What to Charge: Setting Competitive Freelance Writing Rates

Pricing your work shouldn’t feel like throwing darts in the dark. Here’s how to set freelance writing rates that reflect your worth and keep clients saying yes.

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Ah, the eternal freelance pricing struggle: charge too little, and you’re stuck writing 3,000 words for the price of a fancy latte. Charge too much, and potential clients vanish like they’ve seen a ghost.

Figuring out what to charge as a freelance writer isn’t just about picking a number out of thin air—it’s about balancing competitive rates with sustainable income. Too many newbies set their prices based on what sounds reasonable rather than what actually covers their bills (spoiler: $0.05 per word isn’t it).

Freelance writing isn’t just writing—it’s running a business. And if your rates don’t reflect that, you won’t be running one for long.

Understanding industry standards: what do freelancers charge?

How much should you charge as a freelance writer? That depends on factors like experience level, content type, and client budget. The industry is vast—some writers make pennies per word, while others command premium rates for specialized freelance writing jobs.

So, what do freelance writing services typically cost? Here’s a breakdown:

• Entry-level writers (0-2 years of experience) often start at $0.05-$0.15 per word or $75-$225 per 1,500-word blog post on platforms like Upwork.

• Mid-level writers (3-5 years) tend to charge $0.20-$0.50 per word for content writing, SaaS articles, and ghostwriting.

• Experienced writers (5+ years) often move to flat fees or project-based pricing, earning anywhere from $500 to $2,000 per article—especially for case studies, whitepapers, and landing pages.

The difference? Expertise, niche specialization, and additional services. SEO optimization, formatting, and revisions add value and justify higher pricing. A well-researched 1,500-word article with search engine optimization built in? That’s worth more than a quick, unstructured blog post.

Bottom line: Your rates should reflect the time, skill, and strategy you bring to the table. The goal isn’t just to make money—it’s to build a sustainable career where you charge clients fairly while ensuring your work is valued.

Pricing models: Which one works best for you?

When it comes to setting freelance writing rates, there’s no one-size-fits-all model. The best pricing structure depends on the type of work you do, how you prefer to manage projects, and what makes the most sense for your business. Here’s a breakdown of the most common pricing models—along with when (and when not) to use them.

1. Per word rates

Great for blog writing, SEO content, and news articles, per-word pricing is one of the most common structures for freelance writer rates.

• Rates vary based on niche, experience level, and complexity—technical writing and SaaS content command higher rates than general lifestyle pieces.

• Some writers set different rates for specialized content (e.g., $0.25/word for general blog posts, $1/word for high-research articles).

• Ideal for writers who can estimate word count easily—but beware of projects that drag on forever without increasing your pay.

2. Per hour rates

Charging per hour works well for projects that require flexibility, such as consulting, editing, or long-term collaborations.

• Helps account for client communication, research, and revision time.

• Works well when the number of hours spent on a project is hard to predict upfront.

• Can be tricky—clients sometimes prefer fixed pricing to avoid surprises.

3. Per project pricing

A flat rate for an entire project ensures you get paid for the value of your work, not just word count.

• Best for case studies, white papers, ghostwriting, and complex writing assignments.

• Allows you to factor in research, formatting, revisions, and industry standards.

• Can be more profitable than per-word pricing—if you set the project rate correctly.

4. Retainer agreements

Want consistent writing gigs and predictable income? Retainer agreements are the dream.

• Clients pay a set fee upfront for a certain number of deliverables per month (e.g., four blog posts, weekly social media posts, or ongoing content marketing).

• Works best for long-term clients who need regular content and value convenience.

• Keeps cash flow steady—but make sure you structure agreements carefully to avoid scope creep.

Each pricing model has its pros and cons, and many writers use a mix of these strategies depending on the project. The key? Choose a structure that keeps your income steady without undervaluing your work.

Key factors that impact your rates

Figuring out how much to charge as a freelance writer isn’t just about slapping a price tag on your work and hoping for the best. Average rates vary wildly depending on skill, type of writing, and whether the project requires a few Google searches or a full-blown investigative deep dive. Here’s what actually determines how much you should be earning:

1. Experience and writing skills

Seasoned writers don’t just write faster—they write better. That means fewer revisions, stronger storytelling, and the ability to turn a vague client brief into something that actually makes sense. And that? Is worth paying for.

• Beginners often start around $0.05–$0.10 per word.

• Experienced content writers charge $0.25–$1+ per word, depending on their niche.

• Specialized expertise (think medical, legal, or SaaS writing) pushes rates even higher.

2. The type of writing you do

A 2,000-word blog post and a 2,000-word sales page might have the same word count, but they’re priced worlds apart. Why? Because different writing styles require different skill sets—and clients are willing to pay more for content that directly impacts their bottom line.

