To price freelance services in US dollars, start from the monthly income you need in taka, convert it to dollars at a realistic rate, add the costs of receiving payments (platform fees, withdrawal fees and exchange margin), divide by the hours you can actually bill, and then check the result against what clients in your niche pay. Quote in dollars to international clients so your income keeps pace when the taka weakens, and move toward project or package pricing as your portfolio grows.
- Work backwards from the income you need, not from the lowest price on a marketplace.
- Include platform and payment costs; they can take 10 to 25% of a marketplace job.
- Only some of your working hours are billable. Price for that.
- Dollar pricing protects you when the taka weakens.
- Convert targets and quotes with the free Currency Converter.
The $5 logo trap
Picture a talented illustrator in Mymensingh starting on a freelance marketplace. To get her first reviews, she offers logos for $5. Orders come in. After the platform’s commission, withdrawal fees and conversion, she earns very little per logo, and each one takes hours. Six months later she is exhausted and earning less than a part-time job.
Low prices can help you get started, but staying there is a trap. Here is how to work out a price that actually pays you.
Step by step: your minimum hourly rate
- Set your monthly income target in takaLiving costs, savings, equipment, internet, electricity and taxes.
- Convert to dollarsUse today’s rate from the Currency Converter, then use a slightly lower rate as a safety margin.
- Add payment costsIf marketplace fees and withdrawal costs take about 20%, divide your target by 0.8.
- Count billable hoursOf 160 working hours a month, maybe 80 to 100 are billable after admin, messages, learning and finding clients.
- DivideAdjusted dollar target divided by billable hours = your minimum hourly rate.
- Compare with the marketLook at what skilled freelancers in your niche charge. If your minimum is far below, you can charge more.
A worked example
| Item | Example |
|---|---|
| Monthly target | 60,000 taka |
| Planning exchange rate | Use today’s rate minus a small safety margin |
| Target in USD | 60,000 divided by your planning rate |
| Platform and payment costs | About 20%, so divide by 0.8 |
| Billable hours per month | 90 |
| Minimum hourly rate | Adjusted USD target divided by 90 |
Plug in today’s rate to get your own number. Many beginners find their minimum rate is higher than what they have been charging.
Hourly, project or package?
Why quote in dollars?
If the taka weakens against the dollar, a dollar price automatically brings you more taka. A taka price does not. Quote international clients in USD (or their currency) and review your rates every six to twelve months. Read what moves exchange rates for the bigger picture.
Related guides
Learn the cheapest ways to get paid in how freelancers in Bangladesh receive international payments. Improve your client calls with English for freelancers.
This guide is general information, not financial or tax advice.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my freelance hourly rate?
Start with your monthly income target, convert it to dollars at a cautious rate, add platform and payment costs, then divide by your realistic billable hours.
Should I charge clients in dollars or taka?
For international clients, charge in dollars. Your income in taka then rises automatically if the taka weakens.
How much do freelance platforms take?
It depends on the platform and plan, and can change. Add platform fees, withdrawal fees and exchange margin together when setting prices.
Is hourly or fixed pricing better?
Hourly suits unclear or ongoing work. Fixed prices and packages suit well-defined projects and are easier for clients to approve.
When should I raise my freelance rates?
When your calendar is consistently full, when your portfolio and reviews improve, and at least once a year for new clients.
Convert USD, BDT, EUR, GBP and 150+ currencies with up-to-date exchange rates.
Guides for this tool
Guide · 3 min readUSD to BDT: How to Check the Real Rate and Avoid Hidden Fees
Guide · 3 min readMid-Market Rate vs Bank Rate: How Exchange Rates Really Work
Guide · 4 min readHow Freelancers in Bangladesh Receive International Payments
Guide · 3 min readHow to Send Money to Bangladesh: Compare Costs and Get More TakaWant a tool, website or app like this for your business?
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