What's a typical hourly rate for freelance public relations?

September 26, 2007 1:03 PM

What is a typical hourly rate for freelance public relations work? I've done lots of freelance writing, but little freelance p.r., and am considering bidding for a project that requires one to specify an hourly rate. This is in the Minneapolis area.

The ad in question is here. Since it could be a 40 hour a week job, should I just break down my hourly wage from my last p.r. job (one I worked at for six years) and use that number?

posted by jeffmshaw to work & money (6 comments total)

$25 to $35 per hour. Maybe as low as $20 or $22 if you want to outbid folks.
posted by mattbucher at 1:28 PM on September 26, 2007

You typically want to bill 2 to 3 times what you'd make per hour in a salaried position. See my profile for a link to an article I wrote on how to calculate an hourly rate for consulting/freelancing. I recommend calculating it a few different ways, so that you have points of comparison.

I disagree with Mattbucher's rate. I was charging more than that 10 years ago when I was just out of college. However, since you're looking at getting a bulk number of hours (e.g. 40), you won't have the same admin and marketing overhead/effort as someone who is managing several clients. Still, even $35 an hour is a bargain. Do not compete on price.
posted by acoutu at 1:42 PM on September 26, 2007

I'm sure you can find someone who charges $150 per hour and someone who charges $15. I didn't mean my datapoint to be a mandate. I would bet that putting $50 to $60 per hour on an application like this will put you right out of the running. You'd be better off charging a flat rate.
posted by mattbucher at 1:49 PM on September 26, 2007

Well, the problem is that, although they're asking for someone to work on a project basis, they want to know the hourly rate. I agree that an hourly rate is distracting. I usually quote by the project, which is much more meaningful. This is never more clear to me than when I hire a subcontractor and they quote a much lower rate than I charge -- but estimate 3x the hours.
posted by acoutu at 2:21 PM on September 26, 2007

Well, figure out your standard project quote, guestimate how many hours it will take you to do the project, then divide the project quote by the number of hours.
posted by klangklangston at 2:38 PM on September 26, 2007

I wouldn't touch it for less than $75 per hour. Your other option is a per project rate. That's an especially good approach for 1st times out with a client -- it gives them a sense of security and you have a guarantee -- that will work if you have estimated properly. Many variations -- but don't undersell yourself. They will be paying agencies $150+ per hour plus mark-ups on external services. Pick a fair rate and then let all production-related expenses be billed directly to them Saves you bookkeeping hassles and once again provides reassurance to the client.
posted by peace_love_hope at 4:17 PM on September 26, 2007