How to read these rates
Employee references are annual US median wages for the cited BLS occupation, which may cover several career paths. Freelance examples add $15,000 for benefits and $20,000 for business costs, then divide by 1,200 billable hours a year. Annual figures are rounded to the nearest $1,000 and hourly figures to the nearest dollar. Figures are before personal taxes, with no percentage fees. Open a guide to see the source or adjust the assumptions in the calculator.
Design
- Employee reference
- $102K/yr
- Freelance example
- $114/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Special effects artists and animators
Build digital scenes that explain an object, environment, or concept through modeled forms, lighting, materials, and controlled camera views.
View career → 3D visualization artist
Education & learning
- Employee reference
- $43K/yr
- Freelance example
- $65/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Tutors
Help adult learners improve planning, argument structure, source use, and revision through feedback that preserves the learner's authorship and responsibility for their own work.
View career → Academic writing coach
Negotiation & communication coaching
- Employee reference
- $69K/yr
- Freelance example
- $87/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Training and development specialists
Supports adults who choose to explore speech patterns for communication goals, using respectful practice that distinguishes elective coaching from clinical speech-language assessment or treatment.
View career → Accent coach
Legal & compliance
- Employee reference
- $106K/yr
- Freelance example
- $117/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Computer systems analysts
Coordinates accessibility evidence, remediation ownership, and review activities across an organization without treating automated checks or administrative completion as proof of universal access or legal compliance.
View career → Accessibility compliance coordinator
Cross-industry
- Employee reference
- $106K/yr
- Freelance example
- $117/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Computer systems analysts
A digital accessibility consultant identifies barriers that prevent people from using websites or applications. They combine technical inspection, assistive technology testing, and clear remediation guidance so teams can improve access in real user journeys.
View career → Accessibility consultant
Design
- Employee reference
- $106K/yr
- Freelance example
- $117/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Computer systems analysts
Integrate accessible interaction and presentation choices into interface concepts while documenting behavior that requires engineering or user validation.
View career → Accessible interface designer
Business & leadership coaching
- Employee reference
- $102K/yr
- Freelance example
- $114/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Management analysts
Supports clients in making realistic commitments and reviewing follow-through, helping them learn from obstacles without relying on pressure or shame to manufacture progress.
View career → Accountability coach
Cross-industry
- Employee reference
- $84K/yr
- Freelance example
- $99/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Accountants and auditors
An accountant interprets and checks financial records to support reporting and business decisions. The work can range from management accounts to specialized services, with qualifications and permitted responsibilities varying by location and service.
View career → Accountant
Physical sciences
- Employee reference
- $172K/yr
- Freelance example
- $173/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Physicists
Study sound generation, propagation, and measurement for a defined environment. Evaluate boundary conditions, frequency behavior, and uncertainty before turning modeled or recorded sound into an engineering recommendation.
View career → Acoustics Scientist
Fitness & sport coaching
- Employee reference
- $47K/yr
- Freelance example
- $68/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Fitness Trainers and Instructors
Supports participation in physical activity through accessible instruction and individualized adaptations developed within professional competence and, where needed, a participant's clinical support plan.
View career → Adapted physical activity instructor
Manufacturing & robotics
- Employee reference
- $104K/yr
- Freelance example
- $116/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Mechanical Engineers
Evaluate additive manufacturing choices for a defined part and use case. Connect geometry, material assumptions, process variation, and inspection needs while reserving structural or regulated application approval for qualified reviewers.
View career → Additive Manufacturing Engineer
Education & learning
- Employee reference
- $43K/yr
- Freelance example
- $65/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Tutors
Support adult learners practicing reading and writing through respectful task selection, understandable feedback, and clear boundaries around assessment and specialist support.
View career → Adult literacy facilitator
Content writing
- Employee reference
- $77K/yr
- Freelance example
- $93/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Writers and authors
Create concise campaign messages that connect audience intent, credible claims, and format constraints across a defined set of advertising placements.
View career → Advertising copywriter
Public sector & nonprofit
- Employee reference
- $102K/yr
- Freelance example
- $114/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Project management specialists
Coordinate an issue-focused organization's campaign activities, evidence inputs, approvals, and participant communications while distinguishing planned actions from policy outcomes or public commitments.
View career → Advocacy campaign coordinator
Defense
- Employee reference
- $135K/yr
- Freelance example
- $142/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Aerospace Engineers
Organize certification-related evidence for aerospace systems within a defined approval framework. Track requirements, test records, and unresolved findings while reserving compliance determinations and authorization for designated qualified authorities.
View career → Aerospace Certification Analyst
Defense
- Employee reference
- $135K/yr
- Freelance example
- $142/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Aerospace Engineers
Evaluate structural behavior using suitable engineering models and documented assumptions. Explain loads, material evidence, numerical limitations, and review needs before analysis informs an approved aerospace design decision.
