Hey freelance designer! Are you looking to increase your rates or are you just starting out?
I know it can feel like everyone is giving you different advice, and some employers really undervalue graphic design work.
It's frustrating. 😬 And I'm with you 100%.
This article is all about the real freelance designer rates that you deserve and expect in 2025.
We'll look at data, freelance platforms, and even discussions on Reddit to get the full picture.
Ready to dive in? Let's go!
Freelance designer rates on freelance platforms
This is the first pit stop for freelance designers.
Maybe it’s even where you kicked off your freelancing journey or where you’re about to.
Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com… you name it. And of course, there are design-only sites like Behance, Contra, and Dribbble.
I’ll break down the rates across these platforms so you don’t have to dig around yourself.
Freelance graphic designer rates on Upwork usually sit around $15–$35 an hour. Sounds low? Yep, welcome to the freelance marketplaces reality. But don’t stress, rates in the “real world” look better.
✍🏻 Please note: These numbers reflect what’s considered “normal” on freelance platforms, not necessarily your true value.
Now, let’s check out Freelancer.com.
According to their own sources, they tell clients:
“You can hire freelance designers on Freelancer.com for anywhere between $5–$100.”
So yes, technically, rates can go up to $100. But that’s rare. And $5 as a starting point? Way too low. Chances are, you’ll need to take on some cheaper gigs at the beginning just to build up your profile.
Here’s a quick Upwork vs. Freelancer.com breakdown:
👉🏻 Upwork tends to pay higher.
That’s because it attracts more corporate clients and long-term projects. Typical rates range from $15–$50/hr, and strong portfolios can push $70+.
👉🏻 Freelancer.com leans lower.
Jobs here are way more price-driven. Many clients simply look for “who can do it cheapest.” That means rates often sit between $5–$20/hr, with $100 gigs being rare.
And don’t forget the contest system. Designers compete heavily for small-budget projects. Great for practice, maybe, but not exactly the recipe for a comfortable income.
On platforms like Dribbble, Contra, and Behance, it’s tough to pin down an “average rate.” These sites mainly act as portfolios and showcases for designers. Sure, some have job boards or project offers, but pricing doesn’t follow any fixed system.
But I can say freelancers here actually earn more, and platform fees play a part in that. Designers who want more take-home pay often raise rates, which can make getting clients tougher.
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Freelance designer rates based on experience
Your rates grow with your experience; it’s that simple. If you’re just starting out, yeah, you’ll earn less, and that’s totally fine. But don’t ever sell your skills for just a few bucks.
Here’s a universal breakdown of freelance designer rates by experience:
- Junior (0–2 yrs): $20–$35/hr
- Mid (2–5 yrs): $35–$60/hr
- Senior (5+ yrs): $60–$150+/hr
Now let’s talk UI/UX design rates. A niche within design that usually pays a bit better (and yeah, kinda envy-inducing 😅):
- Junior (<2 yrs): $30–$60/hr
- Mid (2–5 yrs): $60–$100/hr
- Senior (5+ yrs): $100–$200+/hr
If you’re in the US, UK, or Switzerland, these numbers line up pretty well. If you’re in places like India or the Philippines, rates tend to be lower.
But here’s the key: geography shouldn’t be your excuse for charging way less.
You’ll see why in a second. 👇🏻
Freelance designer rates by country
How much you earn also depends on where you are.
No surprise here:
Countries like the US, UK, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Germany pay way more.
Why? Because the digital economy thrives there, and living costs are sky-high. If expenses are higher, charging higher rates isn’t just normal, because it’s your right.
Checking ZipRecruiter, freelance graphic designers in Alaska, USA pull an average of $43.10/hr. Rates across the US are pretty similar.
According to Payscale, the UK average sits at £20.05/hr (~$27 USD). Kinda low for UK standards, but remember, that’s just an average.
Switzerland is a different story. Average rates hit 50 CHF/hr (~$62 USD), and some UK-based sources report 70–150 CHF/hr. Either way, Switzerland is solid for graphic designers.
For Germany and the Netherlands,
Payscale says:
- Germany: €28.50/hr
- Netherlands: €26.00/hr
So, lowest rates?
Think Pakistan, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and some Middle Eastern countries:
- Pakistan, India: $5–$10/hr
- Indonesia, Philippines: $3–$5/hr
- Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt: $5–$10/hr
Whether you’re in the US or Indonesia, do you have to work for low rates?
Nope, especially if you’re a freelancer. Don’t fall into that trap! 🚫
What real freelance designers actually charge?
Listening to real freelancers is the best way to get closer to the truth.
So I went digging through forums like Reddit to find out:
How much are freelancers really making, and what’s the ceiling?
Honestly, most designers know their worth. I didn’t see many working for peanuts. In fact, a lot of freelancers were telling each other, “You’re charging too little. Ask for more.”
Example: one UK-based designer posted,
- “My day rate is £270. An accountant suggested I raise my rates. What do you guys charge?”
Someone replied:
- “£500 a day, mate. With your experience, you’re selling yourself short.”
If you want to dive deeper, you can click here and read the full thread (especially useful if you’re a UK designer 👀).
It was refreshing to see so many freelancers standing their ground. Across different Reddit threads, lots of designers agreed: working for under $50/hr when you’re experienced is a big mistake.
Now, let’s shift gears and look at rates in countries where freelance pay tends to run lower.
A Reddit user shared that the average rate in their country is $15/hr, and asked fellow freelancers how their rates compared.
One freelancer replied:
See what I mean? That’s the magic of getting advice straight from real people.
Even in a place where minimum wage is $15/hr, landing US-style gigs at $75/hr might feel like a stretch. But it’s not out of reach.
Here are some of the actual niches, experience levels, and rates designers dropped in that thread:
- Social Media Design (mid-level): $40–$50/hr
- Branding & Motion Graphics (senior, teaches at uni): $135–$150/hr
- Web 50% / Print 45% (20+ yrs exp, studio partner): $100–$125/hr
- Product & Packaging (Australia, senior): 90–120 AUD/hr
- Illustration (new grad): $45–$50/hr (projects $2k–$6k)
- Project-based (15 yrs exp): $600/day (~$75/hr)
The takeaway? Your niche + experience instantly boost your earning power.
📌 Quick highlights from the thread:
- Most seasoned freelancers sit around $100–$150/hr.
- Beginners usually charge $40–$60/hr.
- Project-based work often raises your effective hourly rate.
- Location plays a role (US > Canada > Australia > UK).
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FAQ
1. How much to charge a freelance designer?
Freelance designer rates vary widely: beginners charge $20–$35/hr, mid-level $35–$60/hr, while senior designers earn $60–$150+/hr depending on niche, experience, and location.
2. How do I price myself as a freelance designer?
Price yourself by considering your experience, niche, cost of living, and market demand. Use calculators like Ruul’s to find sustainable hourly rates that reflect true value.
3. What is a good hourly rate for designers?
A good hourly rate depends on skill level. Experienced designers typically charge $100–$150/hr, while beginners start around $40–$60/hr. Rates increase with specialization and portfolio strength.
4. What is a good freelance hourly rate?
A strong freelance hourly rate usually sits between $50–$100/hr. Junior freelancers may earn less, but seasoned specialists often charge $100–$200/hr, especially in UI/UX or branding.
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