How do I determine my rate?
Many artists and freelancers find it difficult to determine what they are worth and what their rate should be. This article is about determining the amount of a fee you will receive for your work created or performed.
This article is about determining the amount of a fee you will receive for your work created or performed. Many artists and freelancers find it difficult to determine what they are worth and what their rate should be. This is because you prefer not to go too high, because there is a fear that others will then be assigned the work. From the other side, it also says something to many people when someone offers themselves for too little money. Then people may think that this has to do with the quality or professionalism of your work, for example.
Salary or honorarium
When you have an employment relationship where you work as an employee for a company you receive salary. When discussing this salary, you normally assume a gross salary. From this are subtracted taxes and social security contributions. You also include fringe benefits in negotiations. These can include things like pension plans, expense allowances and training. If the work you do as a freelancer is commissioned by someone else, then you are talking about a fee. You arrange all kinds of insurance yourself and you reserve time and money for vacations and training. This means that the hourly wage must be at least a lot higher than that of an employee employed by the company. You discuss the conditions with the client and preferably incorporate them into a model agreement. In this way, you also quickly meet the requirements set by the tax authorities under the Deregulation of Assessment of Labor Relations Act (Wet DBA).
What does the collective bargaining agreement say?
The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) includes agreements on salary and fees, working hours, expenses and pensions. Sometimes it also contains something about traineeship fees and minimum rates for self-employed workers. Even if no collective bargaining agreement legally applies to the work or assignment, you can get information from it about common fees. A collective agreement is often concluded between various employer organizations and unions. If this collective agreement is declared binding, it applies to everyone working in that sector. Many sectors and occupational groups have a collective bargaining agreement. We have listed most of those related to the cultural sector for you.
Guidelines and consulting fee
Consulting rates or guidelines are sometimes established by unions and professional associations. These amounts are not determined by law. However, they may be used in the case of a subsidy or fund, which allows you to quote the maximum hourly or daily rate. Also, always do your own research in your own environment because standard rates cannot be found for every job. Especially in the cultural sector this is sometimes difficult because there are many costs because the work is far from similar.
Rate Checker
The Kunstenbond is a professional association 'for everyone who calls themselves creative or an artist'. They have developed a handy tool that may get you a long way in determining your fee. That is the fee checker.
Ook Platform ACCT heeft onderzoek gedaan naar tarieven in de cultuursector, in het kader van Fair Pay, dat onderdeel is van de Fair Practice Code. Op hun pagina vind je onder andere deze rekentool voor tarieven voor popmusici, aan de hand van in welke carrièrefase je act is.
Tariff guidelines within specific professional groups
We have found some guidelines and provisions for some specific professions within the cultural sector that you may be able to use.
Dance or Drama
If you are employed as a freelancer in a position covered by collective bargaining agreement, and the work situation is virtually the same as that of an employee, then the collective bargaining agreement is the basis for the amount of the fee. That means that hourly rate is approximately equal to the rate charged for the employee + 40% extra. This has to do with the fact that, as a freelancer, you take care of insurance and pension plans yourself. You can find the collective labor agreement for dance and theater here.
Fine art
A tool with guidelines for fees has been developed especially for people working in the visual arts. On the website kunstenaarshonorarium.nl you will find a lot of information about these guidelines and it will help you determine your own fee.
Singer and pedagogues
Guidelines have been established for the profession of vocalists, vocal pedagogues and vocal teachers and you can find them on this website.
Composers
For composers, the website newgeneco.co.uk may be a useful resource.
Conductors
If you are working as a conductor we would like to point you to the website choirnetwork.co.uk.
Time and expenses
Regardless of whether it is about a monthly salary or a fee for an assignment, it is always important to carefully consider the time the work will take and what, if any, expenses will arise. It is essential to discuss this in advance with the client, as often budgets are completely depleted or divided afterwards. In addition, it does not come across as professional. So think carefully about whether there is, for example, travel reimbursement, whether you will pay for the cost of printing yourself or whether you may have to purchase materials in advance. Also look carefully at the amount of time the work will take you. Is it realistic to do it within the number of hours you have discussed with an employer or client? Be sure to look carefully at this when agreeing on a flat rate for an entire job.
Other sources
We have found some other websites that you may be able to take advantage of. Check them out below:
If, from your expertise, you yourself have knowledge that would fit this topic, or if you see opportunities to improve this text, we look forward to receiving your message at info@cultuuracademy.nl.