How to Identify Your Hourly Pay Rate as a Self-Employed Crafter
Because You Deserve to Get Paid—Not Just Cover Costs.
Let’s get something straight right now:
You are not “just” a maker.
You are a designer. A packer. A content creator. A customer service rep. A full-blown CEO.
And yet—too many self-employed crafters are still out here pricing their work based on what feels “reasonable”… or what people might be willing to pay… instead of actually paying themselves a real wage.
No more of that.
Let’s break down how to set your hourly pay rate—with real numbers, not just vibes.
Why You Need an Hourly Rate (Even If You Don’t Charge by the Hour)
Even if you price per piece, not per hour, your time is still valuable. And if you don’t know what your time is worth?
You’re probably underpricing without even realizing it.
Your hourly rate helps you:
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Calculate fair prices for your handmade goods
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Evaluate whether a project or service is worth your time
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Understand what you’re really earning (after materials + overhead)
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Create a sustainable business model—not just a stressful side hustle
What’s the “Standard” Hourly Rate?
Let’s look at some real data.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2023:
🧵 The average hourly wage for a Craft and Fine Artist is $29.75/hour
📦 The average for Retail Sales Workers (like folks selling handmade goods directly) is around $17–20/hour
💻 Freelancers with niche skills (social media, product photography, design) often charge $30–75/hour
So if you're doing all of the above in your biz?
$25–35/hour is a solid place to start.
(And if you’re a seasoned pro or your items are high-end or custom-made? Go higher. Seriously.)
But How Do I Choose My Hourly Rate?
Start with three simple questions:
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What’s the lowest amount I could live with and still feel respected?
(This is your bare minimum—but not your ideal.) -
What would I want to earn if I were doing this work for someone else full-time?
(If you’d expect $28/hour from an employer, why are you paying yourself $12/hour?) -
What level of experience and skill am I bringing to the table?
(More experience = higher rate. Period.)
If you’re brand new, you might start around $20–25/hour.
If you’ve been in this game and you know your stuff? $35–50+ is completely fair.
Pick a number that reflects your value, not just your comfort zone.
How to Use Your Hourly Rate in Pricing
Here’s a simplified formula to start using today:
Materials + (Hourly Rate × Time Spent) + Profit Margin = Retail Price
Let’s say:
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Materials: $8
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Time: 1.5 hours
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Hourly Rate: $30
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Desired Profit Margin: 20%
➡️ $8 + (1.5 × $30) = $53
➡️ Add 20% = $63.60 retail price
This method ensures you’re not just breaking even—you’re building profitability into your pricing.
Action Step: Choose Your Hourly Rate Today
Take 10 minutes right now to:
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Review your experience level
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Consider your cost of living + business expenses
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Decide on a rate that feels both respectful and realistic
Then start applying that rate to all your new pricing going forward.
Write it down. Own it. Use it.
Because if you don’t value your time, no one else will.
You’re Allowed to Be Paid Well for What You Do
You’re not charging for just the time it takes to glue rhinestones or cut vinyl.
You’re charging for the years of experience, the creativity, the trial and error, the skill it takes to bring a vision to life.
So stop shortchanging yourself.
Set your rate like a business owner.
Because you are one.