Perplexity Prompt to Find Best Freelance Rates

This prompt uses Perplexity’s web search to find current freelance rates for your skill or service. Perfect for freelancers, hiring managers, and agencies who want to benchmark rates or understand fair market pricing. The AI will search current platforms and provide context on experience levels and location-based pricing.

Works Best With: Perplexity (web search enabled) | Also works in: Gemini, Claude

The Prompt

Search for current freelance rates for [SERVICE/SKILL] as of 2025.

Details:
– Service: [SPECIFIC SERVICE – e.g., “React developer”, “copywriter”, “graphic designer”]
– Experience level: [JUNIOR/MID/SENIOR]
– Location: [FREELANCER LOCATION – US, Europe, Global]
– Platform: [UPWORK/FIVERR/TOPTAL/GENERAL]

For each platform and experience level, provide:
1. Current hourly or project rate range
2. How rates vary by experience level
3. How US vs. international rates compare
4. What factors affect the rate (skills, portfolio, reviews)
5. Recommended rate for someone with [YOUR SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE]\n\nAlso search for:\n- Industry benchmarks from recent salary/rate surveys
– Negotiation tips for freelancers
– How to position yourself at different price points

When to Use This Prompt

• You’re a freelancer and want to set or adjust your rates based on market data
• You’re hiring freelancers and want to understand fair rates
• You want to know how your current rates compare to the market
• You’re raising rates and want data to back up your decision

What You’ll Get

Current market rates across major platforms and experience levels. You’ll understand the range, what affects pricing, and where you fit in the market so you can set competitive rates backed by data.

Why This Prompt Works

• Uses web search: Rates change constantly; web search ensures you’re getting 2025 data, not 2022 rates

• Specifies service and level: “Developer” is too vague; the AI needs specifics to find comparable rates

• Compares platforms: Upwork is different from Toptal; the AI shows how they vary

• Includes negotiation context: Raw rates matter less than knowing how to position and negotiate yourself

How to Customize This Prompt

1. [SPECIFIC SERVICE] — Be detailed (not “web developer” but “React frontend developer”)
2. [JUNIOR/MID/SENIOR] — Your experience level or the role you’re researching
3. [LOCATION] — Where you or your freelancer are based (affects rates significantly)
4. [PLATFORM] — Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal, Freelancer, or just general market rates
5. [YOUR SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE] — Years in role, certifications, specialties that matter
6. Ask for rates in different currencies if you’re international

Pro Tips

• Run quarterly: Rates change seasonally and with demand; update your data 4x per year

• Factor in project type: Follow up with “How do rates differ for fixed-price vs. hourly projects?”

• Consider retainer rates: Ask “What’s the typical retainer rate vs. hourly?” if that’s your model

• Ask for positioning strategy: “How should I position myself to charge [your target rate]?” for actionable advice