This tool was developed specifically to help writers figure out the bare minimum they need to charge to get by (the advanced version at least). We’ve had many writers visit this site over the years with no clue how to figure out those minimums. They end up working for ridiculously low paying clients, because they don’t understand that billable and working hours both need to be considered. And they don’t think about things like retirement savings and the need for time off. This advanced calculator is for those writers, and they’re very much encouraged to charge above that when their qualifications and market conditions allow for it.

The basic version of this calculator is more for the experienced writer who already knows what they want to earn each year regardless of minimums needed. They can enter their target salary and other info to figure out what they need to charge for each billable hour to reach that goal. And they can then use that figure to help them set or adjust per word or per project rates.

We commonly reference this calculator as a starting point when figuring out rates — not necessarily the entire process. Writers can certainly look at things like the WD survey as well to find out where their calculations here fall within the survey results. But surveys have their downsides too as they often don’t take individual circumstances and regional market considerations into account. And over the years I’ve found that many newbies find the sometimes-drastic range variations there frustrating because they aren’t sure where they should fall. Using both types of tools would be much better in addition to individual research into more targeted competition. We certainly don’t think most freelance writers need to stop with the calculator.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Jenn