I am doing Graphic Design for my employer and want to know how much an independent designer would charge

Question

OK, I tool this job as an "Office Secretary" and part of my job is do layout a 44 page magazine quarterly. Due to the nature of this work, i would like to find out how much an independent designer would charge for something like this so I can use the information to try to get a pay increase. What does the normal graphic designer charge for something like this?

Answer 1

average in the US is $44,526

Answer 2

If designing this quarterly magazine was part of the job description when you accepted the position, I don't think you'll have much luck re-negotiating your hourly rate. I could be wrong, but it sounds like they set out to exploit you as a cost saving measure.

If they were to hire a graphic designer to handle this task, I would say it'd cost them $12-15 an hour, entry level. If they were to outsource, to an independent designer as you mentioned, the rate will likely be upwards of $25 an hour depending on your local market.

Answer 3

Pay rates range quite a bit depending on location and type of graphic design work. I have worked full time for the past 15 years but when I did freelance over 15 years ago I got between 20 and 50 dollars an hour depending on the type of work. Remember this was 15 years ago. Layout tends to be at the lower end of the scale. To check current rates call a couple of local design firms and get a ballpark figure from them on the size and kind of project that you are doing. Make up a name call on your own time so you do not get in trouble at your present work. If you pretend to be a possible customer they will be very helpful.

I think it sounds like you deserve a raise, do the research and make your case for one, good luck