Should I Charge Hourly or by Project? Here’s How to Decide
One of the biggest questions creatives face—especially in the early stages—is how to price their work. Do you charge hourly, so you're paid for every moment of your time? Or do you quote a flat rate per project, trusting it’ll all even out?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are patterns. Below is a breakdown of both models, when to use them, and how to make a choice that serves your workflow, your value, and your peace of mind.
Hourly Rates: When Time Really Is Money
Charging by the hour can be helpful when:
The scope is unclear or likely to change
The client keeps asking for edits
You're offering open-ended services like consulting or training
You're dealing with clients who understand time = value
Pros
You’re compensated for every minute you spend
Helps you track how long tasks really take
Transparent and easy to explain
Cons
Can discourage clients from calling or collaborating
Puts a cap on your income (your time is limited)
Doesn’t always reflect the value of your work—just the time
Project-Based Pricing: When Value Speaks Louder Than Time
Charging by the project is great when:
The scope is clearly defined
You’re confident in your process
You want to reward efficiency
You’re creating something with long-term value (a commercial, a short film, branded content, etc.)
Pros
Clients love knowing the total up front
You can earn more by working smarter and faster
Focus stays on outcomes, not just hours
Cons
You take on the risk if the project expands
Requires tight boundaries and clear contracts
Can lead to burnout if you underquote
How to Decide Which One Works for You
Ask yourself:
Do I know how long this will take me, realistically?
Am I comfortable setting and holding scope boundaries?
Is this client likely to nickel-and-dime every revision?
Do I want to prioritize flexibility or predictability?
If you're just starting out or working with unpredictable clients, hourly might protect your time better. But if you’ve built a streamlined process and understand your value, project-based pricing can reward your efficiency.
Pro Tip: Hybrid Models Exist
Some creatives charge a flat rate for the main project plus an hourly rate for any work beyond the agreed scope. Others charge by project but set milestones or deliverables that break the work into manageable stages. Don’t be afraid to customize your structure.
Bottom Line
Your pricing model should reflect your worth, not just your time. Whichever route you choose, be clear, be confident, and communicate everything up front. Pricing is part of your creative integrity—and protecting it protects your energy, your excellence, and your future work.
