Freelance Writer Rate Calculator (Hourly & Per Word)
Per word, per hour or per project — this calculator converts between all three so you can quote whichever way the client asks and still hit the income you need.
Calculate my rate →How the freelance writer rate calculator works
Built specifically for freelance writer rates (hourly & per word). Every multiplier is tuned to real 2026 benchmarks.
Work across more than one discipline? Compare your number against the web developer hourly rate calculator, freelance mobile app developer hourly rate calculator and the ui ux designer hourly rate calculator.
- ✓Benchmarks for blog, SEO, copywriting, technical writing and ghostwriting
- ✓Toggle between per-word, hourly and per-project quotes
- ✓Live income projection for full-time freelance writers
- ✓Adjusts for platform fees and client country
Freelance writing rate questions, answered
What is a good per-word rate for freelance writing in 2026?+
Entry-level blog writers earn $0.10–$0.25 per word. SEO writers with published case studies charge $0.30–$0.80, and B2B, SaaS and ghostwriting specialists bill $1–$3 per word.
Should I charge per word or per hour as a writer?+
Per word for anything under about 2,000 words — you get paid for output rather than speed. Switch to hourly or a day rate for research-heavy, technical or ghostwriting work where the words are the small part.
How much should I charge for a 1,000-word blog post?+
At mid-level rates that's $300–$800 including research, an outline and one revision. Under $150 for 1,000 researched words is rarely sustainable once you count the unbilled hours.
How do I price SEO writing versus regular blog writing?+
SEO writing adds keyword research, search intent mapping and internal linking, which justifies a 30–60% premium. Price the strategy, not just the draft.
What should ghostwriters charge?+
Ghostwriting carries a 50–150% premium over bylined work because you give up the portfolio credit. Long-form ghostwriting for executives commonly runs $1.50–$3 per word.