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.
Game development
- Employee reference
- $136K/yr
- Freelance example
- $142/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Software Developers
Define interacting rules and progression structures so players can understand choices and the team can evaluate unintended combinations.
View career → Game systems designer
Game development
- Employee reference
- $136K/yr
- Freelance example
- $142/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Software Developers
Build editor and production tools that reduce repetitive authoring work while making validation and recovery practical for artists or designers.
View career → Game tools programmer
Software & AI
- Employee reference
- $120K/yr
- Freelance example
- $129/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Data Scientists
Develop and evaluate generative-model applications against specific user tasks. Account for data rights, output quality, latency, and operating costs while avoiding claims that one demonstration establishes reliable behavior in every situation.
View career → Generative AI Engineer
Life sciences & biotech
- Employee reference
- $99K/yr
- Freelance example
- $112/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Biological Scientists, All Other
Prepare and interpret genomic research data within approved privacy and consent boundaries. Maintain quality records and clear reporting so analytical findings are not mistaken for a clinical diagnosis or validated treatment recommendation.
View career → Genomics Data Analyst
Physical sciences
- Employee reference
- $102K/yr
- Freelance example
- $114/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Study chemical evidence related to Earth materials and processes. Connect sampling context, analytical quality, and geological hypotheses while documenting uncertainty in origin, transport, or environmental interpretation.
View career → Geochemist
Physical sciences
- Employee reference
- $102K/yr
- Freelance example
- $114/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Investigate subsurface or Earth processes through physical measurements and models. Compare possible explanations for observed signals while documenting resolution limits and assumptions that affect a geological interpretation.
View career → Geophysicist
Energy & clean technology
- Employee reference
- $102K/yr
- Freelance example
- $114/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Assess geothermal project evidence across geological, thermal, and commercial questions. Explain site uncertainty, data limitations, and investigation needs before a conceptual opportunity is treated as a viable development.
View career → Geothermal Energy Analyst
Content writing
- Employee reference
- $77K/yr
- Freelance example
- $93/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Writers and authors
Shape another person's ideas and experiences into coherent written material while establishing voice, factual approval, and agreed attribution or confidentiality boundaries.
View career → Ghostwriter
Fitness & sport coaching
- Employee reference
- $47K/yr
- Freelance example
- $69/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Coaches and Scouts
Supports golfers with technique feedback, practice planning, and course decisions, distinguishing useful individual observation from generic swing tips or equipment claims.
View career → Golf coach
Public sector & nonprofit
- Employee reference
- $77K/yr
- Freelance example
- $93/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Writers and authors
Coordinate the requirement mapping, contributor inputs, document versions, and approvals needed for a response to a public-sector procurement request.
View career → Government proposal coordinator
Content writing
- Employee reference
- $73K/yr
- Freelance example
- $90/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Fundraisers
Improve a funding narrative's clarity, evidence, and alignment with published application criteria without inventing program outcomes or assuming authority over the budget.
View career → Grant narrative editor
Public sector & nonprofit
- Employee reference
- $73K/yr
- Freelance example
- $90/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Fundraisers
Maintain grant calendars, application requirements, evidence requests, and reporting responsibilities so an organization can prepare submissions and manage awarded commitments consistently.
View career → Grant operations specialist
Cross-industry
- Employee reference
- $73K/yr
- Freelance example
- $90/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Fundraisers
A grant writer turns an organization's program, evidence, and funding needs into a clear application. Strong work connects funder criteria with a credible project plan, budget, and explanation of intended impact.
View career → Grant writer
Cross-industry
- Employee reference
- $63K/yr
- Freelance example
- $82/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Graphic designers
A graphic designer organizes images, typography, and layout to communicate a message. The work helps audiences understand information and recognize organizations across printed materials, campaigns, and digital assets.
View career → Graphic designer
Energy & clean technology
- Employee reference
- $121K/yr
- Freelance example
- $130/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Electrical Engineers
Coordinate engineering evidence for connecting generation or storage to an electrical network. Track technical requirements, study assumptions, and review questions without representing a preliminary assessment as utility approval.
View career → Grid Interconnection Engineer
Fitness & sport coaching
- Employee reference
- $47K/yr
- Freelance example
- $68/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Fitness Trainers and Instructors
Leads exercise classes that balance clear cues, accessible variations, and a coherent session structure for participants with different experience levels.
View career → Group fitness instructor
Travel & hospitality
- Employee reference
- $48K/yr
- Freelance example
- $69/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive
Organize participant requirements, schedule information, supplier communications, and confirmation records so a group can understand the current plan and outstanding travel decisions.