View career → Aerospace Structural Analyst
Life sciences & biotech
- Employee reference
- $127K/yr
- Freelance example
- $135/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Biochemists and Biophysicists
Study biological questions relevant to crops or agricultural production in approved research settings. Evaluate experimental context, reproducibility, and environmental considerations before translating a research finding into an application claim.
View career → Agricultural Biotechnology Researcher
Environment & agriculture
- Employee reference
- $89K/yr
- Freelance example
- $103/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Operations Research Analysts
Analyzes farm or agricultural-service information to explain operational patterns and uncertainty while leaving agronomic, veterinary, and other specialist decisions with qualified practitioners.
View career → Agricultural data analyst
Environment & agriculture
- Employee reference
- $69K/yr
- Freelance example
- $87/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Training and development specialists
Translates reviewed agricultural knowledge into accessible learning and practical discussion, adapting communication to local contexts while keeping specialist recommendations within appropriate expertise.
View career → Agricultural extension educator
Environment & agriculture
- Employee reference
- $102K/yr
- Freelance example
- $114/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Management analysts
Prioritizes agricultural technology around growers' actual workflows, connectivity, equipment, evidence, and support constraints rather than assuming a digital interface automatically improves field outcomes.
View career → Agricultural technology product manager
Environment & agriculture
- Employee reference
- $106K/yr
- Freelance example
- $117/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Computer systems analysts
Designs records and handoffs that help agricultural supply chains follow product movement, preserving evidence quality and qualified ownership of safety, certification, or regulatory claims.
View career → Agricultural traceability consultant
Environment & agriculture
- Employee reference
- $89K/yr
- Freelance example
- $103/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Food Scientists and Technologists
Applies crop and soil expertise within appropriate education, professional competence, and local requirements, connecting field evidence with documented recommendations and uncertainty.
View career → Agronomist
Software & AI
- Employee reference
- $136K/yr
- Freelance example
- $142/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Software Developers
Integrate evaluated AI capabilities into useful software workflows. Connect user needs, data permissions, failure handling, and cost controls while keeping model uncertainty visible instead of treating fluent output as verified application behavior.
View career → AI Application Engineer
Software & AI
- Employee reference
- $140K/yr
- Freelance example
- $145/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Database Architects
Document where AI-related datasets and evaluation materials came from and how they may be used. Reconcile lineage, permissions, transformations, and exceptions without claiming that metadata alone settles legal or privacy questions.
View career → AI Data Provenance Specialist
Software & AI
- Employee reference
- $104K/yr
- Freelance example
- $116/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Design evidence that helps teams judge an AI system for its intended task. Compare representative examples, failure patterns, and uncertainty rather than reducing application suitability to an unexplained single score.
View career → AI Evaluation Specialist
Software & AI
- Employee reference
- $102K/yr
- Freelance example
- $114/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Management analysts
Help organizations document AI uses, responsibilities, and evidence requirements. Connect policies with practical review records while leaving legal interpretations and consequential deployment decisions to appropriately authorized business, technical, and legal owners.
View career → AI Governance Analyst
Software & AI
- Employee reference
- $104K/yr
- Freelance example
- $116/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Web and digital interface designers
Design interfaces that help users understand and appropriately review AI-assisted work. Connect task expectations, uncertainty, feedback, and recovery rather than presenting generated output as an unquestionable answer.
View career → AI Interaction Designer
Software & AI
- Employee reference
- $129K/yr
- Freelance example
- $137/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Information Security Analysts
Conduct authorized, bounded evaluations of AI application weaknesses using approved methods and test material. Document reproducible findings and remediation questions without implying that a limited assessment proves complete robustness or safety.
View career → AI Red Team Evaluation Specialist
Transport & logistics
- Employee reference
- $82K/yr
- Freelance example
- $98/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Logisticians
Coordinates air cargo documentation, capacity, connections, and service exceptions within carrier requirements and applicable specialist training or authorization.
View career → Air freight operations specialist
Software & AI
- Employee reference
- $140K/yr
- Freelance example
- $146/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Computer and Information Research Scientists
Investigate risks and limitations of AI systems through reproducible, appropriately bounded studies. Connect evaluation evidence with specific questions while distinguishing research findings from a complete assurance of safe behavior or deployment suitability.
View career → AI Safety Researcher
Software & AI
- Employee reference
- $106K/yr
- Freelance example
- $117/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Computer systems analysts
Help teams decide whether AI is appropriate for a specific business workflow. Compare simpler alternatives, evidence requirements, data permissions, and operating costs before proposing a bounded proof of concept.
View career → AI Solutions Consultant
Software & AI
- Employee reference
- $104K/yr
- Freelance example
- $116/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Build repeatable checks for AI-assisted software and its surrounding workflows. Combine deterministic application tests with evaluated model behavior while documenting variability, data limits, and the risks that still need human review.