• Blog writing ($0.10–$0.50/word) focuses on information and SEO.
• Copywriting ($100–$1,000+ per page) is high-stakes and conversion-driven.
• Technical writing and white papers demand research-heavy precision.
• Ghostwriting means selling your words—and credit—so it comes with a premium.

3. How you position yourself in the market

Are you a content writer who takes whatever gigs come along, or a specialist with a clear niche and premium rates? Your pricing is as much about perception as it is about skill.

• Writers who establish themselves as experts in a field attract higher-paying clients.

• Writers who compete solely on price often find themselves overworked and underpaid.

4. Formatting, research, and project scope

Not all writing projects are just words on a page. If a piece requires SEO optimization, meticulous formatting, or in-depth research, your rate should reflect that.

• Extensive research? Charge more.
• Formatting, internal linking, and structuring? Factor that in.
• Revisions included? Set limits, or you’ll be rewriting forever.

How to calculate a sustainable rate

Freelance writing isn’t just about getting paid—it’s about getting paid enough. Enough to cover your expenses, build a sustainable income, and not panic every time an invoice is a day late.

A solid way to set your minimum rate is with this simple formula:

(Target Annual Income + Expenses + Taxes) ÷ Billable Hours = Minimum Rate per Hour

This isn’t just about what sounds fair—it’s about making sure your freelance business actually works. Your rates should factor in:

• Business costs (software, website hosting, coffee—lots of coffee).

• Self-employment taxes (because freelance income doesn’t come with automatic deductions).

• Marketing expenses (if you want consistent work, you have to attract clients).

Rates should also reflect your experience level and specialization. Freelance copywriters in high-value writing niches like finance, SaaS, or legal writing charge premium rates because expertise matters.

And if you’re comparing freelance writing to a full-time salary, remember: you’re not getting benefits, PTO, or employer-covered pensions—so your rates should be high enough to compensate for that.

This is about more than covering rent. It’s about charging what you’re worth and making a freelance career that actually lasts.

How to communicate rates

Pricing your work is one thing—getting clients to accept it without hesitation is another.

The key? Confidence. If you hesitate, apologize, or throw in “but I’m flexible!” at the end of your rate quote, clients will sense it. You set the rates. Not them.

When a potential client pushes back with, “Can you lower your rates?” don’t panic. Instead:

• Reaffirm your value. “I specialize in high-quality content that drives results. My rates reflect the expertise and time that goes into delivering that.”

• Reframe the conversation. Instead of negotiating down, adjust the scope: “If your budget is tight, we can scale back the word count or reduce the number of revisions.”

• Know when to walk away. If a client wants premium work at bargain prices, they’re not your client.

Clients don’t just pay for words on a page. They pay for expertise, clarity, storytelling, SEO knowledge, research skills, and a seamless process.

And here’s something writers often overlook: Your social media presence influences your perceived value. A writer with an active LinkedIn, a strong portfolio, and clear expertise will command higher rates than someone invisible online. Clients Google you. Make sure what they find backs up your pricing.

At the end of the day, high-quality content isn’t a cost—it’s an investment. The right clients will understand that.

Raising your rates: when and how

At some point, you’ll realize you’re doing $500 work for $200 pay. That’s your cue—it’s time to raise your rates.

Signs you’ve outgrown your current rates:

• You’re fully booked but still not hitting your income goals.
• Clients accept your rates too quickly—a sign you could be charging more.
• You’ve leveled up—more experience, better writing, stronger results.
• You resent the work because you know you’re undercharging.

How to raise rates without losing business

For new clients: This is easy—just start quoting higher rates. No apologies. No disclaimers.

For existing clients:

• Give advance notice. A simple, confident message like: “Starting next month, my rates will be increasing to reflect my experience and the value I provide. Let me know if you’d like to continue working together at the new rate!”

• Position it as a positive change. You’re in demand, you’re growing, and your work delivers results.

• Offer a transition period for loyal clients. (Example: “I’d love to offer you my current rate for one more month before the increase.”)

Raising rates by type of content

• SEO content and case studies: Focus on results—higher rankings, more leads, better engagement.

• Social media content: Position yourself as a strategic content creator, not just a writer.

• Long-form articles and whitepapers: Charge for research, depth, and authority.

The biggest mistake? Waiting too long. If you’ve been thinking about raising your rates, you probably should have done it months ago.

Charge what you’re worth

Pricing your work isn’t about guessing—it’s about knowing your value and sticking to it. The best freelance writers don’t just set rates; they set boundaries. Your time, skill, and experience deserve fair pay, and the right clients will respect that.

Need help fine-tuning your pricing, landing better clients, or just having a supportive community of writers who get it? Join Wordling Plus, where we talk shop, swap strategies, and help each other grow thriving freelance careers. Click here to check it out—because charging what you’re worth is easier when you’ve got a whole community backing you up.