Cost to Hire Freelance Talent in 2026
What it actually costs to bring on a freelancer, an offshore contractor, an agency, or a full-time employee — modeled from SalarySavvy's 2026 rate benchmark across 20 skills. Pick a skill below for the full hourly, monthly, and annual comparison.
| Skill | Freelance median (US remote) | Full-time equivalent (loaded) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Developer | $75/hr | $123,500/yr | See cost breakdown |
| Mobile Developer | $82/hr | $133,900/yr | See cost breakdown |
| UI/UX Designer | $72/hr | $118,300/yr | See cost breakdown |
| Graphic Designer | $55/hr | $89,700/yr | See cost breakdown |
| Content Writer | $55/hr | $89,700/yr | See cost breakdown |
| SEO Specialist | $70/hr | $114,400/yr | See cost breakdown |
| Digital Marketer | $75/hr | $123,500/yr | See cost breakdown |
| Data Scientist | $105/hr | $171,600/yr | See cost breakdown |
| Python Developer | $88/hr | $144,300/yr | See cost breakdown |
| React Developer | $90/hr | $146,900/yr | See cost breakdown |
| Node.js Developer | $88/hr | $144,300/yr | See cost breakdown |
| DevOps Engineer | $100/hr | $163,800/yr | See cost breakdown |
| Cloud Architect | $120/hr | $196,300/yr | See cost breakdown |
| Blockchain Developer | $110/hr | $180,700/yr | See cost breakdown |
| AI/ML Engineer | $125/hr | $205,400/yr | See cost breakdown |
| Product Manager | $110/hr | $180,700/yr | See cost breakdown |
| Project Manager | $85/hr | $139,100/yr | See cost breakdown |
| QA Engineer | $68/hr | $111,800/yr | See cost breakdown |
| Video Editor | $60/hr | $98,800/yr | See cost breakdown |
| 3D Artist | $70/hr | $114,400/yr | See cost breakdown |
Setting your own rate instead?
Browse the full freelance rate benchmark by skill and location, or use the calculator for a personalized recommendation.
Browse freelance rates