levels:
Beginner: Little to no paid experience
Intermediate: Completed projects with testimonials
Expert: Proven results and a strong portfolio
👉 Beginner freelancers should start with competitive pricing and gradually increase rates as skills and confidence grow. As you gain experience and improve your skills to charge higher rates, increasing prices becomes easier and more justified.
Step 2: Research Market Rates in Your Niche
Never guess your pricing. Smart freelancers always research.
How to research freelance rates:
Check Fiverr and Upwork profiles in your niche
Browse freelancer marketplaces
Join freelancing communities and forums
Compare beginner freelancers with top-rated sellers
🔹 Focus on freelancers with similar experience, not top experts with years in the industry.
This step helps you understand how much freelancers charge realistically.
Step 3: Choose the Right Freelance Pricing Model
There’s no one-size-fits-all pricing model.
Common freelance pricing models:
Hourly rates – Best for long-term or ongoing work
Fixed pricing – Ideal for well-defined projects
Package-based pricing – Perfect for platforms like Fiverr
👉 Beginners should start with fixed or package pricing to reduce friction and confusion for clients.
Step 4: Calculate Your Minimum Acceptable Rate
Never price below what’s sustainable.
Simple freelance rate formula:
Monthly income goal ÷ billable hours = minimum hourly rate
Example:
Income goal: $1,500/month
Billable hours: 100
Minimum rate: $15/hour
This calculation helps you avoid burnout and prevents underpricing your freelance services.
Step 5: Set Beginner-Friendly Prices (Smartly)
If you’re new to freelancing, pricing smart matters more than pricing high.
Beginner pricing tips:
Start slightly below the market average
Offer clear deliverables and scope
Limit revisions
Upsell add-ons later
🔹 Early on, your goal should be experience, reviews, and portfolio growth, not maximum profit.
Step 6: When and How to Increase Your Rates
You should increase your rates when:
You receive consistent work
You have 5–10 positive reviews
Demand exceeds your availability
Safe rate-increase strategy:
Increase prices by 10–20%
Apply increases to new clients first
Add more value instead of long explanations
This helps you grow income without losing good clients. Correct pricing is essential if you want to build a sustainable freelancing career and attract better long-term clients.
Step 7: Communicate Your Rates Confidently
Confidence plays a major role in freelance success.
❌ “I can lower my price if needed.”
✅ “This rate reflects the quality and value I deliver.”
Clients respect freelancers who value their skills and communicate pricing clearly.
Common Freelance Pricing Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common beginner mistakes:
Copying random prices from others
Charging too low for too long
Never increasing rates
Working without a clear scope
Competing only on price
Your time and skills deserve fair compensation. Many freelancers struggle because they repeat the same common freelancing mistakes beginners make, especially underpricing their work.
FAQs – Freelance Pricing
Q1. How much should a beginner freelancer charge?
Beginner freelancers usually charge $5–$25 per hour, depending on skills, niche, and platform.
Q2. Is it okay to increase rates for existing clients?
Yes. Increase gradually, give notice, and clearly explain the added value.
Q3. Should freelancers work for free?
No. If needed, offer small paid projects instead of free work.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to set your rates as a freelancer is a skill that improves over time. Start with fair pricing, focus on delivering quality work, and raise your rates as your experience and demand grow. This approach helps you attract better clients and build a sustainable freelance career.