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This Google Doc of creative industry freelance day rates has been doing the rounds 
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/1/d/14UHy8u1OF3f247Lg719oWMpF4kaquX1YsDgWC1JJmEY/htmlview#gid=633552090
Though there are some very high (and low!) figures, self-reported rates arenât indicative of anything other than a person got paid that rate on one project.
1/n
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/1/d/14UHy8u1OF3f247Lg719oWMpF4kaquX1YsDgWC1JJmEY/htmlview#gid=633552090
Though there are some very high (and low!) figures, self-reported rates arenât indicative of anything other than a person got paid that rate on one project.
1/n
At the time of writing, the sample is *very* small (only a little over 200) and fewer than 25% report a rate over ÂŁ500/day.
Iâd guess that many donât work 200 days/year at that rate (ÂŁ100k) and some may not even 100 days (ÂŁ50k), unless theyâre contractors.
2/n
Iâd guess that many donât work 200 days/year at that rate (ÂŁ100k) and some may not even 100 days (ÂŁ50k), unless theyâre contractors.
2/n
A problem with surveys like this is that the interpretation of day rates can vary. Some people predominantly work projects, then convert to a day rate for surveys. That can lead to a disproportionately high reported rates.
3/n
3/n
A better indication would be day rate + turnover: that shows how frequently that rate is commanded.
Better still would be knowing how many days worked+ turnover. That would give a better indication of average rates.
But even that doesnât give the full picture.
4/n
Better still would be knowing how many days worked+ turnover. That would give a better indication of average rates.
But even that doesnât give the full picture.
4/n
The difficulty in something like this is that freelancers might charge different rates to different clients. For instance, itâs not uncommon to have a higher âagencyâ rate.
On top of that, single day and short-term projects can command higher fees.
5/n
On top of that, single day and short-term projects can command higher fees.
5/n
Iâd guess that respondents whoâve submitted rates from specific gigs/agencies/companies are reporting the *highest* rate *only*, rather than an average or submitting multiple examples.
6/n
6/n
There are still interesting takeaways, though. For instance, higher fees arenât limited to a specific type of client (e.g. agencies).
For anyone who struggles with negotiating rates, Iâd highly recommend âNever Split The Differenceâ by Chris Voss.
7/n
For anyone who struggles with negotiating rates, Iâd highly recommend âNever Split The Differenceâ by Chris Voss.
7/n
In short: donât be disheartened by the rates seen here. Itâs like surveys that report freelance âearningsâ: are those turnover or profit?
The Devilâs always in the detail and thatâs *precisely* whatâs missing from a survey like this.
Oh, and put your rates up.
8/n
The Devilâs always in the detail and thatâs *precisely* whatâs missing from a survey like this.
Oh, and put your rates up.
8/n
Lastly, it would be remiss of me not to mention the Work Notes Pricing Guide, which helps to set *minimum* rates that take account of:
- Pensions
- Savings
- How much time you can *actually* work
...and more.
Itâs 40% off with this code: guide-40
http://worknotes.co.uk/freelance-pricing-guide
END
- Pensions
- Savings
- How much time you can *actually* work
...and more.
Itâs 40% off with this code: guide-40
http://worknotes.co.uk/freelance-pricing-guide
END
