Freelance Copywriter Rate Calculator
Calculate competitive rates for freelance copywriting and content writing. Compare per-word, per-project, and hourly pricing across different content types — from blog posts to sales pages.
Calculate Your Rate
Recommended project price (1,500 words)
$120 — $600
Midpoint: $225 | Blog Posts/Articles
Rates by Content Type
| Content Type | Per Word | Hourly | Typical Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blog Posts/Articles | $0.08-$0.4 | $40-$150/hr | $150-$800 |
| Landing Page Copy | $0.15-$0.75 | $60-$200/hr | $500-$3,000 |
| Email Sequences | $0.1-$0.5 | $50-$175/hr | $500-$2,500 |
| Social Media Copy | $0.1-$0.5 | $35-$125/hr | $500-$2,000/month |
| Technical Writing | $0.1-$0.6 | $55-$200/hr | $750-$5,000 |
| SEO Content | $0.08-$0.45 | $45-$150/hr | $200-$1,000 |
| Sales/Direct Response Copy | $0.2-$1.5 | $75-$300/hr | $2,000-$15,000+ |
US market rates for mid-level copywriters. Specialized niches (finance, medical, legal) command 25-50% premiums.
Which Pricing Model Should You Use?
Per Word
Best for: Blog posts, articles, long-form content. Transparent for clients. Downside: Penalizes concise writing.
Per Project
Best for: Defined deliverables (landing pages, email sequences). Rewards speed. Downside: Scope creep risk without clear contracts.
Hourly
Best for: Retainers, unclear scope, ongoing work. Fair for both sides. Downside: Caps earning potential as you get faster.
Monthly Income Scenarios
| Scenario | Volume | Rate | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blog writer (entry) | 20 posts x 1,000 words | $0.10/word | $2,000 |
| Content writer (mid) | 12 posts x 1,500 words | $0.20/word | $3,600 |
| Copywriter (experienced) | 8 projects | $750/project avg | $6,000 |
| Conversion copywriter | 3-4 landing pages | $2,000/page | $7,000 |
| Sales copywriter (senior) | 2 sales pages + emails | $5,000/project | $10,000+ |
How to Set Your Copywriting Rates
Copywriting rates vary dramatically based on the type of content, your experience, and the value you deliver. Here's how to position your pricing:
- Content writing vs. copywriting — Content writing (blog posts, articles) typically pays $0.08-$0.40/word. Conversion copywriting (sales pages, emails) pays $0.20-$1.50/word because it directly drives revenue.
- Niche expertise commands premiums — Writers who understand finance, healthcare, SaaS, or legal topics earn 25-50% more than generalists because their content requires less client-side editing and review.
- Speed improves with experience — A senior copywriter may write 800 words/hour while a junior writes 300. This means per-word pricing rewards experienced writers who have internalized best practices.
- Value-based pricing — If your sales page generates $100K in revenue, charging $5,000 is a steal for the client. Always try to tie your pricing to business outcomes when possible.
Copywriter Rates by Content Type
Blog posts/articles ($0.08-$0.40/word) — The bread and butter of content writing. Higher rates for researched, data-driven content vs. listicles. SEO expertise adds value.
Landing pages ($500-$3,000 per page) — Conversion copywriting that requires understanding of user psychology, objection handling, and CTA optimization. Price per page, not per word.
Email sequences ($100-$500 per email) — Welcome sequences, nurture campaigns, and sales emails. Pricing per email or per sequence. Proven email copywriters charge $500+ per email.
Sales/direct response ($2,000-$15,000+) — The highest-paid writing specialization. Long-form sales pages, VSL scripts, and direct mail. Often includes royalty arrangements on top of flat fees.
Technical writing ($0.10-$0.60/word) — Documentation, white papers, and case studies. Requires subject-matter expertise and clear communication of complex topics.
How to Move from $0.10/word to $0.50+/word
- Pick a niche— "SaaS copywriter" earns 3-5x more than "freelance writer". Deep expertise lets you write faster and produce better results.
- Show results — Track conversions, traffic growth, and revenue impact. A portfolio of results beats a portfolio of writing samples.
- Move up the content ladder — Blog posts pay less than landing pages, which pay less than sales pages. Develop conversion skills progressively.
- Work with bigger clients — Enterprise companies pay 2-5x more than small businesses for the same deliverable. Build case studies to access enterprise budgets.
- Switch to project pricing — Per-word pricing caps your income. Project pricing lets you charge based on value and earn more as you get faster.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do freelance copywriters charge per word?
Freelance copywriters charge $0.08-$1.50 per word depending on content type and experience. Blog posts average $0.10-$0.30/word, while sales copy and landing pages range from $0.25-$1.00+/word. Specialized niches (medical, legal, finance) command 25-50% premiums.
How much should I charge for a 1,000-word blog post?
A 1,000-word blog post typically costs $100-$400 from a mid-level freelance writer. Entry-level writers charge $50-$100, while experienced writers with SEO expertise or niche knowledge charge $300-$800. The price reflects research depth, originality, and optimization requirements.
Is per-word or per-project pricing better for copywriters?
Per-project pricing is generally better for experienced copywriters because it rewards efficiency and allows value-based pricing. Per-word works well for straightforward content (blog posts, articles) where scope is clear. Avoid per-word for conversion copy — a 200-word email that drives $50K in sales shouldn't cost $60.
How much do landing page copywriters charge?
Landing page copywriters typically charge $500-$3,000 per page. Junior copywriters start at $300-$500, mid-level at $750-$1,500, and conversion specialists with proven track records charge $2,000-$5,000+. Pricing should reflect the potential revenue the page will generate.
How can I increase my copywriting rates?
Specialize in a profitable niche (SaaS, finance, health), build a portfolio showing measurable results (conversions, traffic, revenue), move from content writing to conversion copywriting, target larger clients with bigger budgets, and raise rates for every new client while maintaining existing agreements.