Finding the right day rate for freelance audio/production services isn’t easy for anyone at first.

It’s a math problem that includes working with several complicated and random variables.

There’s the need to ask other freelances in the area about it, doing the research, and worst (scariest?) of all, assigning a number to your worth as a professional.

Let’s walk through it together. Here are some things to take into consideration before deciding a bare-minimum day rate:

—What is the minimum wage in your area?
—What do freelancers with similar experience make in your area?
—What’s the absolute lowest you’re willing to make per hour?
—How much experience do you have?
—Does the gig pay hourly or a day rate?
—Show size?
—What is the size of the client? (Big company? Small not-for-profit?)
—Hours? (16 hours? 3 hours?)
—What does the gig entail?
—What is your specific position/role?
—Are you being hired only as an engineer?
—Are you expected to load in and load out?
—Corporate event? Concert? Theatrical production?
—How much do meals cost on average in your area?
—Is there a per diem?
—Will they feed you?
—Is travel required? (How far, how much time?)

Breaking It Down
It’s a daunting list. How do you even begin? For beginners, we work in a field requiring specific skills. Not just anyone can do it, keep that in mind. Even if you’re entry-level, do not undersell yourself.

There are very few gigs where you should accept less than $100. An exception is something along the lines of supervising breakouts for two hours. Then you take that $100 – it’s a sweet deal.

A good rule of thumb to use is no less than double minimum wage per hour. In my region (Kansas City), minimum wage is around $7.50 an hour, so that would be $15 an hour. A 10-hour day means clearing $150. Not bad. But do not settle for less.

Let’s run through a few different scenarios for determining a rational minimum day rate. We’ll use the above-mentioned minimum wage of $7.50 for our calculations.

Scenario 1
A local 4-piece rock band wants to have a dedicated sound human with them at all their gigs to maintain sonic consistency high between clubs and bars. They don’t ask you to help unload any of their stuff, but you are responsible for unloading and setting up all sound reinforcement gear. You deserve one-fifth (1/5) of the full gig pay out, at minimum. If the entire band makes $50 for the night, you’re doing it for the love of it, so make sure you love that band.