For informational purposes only. Not financial or career advice. Rates vary by experience and market.
Freelance Copywriter Rates in Austin
Data-driven rate insights to help you price your services confidently.
Entry Level
$50
/hour
Mid-Range
$100
/hour
Expert Level
$200
/hour
Annual Equivalent (40hrs/week)
Entry
$104,000
Mid
$208,000
Expert
$416,000
Based on 2,080 billable hours/year (actual may be 1,500-1,800 after admin, marketing, and time off)
Rates by Experience Level
Core Skills
- Direct response copywriting
- SEO content writing
- Brand voice development
- Email marketing
- Landing page copy
- Ad copywriting
- Content strategy
Premium Skills (+20-50%)
- Conversion rate optimization
- Technical copywriting (SaaS)
- UX writing
- Video scripts
- B2B thought leadership
Top Industries
Typical Clients
Rate Setting Tips
These are general suggestions, not professional advice. Your situation may differ.
- Austin's tech scene pays premium for SaaS copywriting
- Conversion-focused copy justifies higher rates than brand copy
- Package strategy with execution for higher project values
- Retainer clients provide stable income between projects
- Build case studies showing measurable results
Common Pricing Mistakes
- Charging by word count instead of value
- Not niching down to command higher rates
- Undervaluing research and strategy time
- Accepting unlimited revisions
Negotiation Tips
- Lead with conversion metrics from past work
- Offer A/B testing as part of packages
- Include revision limits in proposals
- Position as a revenue driver, not a cost
Frequently Asked Questions
What do freelance copywriters charge in Austin?
Freelance copywriters in Austin charge $50-200/hr. Mid-level copywriters average $100/hr, with SaaS and conversion specialists earning $150-200/hr.
Is Austin a good market for freelance copywriters?
Yes, Austin's booming tech scene creates strong demand for copywriters, especially those with SaaS, e-commerce, or tech startup experience.
Should I charge per hour or per project as a copywriter?
Project-based pricing often earns more for defined deliverables like landing pages or email sequences. Hourly works better for ongoing content creation.
What copywriting niche pays best in Austin?
SaaS copywriting, conversion optimization, and B2B tech content command the highest rates. Healthcare tech and fintech are also strong niches.
How do I find copywriting clients in Austin?
Network at tech meetups, join Austin's startup community events, and leverage LinkedIn. Many Austin startups also use platforms like Contently and ClearVoice.
Methodology
Rates compiled from job postings, freelancer surveys, and platform data. Austin's 0.88x cost of living multiplier offers good value for remote clients.
Data Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024
- Contently Rate Report 2024
- Content Marketing Institute Salary Survey
- Austin Digital Marketing Association
Important Disclaimer
These rates are estimates for educational purposes. Actual rates vary based on experience, skills, client industry, and negotiation. This is not financial advice.
Rate estimates are not guarantees. Actual rates depend on your specific experience, portfolio, negotiation skills, client budget, and market conditions.
This is not financial or career advice. Consult with a financial advisor or career counselor for personalized guidance on pricing and business decisions.
Data limitations: Freelance rates are notoriously difficult to benchmark accurately. Our data is compiled from multiple sources but may not reflect your specific market segment.
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