What to charge per hour for freelance graphic design?

Question

I've been asked recently about my hourly rates for doing design and production work and I am not sure what to charge. I had charged $25/hr for doing some work for a friend of mine, but I hear that may be low for a regular rate. The rates that were suggested were $50/hr for design and $35/hr for production. Any other suggestions or does that sound about right. I have about 2 years experience and I am from the San Francisco bay area.

Answer 1

It's good that you mentioned your location and number of years experience. Also factor in your educational level, and find out what other designers in your area a are charging.

$25 is a good base for production work and basic design. $50 is a good base for in-depth design work. If there is a strong technical factor, like motion graphics or complex web work, go a little higher.