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How to Raise Your Freelance Rates (Without Losing Clients)
The short answer: raise rates for new clients first, give existing clients 30 days' notice in a short, confident email, and review your rate at least once a year. A full calendar for a few months straight is the clearest sign your price is too low.
When to raise your rates
Raising your rate is easier when you have evidence. Any of these is a good signal:
- Your calendar stays full for two or three months and you're turning work down.
- Most new clients say yes without negotiating. If nobody pushes back, you're probably below market.
- Your costs went up. Software, insurance and everyday prices rise each year. Track inflation with the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index. If your rate stays flat, your real income falls.
- You've added skills or results you can point to: a certification, a niche, or a case study with numbers.
- Your rate is below your floor. If you haven't checked, work it out with our guide to setting your freelance rate.
A simple habit: review your rate every January, and apply any increase to new clients that month.
How much to raise your rates
There's no single right number, but a few guidelines keep it smooth:
- 10–15% is an easy step for most existing clients to accept.
- Larger jumps work best with new clients, who never saw your old rate.
- Round to a clean number. $85 an hour reads more confidently than $83.
- Recheck your floor first. Use the hourly rate calculator to see the minimum you need after taxes and expenses.
New clients vs. existing clients
| New clients | Existing clients | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Right away, on the next quote | With 30 days' notice |
| How much | Your full new rate | Often a smaller step, or phased in |
| How | Just quote it | A short email, and current projects stay at the old rate |
Rate increase email templates
Keep it short. You don't need to apologize or justify every dollar. Clients respond better to a clear, friendly notice than to a long explanation.
Template 1: Standard notice to an existing client
Subject: Rate update starting [date]
Hi [Name],
I wanted to give you plenty of notice that starting [date], my rate for new projects will be $[new rate] per hour.
Anything we've already agreed on stays at the current rate. I've really enjoyed working with you and look forward to what's next.
Thanks,
[Your name]
Template 2: Long-term client, phased increase
Subject: Looking ahead to next quarter
Hi [Name],
Thank you for a great year of working together. As I plan for next year, I'm updating my rates for the first time since [month/year].
Because you've been a client for a while, I'm phasing it in: $[step 1] per hour from [date], and $[new rate] from [later date].
Happy to talk it through if you have questions.
Best,
[Your name]
Template 3: The work has grown beyond the original scope
Subject: Updating our arrangement
Hi [Name],
Over the past few months, our work has grown from [original scope] to [current scope]. I'm glad to keep supporting all of it.
To reflect the larger scope, I'd like to move to $[new rate or monthly fee] starting [date]. I'm happy to walk through the details, or to adjust the scope if you'd prefer to keep the current budget.
Thanks,
[Your name]
If a client pushes back
- Offer a scope change, not a discount. Fewer revisions or a smaller deliverable at the new rate keeps your price intact.
- Offer a phase-in like Template 2 for clients you want to keep.
- Be ready to let some go. Losing your lowest-paying client often frees time for better-paying work.
New clients see your rate in your proposal first, so update your template too (proposal outline). Moving to fixed prices can also make increases less visible, because clients compare the total, not the hourly figure. See hourly vs. project pricing.
FAQ
How often should freelancers raise their rates?
At least once a year, and whenever your schedule stays full for a few months. Many freelancers review rates every January.
How much notice should I give clients before raising rates?
30 days is standard. Give long-term clients more if you can, and keep projects already agreed at the old rate.
How much should I raise my freelance rate?
A 10–15% increase is an easy step for most existing clients. New clients can get your full new rate right away.
What if a client says no to my new rate?
Offer a smaller scope at the new rate or a phased increase. If neither works, it may be time to replace that client with better-paying work.
Sources: BLS Consumer Price Index. General information for planning, not tax, legal or financial advice.