Pricing Models & Cost Analysis

Pricing based on "what others in my area charge" is a fast track to insolvency. Price based on data.

The Cost of Doing Business (CODB)

Before you quote a single job, you must know your baseline survival number. This includes kit replenishment, travel, insurance, taxes (assume 25-30% in the US), and non-billable hours (admin, cleaning, emails).

Industry surveys indicate that the average freelance MUA spends 3 hours of unpaid admin/prep for every 1 hour of paid application time. If you charge $100 for an hour makeup application, your actual gross hourly rate is $25.

Day Rates vs. Per Face

For commercial, editorial, and film work, Day Rates are standard. A standard day is 10 hours (portal to portal). Overtime (OT) is billed at 1.5x after 10 hours.

For bridal and event, Per Face is standard, but must be tied to a minimum booking requirement (e.g., Bride + 3) to ensure the day is profitable.

Calculate Your Baseline

Use our Hourly Rate Calculator to find your absolute minimum floor price.

FAQ

Should I publish my rates online?

For bridal/event: Yes, or at least a "starting at" price to filter out budget-mismatched inquiries. For commercial/production: No. Rates are negotiated based on usage, budget, and scope of work.