So you finally got a freelance client interested, and they hit you with the classic question:
“Do you charge hourly or fixed rate?”
Cue the mini panic.
If you’re new to freelancing, choosing between hourly or fixed pricing can be super confusing. People online are always arguing about which one is better, and honestly, both have their good and bad sides.
Let’s figure out what actually works better for you and your clients.
What Is Hourly Pricing?
Hourly pricing means you charge based on the amount of time you work. You track how many hours you spend on a project, and the client pays you for each hour.
Example:
You charge $25 per hour. If the project takes you 10 hours, you get $250.
Pros of Hourly Pricing
- You get paid for all the time you work
- Great for projects where the scope keeps changing
- Super flexible if the client adds more work
- Clients feel like they’re paying for exactly what they get
Cons of Hourly Pricing
- You’re trading time for money so your income is capped
- Clients might ask for constant updates or micromanage your time
- If you work fast, you might earn less
- You have to track and report your hours all the time
What Is Fixed Pricing?
Fixed pricing means you agree on one price for the whole project, no matter how long it takes.
Example:
You offer to design a website for $500. If it takes you 5 hours or 15 hours, you still get $500.
Pros of Fixed Pricing
- You can earn more by working faster and more efficiently
- Clients love knowing the total price before you start
- No need to log your hours or explain how much time something took
- It feels more professional and clean when offering packages
Cons of Fixed Pricing
- If the project takes longer than expected, you lose time
- Clients might try to add extra work without extra pay
- You need to be good at estimating how long projects will take
- There’s more pressure to finish quickly
When Hourly Pricing Works Best
Hourly pricing is a good choice when the project is open-ended or constantly changing. It works well for:
- Virtual assistance or admin work
- Tech tasks like bug fixes
- Long-term support or retainer gigs
- Any project where you’re unsure how long it will take
Hourly helps protect you when things get messy or unpredictable. At least you know you’re getting paid for every hour you spend.
When Fixed Pricing Works Best
Fixed pricing is best when the project has a clear start, middle, and end. It works great for:
- Website design or logo creation
- Writing a set number of blog posts
- Video editing with a clear brief
- Any project where you know exactly what to deliver
Fixed pricing also looks better when sending a proposal. It makes things simple and easy for the client to say yes.
What Do Clients Prefer?
Some clients love hourly pricing because they think it’s more fair. Others prefer fixed pricing because it helps them budget better. A lot of clients are flexible and just want the work done right.
You can always ask what they’re comfortable with, and then explain what makes more sense for the project.
Can You Use Both?
Definitely. A lot of freelancers mix both pricing styles.
For example:
- Use hourly for ongoing support or revisions
- Use fixed for the main project
- Or offer a flat rate with a limit on hours so no one gets surprised
You could also say something like
“My rate is $30 per hour and I estimate this will take around 10 hours.”
That way the client has a ballpark figure but you’re still covered.
So What Works Better?
Honestly, neither is always better. It depends on:
- What kind of project it is
- How experienced you are
- How fast you work
- What the client prefers
If you’re fast and confident, fixed pricing could help you earn more. If you’re unsure how long something will take, hourly keeps things safe.
The main goal is to get paid fairly for your time and effort without making things stressful for you or the client.
Final Thoughts
Don’t overthink it. Try both pricing methods and see what fits your workflow. You’ll get better at choosing the right one with practice.
Remember, it’s not just about how much you charge. It’s about knowing your value and making sure your pricing reflects that.
So go get that bag and price your work like you mean it.
