Kiaro · The 2026 Rate Report
What do freelancers actually charge?
Nobody has good numbers on independent rates, least of all by region. So we're building them, from the people who'd know: you. Add your rate anonymously and be first to see where you stand when the benchmark goes live.
How the report works
Real numbers, not averages
Every rate comes from a working freelancer, grouped by role and region. No survey firm, no guesses, just what people actually charge.
Anonymous by design
Your rate is never shown next to your name. It joins a group so you can see where you stand without exposing what you charge.
It gets sharper every week
The more people add their rate, the tighter the benchmark. Add yours and you make the picture clearer for everyone, including you.
Questions
What do I get right now?+
You get your place in the 2026 Rate Report and first access to the benchmark the moment it is ready. The report is built from what consultants actually charge, so it goes live once enough people have added their rate. If you want an instant number today, the Real Hourly Rate calculator works out the rate you need to charge from your own income goal.
Is my rate anonymous?+
Yes. Your rate is stored against a role and region, never published next to your name or email. We use your email only to send you the report and, if you want it, occasional useful things for independents. Unsubscribe anytime.
Why ask for role, region, and experience?+
A single average rate is useless. What a senior data consultant charges in South Africa is nothing like a junior designer in the US. Grouping by role, region, and years independent is what turns a pile of numbers into a benchmark you can actually place yourself against.
When does the report come out?+
As soon as there are enough responses in each group to publish an honest number. Adding your rate is what gets it there faster, and everyone who contributes is first in line to see it.
Why is Kiaro doing this?+
Because pricing is the hardest, most opaque part of going independent, and nobody has good numbers, least of all for regions like South Africa. Kiaro is the operating system consultants run their business on, so a clear picture of the market is squarely in our lane.
Know your number, then charge it
Kiaro turns your rate into tracked time, proposals, and invoices that get paid.
Knowing the market rate is step one. Kiaro is where you put it to work: quote it, track against it, and bill it, all in one place. Free on your first 3 clients.