View career → Group travel coordinator
Cross-industry
- Employee reference
- $79K/yr
- Freelance example
- $95/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Market research analysts
A growth marketer tests ways to improve acquisition, activation, retention, or revenue. The work combines customer understanding and experiment design, with attention to whether measured changes reflect meaningful business outcomes.
View career → Growth marketer
Travel & hospitality
- Employee reference
- $102K/yr
- Freelance example
- $114/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Management analysts
Maintain clear and consistent messages about arrival, services, changes, and support so guests know what to expect and who can resolve an operational question.
View career → Guest communications specialist
Travel & hospitality
- Employee reference
- $104K/yr
- Freelance example
- $116/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Web and digital interface designers
Connect guest expectations, service touchpoints, and backstage responsibilities so a hospitality experience remains understandable before arrival, during a stay, and after departure.
View career → Guest experience designer
Fitness & sport coaching
- Employee reference
- $47K/yr
- Freelance example
- $69/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Coaches and Scouts
Develops gymnastic skills through carefully supervised progression, technique observation, and athlete communication within the coach's discipline-specific qualifications and facility safeguards.
View career → Gymnastics coach
Healthcare technology
- Employee reference
- $106K/yr
- Freelance example
- $117/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Computer systems analysts
Identifies access barriers in healthcare digital services through authorized testing, user evidence, and remediation guidance coordinated with technical, clinical, and service teams.
View career → Healthcare accessibility specialist
Healthcare technology
- Employee reference
- $104K/yr
- Freelance example
- $116/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Evaluates healthcare AI system evidence, data quality, failure cases, and documentation within approved technical and clinical governance rather than equating model accuracy with safe care.
View career → Healthcare AI validation analyst
Healthcare technology
- Employee reference
- $69K/yr
- Freelance example
- $87/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Training and development specialists
Designs training for healthcare systems or approved clinical workflows, coordinating qualified content review, supervised practice, and evaluation appropriate to the learners' professional responsibilities.
View career → Healthcare clinical training specialist
Healthcare technology
- Employee reference
- $129K/yr
- Freelance example
- $137/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Information Security Analysts
Investigates security events and control weaknesses in authorized healthcare systems, balancing evidence quality, sensitive information, and operational escalation under institutional procedures.
View career → Healthcare cybersecurity analyst
Healthcare technology
- Employee reference
- $89K/yr
- Freelance example
- $103/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Operations Research Analysts
Investigates healthcare operational or service data, explaining definitions, missingness, and uncertainty without treating observational patterns as proof of treatment effects or individual patient outcomes.
View career → Healthcare data analyst
Healthcare technology
- Employee reference
- $140K/yr
- Freelance example
- $145/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Database Architects
Builds controlled healthcare-data pipelines with documented transformations, access restrictions, and validation so authorized users can understand the provenance and limitations of their records.
View career → Healthcare data engineer
Healthcare technology
- Employee reference
- $102K/yr
- Freelance example
- $114/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Management analysts
Prioritizes digital health-service improvements by connecting user research, operational needs, technical constraints, and qualified clinical or regulatory ownership of product claims.
View career → Healthcare digital product manager
Healthcare technology
- Employee reference
- $90K/yr
- Freelance example
- $105/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Technical writers
Documents healthcare interfaces, data mappings, and operational handovers so authorized technical teams can integrate systems without losing source meaning, access boundaries, or review requirements.
View career → Healthcare integration technical writer
Healthcare technology
- Employee reference
- $136K/yr
- Freelance example
- $142/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Software Developers
Builds authorized interfaces between healthcare systems, preserving data meaning, identity boundaries, error visibility, and traceability across the organizations responsible for each exchange.
View career → Healthcare interoperability engineer
Healthcare technology
- Employee reference
- $129K/yr
- Freelance example
- $137/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Information Security Analysts
Reviews how healthcare information is collected, accessed, shared, and retained, documenting evidence and questions for qualified privacy, legal, and clinical decision makers.
View career → Healthcare privacy analyst
Healthcare technology
- Employee reference
- $103K/yr
- Freelance example
- $115/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Financial and investment analysts
Analyzes healthcare billing and payment workflows to identify administrative exceptions, evidence gaps, and process improvements under appropriate coding, payer, and financial review.
View career → Healthcare revenue cycle analyst
Healthcare technology
- Employee reference
- $102K/yr
- Freelance example
- $114/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Management analysts
Examines healthcare administrative workflows and handoffs, making requirements, operational constraints, and professional decision ownership visible before teams change a process or system.
