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Low-paying gigs aren’t a long-term business strategy, but they can be useful stepping stones.
Rachel Meltzer
This week’s blog was inspired by this podcast episode with freelancer Shelbi Polk. We talked about a question that gets a lot of side-eyes in freelance spaces:
Is it ever okay to take low-paying freelance writing work?
The short answer: yes—but only if you do it strategically.
Low-paying gigs aren’t a long-term business strategy, but they can be useful stepping stones. Whether you're trying to land your first clients, learn a new skill, or pivot into a new niche, these gigs can give you experience, confidence, and momentum—if you set strong boundaries.
In this post, we’ll talk about:
- What “low-paying” really means
- When it might make sense to say yes
- How to use these gigs as tools—not traps
What Are Low-Paying Freelance Gigs, Really?
“Low-paying” is relative. It depends on your:
- Cost of living
- Financial goals
- Writing speed
- Experience level
For newer freelancers, anything under $30/hour might feel low. For me—5 years into freelancing—anything under $50/hour was low.
So don’t use someone else’s number as your benchmark. Set your own rates based on what you need. If you haven’t already, use the Rates Calculator to figure that out.
The Rates Calculator
A simple tool to figure out what you actually need to charge as a freelancer—based on your real-life expenses, savings goals, and availability.
When Low-Paying Work Can Be Strategic
You don’t have to say yes to low-paying gigs—ever. But if you want to grow your business quickly, get traction, or break into a new space, it might help.
Here are 3 times when it might make sense:
1. You Need a First Client (up to your first three)
If you're just starting out and need portfolio samples, testimonials, or a foot in the door, a short-term low-paying gig can help you build credibility fast. It makes sense for some freelancers (who have no previous experience in digital marketing) to take low paying work for their first 3-5 clients to get their portfolio and LinkedIn profile built up.
2. You’re Learning a New Skill
Want to get into sales copy, SEO strategy, or email marketing? Low-paying work can be a way to learn (upskill) while getting paid. Think of it like a paid internship—with a timeline. Don’t do a low-paying upskill gig for more than a year (ideally 6 months) without raising your rates.
3. You’re Breaking Into a Tough Niche
Some industries (like SaaS, the outdoor industry, or finance) can be hard to enter without niche experience. A low-paying project or two can help you build proof and land higher-paying clients faster.
How to Do It Without Getting Stuck
Low-paying work should always be temporary and intentional. Here’s how to keep it in check:
Use the Rule of 3
Don’t take more than 3 low-paying clients per niche or skill.
Set a clear limit on your deliverables or timeline:
- 3 blog posts
- 3 months of email copy
- 3 client contracts, max
That’s enough to build your portfolio without getting stuck.
Raise Your Rates with Every New Client
Once you’ve got a few low-paying gigs under your belt, start increasing your rates. I used to raise mine by 10–20% with each new client I got. That small, consistent step (ooching) helped me scale without panic pitching or burnout.
When Low-Paying Gigs Aren’t Worth It
Even when you're starting out, you still deserve to protect your time, energy, and goals.
Skip the gig if:
- It pays less than $30/hour
- It’s outside your desired niche or skill set
- You’ve already taken 3 similar gigs
- It requires you to break your own boundaries
Remember: Just because you can take low-paying work doesn’t mean you should. You’re allowed to say no.
💬 FAQs About Low-Paying Freelance Work
Is it ever okay to take low-paying gigs as a freelancer?
Yes—if you do it intentionally. They can help you build experience, confidence, and niche credibility. But they shouldn’t be part of your long-term business model.
What’s considered “low-paying” for freelance writers?
It depends on your financial needs and speed. Under $30/hour is often considered low for beginners. For more experienced freelancers, anything under $50/hour may feel too low.
How do I avoid getting stuck with low-paying clients?
Use the rule of 3: don’t take more than three gigs in a specific niche or skill at a low rate. After that, raise your rates with each new client.
Can I raise my rates even if I started low?
Absolutely. Freelancers often raise rates 10–20% per client until they reach their baseline or ideal rate.
Where can I learn how to set my rates?
Use the Rates Calculator to calculate your minimum viable rate based on real-life needs.
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