View career → AI Test Engineer
Food & beverage
- Employee reference
- $89K/yr
- Freelance example
- $103/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Food Scientists and Technologists
Help food businesses document allergen-related controls across ingredients, handling, production, and labeling. Examine change management and evidence quality without treating a paper procedure as proof of safe production.
View career → Allergen Control Specialist
Physical sciences
- Employee reference
- $91K/yr
- Freelance example
- $105/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Chemists
Develop and interpret chemical measurements for defined questions. Account for sampling, calibration, interference, and uncertainty so reported results reflect what the analytical method can actually support.
View career → Analytical Chemist
Cross-industry
- Employee reference
- $140K/yr
- Freelance example
- $145/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Database Architects
Turn raw business data into tested models that analysts can reuse. Analytics engineers make reporting logic clearer through consistent transformations, documented relationships, and checks that catch errors before dashboards depend on them.
View career → Analytics Engineer
Cross-industry
- Employee reference
- $136K/yr
- Freelance example
- $142/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Software Developers
Develop Android applications that remain usable across varied devices and conditions. Reliable work accounts for lifecycle changes, permissions, background limits, accessibility, and the differences between supported screen and operating system versions.
View career → Android Developer
Fintech & financial services
- Employee reference
- $102K/yr
- Freelance example
- $114/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Management analysts
Reviews financial activity under approved anti-money-laundering procedures, organizing evidence and escalation without treating automated alerts as conclusions about customers.
View career → Anti-money laundering analyst
Life sciences & biotech
- Employee reference
- $127K/yr
- Freelance example
- $135/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Biochemists and Biophysicists
Investigate antibody-related research questions using approved evidence and laboratory systems. Assess characterization quality, model limitations, and reproducibility before connecting a finding to proposed therapeutic or diagnostic applications.
View career → Antibody Research Scientist
Content writing
- Employee reference
- $90K/yr
- Freelance example
- $105/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Technical writers
Explain interface behavior through tested requests, parameter descriptions, error examples, and task-oriented guides that developers can follow independently.
View career → API documentation writer
Cross-industry
- Employee reference
- $136K/yr
- Freelance example
- $142/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Software Developers
Connect separate systems so information moves accurately without repeated manual entry. Integration developers handle mismatched data, authentication, retries, and reconciliation so failures are visible rather than silently creating incorrect records.
View career → API Integration Developer
Cybersecurity & IT
- Employee reference
- $129K/yr
- Freelance example
- $137/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Information Security Analysts
Help software teams identify and address security weaknesses through authorized design and code review. Connect findings with practical fixes and verification evidence rather than promising that an application is completely secure.
View career → Application Security Engineer
Software & AI
- Employee reference
- $140K/yr
- Freelance example
- $146/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Computer and Information Research Scientists
Investigate AI methods for a specific application through reproducible experiments and honest baselines. Connect research results with data quality, uncertainty, and practical constraints rather than promising that a novel method will outperform simpler alternatives.
View career → Applied AI Research Scientist
Education & learning
- Employee reference
- $102K/yr
- Freelance example
- $114/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Project management specialists
Coordinate an apprenticeship program's learning schedule, workplace placements, communication, and progress records while leaving formal eligibility and compliance decisions with authorized staff.
View career → Apprenticeship program coordinator
Architecture & construction
- Employee reference
- $99K/yr
- Freelance example
- $112/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
Support architectural concept and design development within an appropriately supervised team. Translate brief requirements into spatial options while documenting assumptions that need licensed architectural, engineering, or regulatory review.
View career → Architectural Design Specialist
Architecture & construction
- Employee reference
- $90K/yr
- Freelance example
- $105/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Technical writers
Develop clear architectural specification documents from approved design intent and product evidence. Maintain consistency, source traceability, and review ownership so text does not silently introduce unapproved design or contractual obligations.
View career → Architectural Specifications Writer
Architecture & construction
- Employee reference
- $99K/yr
- Freelance example
- $112/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
Develop coordinated technical building information under appropriate professional oversight. Connect construction details, material evidence, and document consistency while making unresolved regulatory or engineering assumptions visible to qualified reviewers.
View career → Architectural Technologist
Design
- Employee reference
- $102K/yr
- Freelance example
- $114/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Special effects artists and animators
Communicate a proposed built environment through spatially coherent digital imagery while distinguishing visual assumptions from approved construction information.
View career → Architectural visualization artist
Architecture & construction
- Employee reference
- $63K/yr
- Freelance example
- $82/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Graphic designers
Create images and visual explanations that help clients understand proposed spaces. Preserve the distinction between illustrative appearance and approved design information, especially where material, lighting, or scale assumptions affect interpretation.
View career → Architectural Visualization Specialist