What’s your time worth? A creative’s guide to charging fairly

Knowing how to charge for your time, whether in arts practice, teaching, or consulting, can feel like a minefield. Here's a guide to get you started.
Charging for your time can be a confusing exercise if you're going alone. The photo shows a fair-skinned male holding out, with both hands, a glass jar with a screw-on lid containing a handful of notes and coins of Australian currency.

Money talk in the arts often feels taboo. While passion might drive the work, it doesn’t pay rent or buy resources. Here’s the truth: pricing your time properly is part of taking yourself seriously as a professional. It’s not about greed. It’s about sustainability, clarity, and self-respect. Here’s a guide to charging for your work.

Most creatives underestimate what a job actually takes. It’s not just the hour you’re on stage, in the classroom, or at the desk. Factor in:

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David Burton is a writer from Meanjin, Brisbane. David also works as a playwright, director and author. He is the playwright of over 30 professionally produced plays. He holds a Doctorate in the Creative Industries.