View career → Healthcare workflow analyst
Nutrition & wellness coaching
- Employee reference
- $64K/yr
- Freelance example
- $83/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Health Education Specialists
Creates learning resources and programs that help communities understand health information and navigate support, adapting communication to audience needs and evidence limitations.
View career → Health education specialist
Healthcare technology
- Employee reference
- $102K/yr
- Freelance example
- $114/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Management analysts
Connects healthcare workflows, information needs, and technology requirements, helping authorized teams evaluate how data and systems support work without substituting software analysis for clinical judgment.
View career → Health informatics analyst
Healthcare technology
- Employee reference
- $102K/yr
- Freelance example
- $114/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Management analysts
Coordinates health-record information processes, teams, and controls under institutional requirements, with attention to authorized access, quality, retention, and qualified professional responsibilities.
View career → Health information manager
Nutrition & wellness coaching
- Employee reference
- $64K/yr
- Freelance example
- $83/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Health Education Specialists
Coordinates community or workplace health initiatives, connecting participant needs, delivery partners, communications, and evaluation without assuming participation alone demonstrates improved health outcomes.
View career → Health promotion coordinator
Nutrition & wellness coaching
- Employee reference
- $64K/yr
- Freelance example
- $83/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Health Education Specialists
Supports older adults' self-selected wellbeing routines and resource navigation, adapting communication to individual preferences and access needs while keeping medical decisions with qualified clinicians.
View career → Healthy aging wellness coach
Energy & clean technology
- Employee reference
- $104K/yr
- Freelance example
- $116/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Mechanical Engineers
Evaluate heat-pump suitability for specific building or process needs. Connect load evidence, operating temperatures, site constraints, and commissioning requirements while reserving final system design and installation for qualified professionals.
View career → Heat Pump Applications Engineer
Architecture & construction
- Employee reference
- $99K/yr
- Freelance example
- $112/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
Support conservation decisions using documented building history, material evidence, and stakeholder requirements. Compare intervention options while preserving appropriate heritage permissions, structural reviews, and qualified responsibility for conservation work.
View career → Historic Building Conservation Consultant
Healthcare technology
- Employee reference
- $102K/yr
- Freelance example
- $114/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Project management specialists
Coordinates hospital technology projects around operational dependencies, qualified clinical review, access controls, testing, and change windows without assuming ordinary software release practices fit every care setting.
View career → Hospital IT project manager
Travel & hospitality
- Employee reference
- $136K/yr
- Freelance example
- $142/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Software Developers
Connect booking-related systems through documented data mappings, state changes, and exception handling so availability or reservation information remains traceable across defined interfaces.
View career → Hospitality booking integration specialist
Travel & hospitality
- Employee reference
- $75K/yr
- Freelance example
- $91/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Public relations specialists
Organize guest, member, or local-participant communications and activities so a hospitality community has a clear purpose beyond repeated promotional messages.
View career → Hospitality community coordinator
Travel & hospitality
- Employee reference
- $78K/yr
- Freelance example
- $94/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Buyers and purchasing agents
Coordinate hospitality purchasing requirements and supplier comparisons while documenting service needs, quality assumptions, approval responsibilities, and the practical cost of ongoing supply.
View career → Hospitality procurement specialist
Travel & hospitality
- Employee reference
- $69K/yr
- Freelance example
- $87/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Training and development specialists
Design practical staff learning around hospitality tasks, guest communication, and service recovery while distinguishing training needs from staffing or process problems.
View career → Hospitality training consultant
Travel & hospitality
- Employee reference
- $77K/yr
- Freelance example
- $93/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Writers and authors
Create and maintain accurate guest-facing descriptions and practical information so a hotel's services, room differences, access details, and booking expectations remain understandable.
View career → Hotel content specialist
Travel & hospitality
- Employee reference
- $89K/yr
- Freelance example
- $103/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Operations Research Analysts
Examine repeat stays, reward use, and member cohorts to help a hotel understand which loyalty benefits support returning guests after accounting for acquisition and fulfillment costs.
View career → Hotel loyalty program analyst
Travel & hospitality
- Employee reference
- $167K/yr
- Freelance example
- $168/hr
BLS · May 2025 · Marketing managers
Connect a hotel's positioning, guest segments, booking journey, and communication channels into a practical marketing plan with clear measurement and resource assumptions.
View career → Hotel marketing strategist