How Much Should I Charge for Graphic Design?
Freelance designers usually quote per project, based on the hours they expect to spend. A logo takes research, sketches, several concepts, revisions and final files, so it takes far longer than it looks. Count every step, not only the time in the design software.
Reference Rates: Graphic Design
Based on a reference of $75 an hour for graphic design at an intermediate level, in a state with average living costs. These are starting points, before materials, travel and card fees.
| Experience | Per hour | Logo (10 h) | Social media pack (4 h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Just Starting less than 1 year | $52.50 | $530 | $210 |
| Intermediate 1 to 3 years | $75 | $750 | $300 |
| Experienced 3 to 8 years | $101.25 | $1,050 | $410 |
| Expert top of your field | $135 | $1,350 | $540 |
By State (Intermediate Level)
| State | Per hour | Logo (10 h) | Social media pack (4 h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $84 | $850 | $340 |
| New York | $81 | $810 | $330 |
| Texas | $72.75 | $730 | $300 |
| Florida | $76.50 | $770 | $310 |
| Illinois | $75 | $750 | $300 |
| Pennsylvania | $72 | $720 | $290 |
| Ohio | $67.50 | $680 | $270 |
| Georgia | $70.50 | $710 | $290 |
Working in a big city or its metro area, add about 8%. For your exact case, including any other state, use the calculator above.
Price the Project, Not the Hours
Clients compare prices per project, so estimate your hours and turn them into one number. Include the brief, research, concepts, revisions, file exports and emails. If a project usually takes you 10 hours, that is your starting point.
Limit revisions in the quote, for example "2 rounds of revisions included". Extra rounds are charged by the hour.
Usage and Bigger Clients
A logo for a local bakery and a logo for a national brand are not the same job, even if they take the same time. The bigger the client and the wider the use, the higher the price. Use the "Premium Price" option for those projects.
What's Usually Included
- Brief and research
- Initial concepts
- A set number of revision rounds
- Final files in the agreed formats
What to Charge Extra For
- Extra revision rounds
- Brand guidelines
- Stock photos and paid fonts
- Printing
- Rush delivery
Common Pricing Mistakes
- Unlimited revisions
- Starting work without a deposit
- Not counting emails and meetings
- Charging a big brand the same as a small shop
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge for a logo?
Estimate the full process (often 8 to 20 hours for a simple logo) and multiply by your hourly rate. The table above shows examples for a 10-hour logo.
Should I ask for a deposit?
Yes. Asking for 50% up front is common and protects you if the client disappears.
Hourly or flat fee?
Flat fees are easier for clients. Use your hourly rate to calculate the fee, and charge hourly only for extra work outside the scope.