How Much to Charge as A Freelance UX Writer

A UX (user experience) writer creates text for user features on websites, mobile apps, and other digital interfaces, bridging the gap between copywriting and UX designing. They craft clear textual guidance (also known as microcopy) for the user. UX writing is a type of technical writing, and many UX writers are former or current copywriters with a UX specialization.

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In order to be effective, microcopy must understand and predict how a user will navigate a site or an app, and it must consistently represent the brand voice. In exchange for the required nuance and specialization, UX writing pays well in-house and on a freelance basis.

Average Hourly Rates for Freelance UX Writers

UX writing is a field where freelancers can out-earn salaried employees. The national average hourly rate across all experience levels is $58, with rates starting as low as $30 and increasing as high as $95. Writers beginning with zero experience or contacts may need to start on the lower end of the range, but with time and experience, some elite UX writers charge up to $200 per hour.

Hourly billing is a logical starting point for new freelancers. It teaches how to estimate time, an important skill to bring when graduating to higher-level jobs. It also provides a safety net, ensuring pay for time spent working. With more experience, however, hourly billing can become limiting, and many advanced UX writers shift to per-project, weekly, or value-based billing structures.  

Project-Based UX Writing Rates 

UX writing generally has a meager word count, so it isn’t easy to extrapolate rates from word counts like other longer forms of copy. When writing user-focused microcopy for digital interface elements like navigation buttons, calls to action, and product descriptions, the labor, and skill lie in creating effective communication with as few words as possible.

Often, a UX writer is also responsible for creating a brand or product’s style guide, which will set the tone of the brand voice across different types of content. By billing per project, writers are effectively on retainer for the scope of a project. This structure frees them to charge according to the value they bring.

To charge per project, start by estimating the time the project will take to complete and multiply that number by an hourly rate. The result is the minimum per-project fee, the lowest amount a job is worth doing. Then, assess the client’s budget to negotiate a rate that satisfies all parties.  

Rates By Experience 

Beginning UX writing work involves more granular tasks like crafting microcopy for buttons and writing product descriptions. A more senior UX writer creates the client’s style guide, ensuring the copy “speaks” in the tone of the brand’s voice. 

There are three generally accepted “tiers” of mastery (and fees) in UX writing: beginning, intermediate, and experienced. 

Beginning UX Writer 

Charging around $40 per hour is the industry standard for beginning freelancers. Rates can increase quickly with experience, so don’t be afraid to consider raising them slightly every few months or with every new job. 

Intermediate UX Writer 

After several years of consistent work, charging at least $50-$60 per hour keeps up with the national average. This is a good point in a career to consider a specialty niche. Specialization can set a writer up for top-end billing as a senior UX writer.

Experienced UX Writer

With a critical mass of experience – either in years or jobs – rates can increase to $85 or more an hour. Some outliers charge much more. A good customer service strategy is to grandfather existing clients at their initial rates with annual cost-of-living increases (at most) while increasing the ceiling for new business.  

Factors that May Affect Rates 

An effective way to reach the upper echelon of UX freelance writers is to develop a niche specialty. Another is to seek advanced technical knowledge, like coding, to help interface better with UX teams. Unique and specific skill sets are more valuable – and therefore in demand – than general skills.

As with all types of freelance work, context and location will affect the rate. Working for a global brand out of Seattle or Palo Alto will undoubtedly pay more than working for a small startup – but the strategy is vital because some clients can bring value beyond how much they can pay. Always consider the potential for repeat business, expansion of scope and budget, and referrals.  

Tips for Setting a Price 

UX writers have particular and valuable skills. They set the tone for how users experience a brand or product. Ugly websites and apps lacking intuitive navigation are frustrating, no matter how great the product is. High-quality UX design and writing prevent these frustrations from happening.

How to Know if a Rate is Too Low 

Too much work can feel like a success, but it is actually one of the most vital indicators of undervaluing oneself. On the macro level, working consistently and earning less than $73k annually means rates are likely too low. If an hourly rate is significantly below the average hourly rates detailed above, it might be time to reevaluate. 

How to Know if a Rate is Too High 

If a strong portfolio and track record result in a lack of work, writers must reconsider rates. Client pushback on rates and lack of repeat business from otherwise-satisfied clients are other obvious signs that pricing might be too high. Reaching financial goals is a good sign, but slow business is not.  

How to Negotiate With a Client 

Negotiating for a higher rate can sometimes feel dicey. There’s a risk of losing the client altogether. Not negotiating is effectively lowering a rate over time. Part of the art of negotiation is understanding market rates and accurately assessing value.

Rates should keep pace with increasing experience, skill level, efficiency, and cost of living. Building a yearly renegotiation into client relationships is a great way to approach this from the start. Let new clients know in their initial contracts that business practices include an annual rate review.  

Valuable Work for Complex Thinkers

A UX writer must constantly consider the behaviors and emotions of a hypothetical user, the technical capacities and limitations of the digital interface, and the goals and priorities of the brand or product. It’s complicated, exciting work and is generally understood to be a well-compensated service. You can make a great living as a freelance UX writer, one piece of microcopy at a time.