How do I determine my rate?
Many artists and self-employed professionals find it difficult to determine their worth and what their rate should be. This article discusses how to determine the amount of compensation you should receive for the work you’ve created or the services you’ve provided.
This article is about determining the amount of compensation you receive for the work you’ve created or the services you’ve provided. Many artists and self-employed professionals find it difficult to determine their worth and what their rate should be. This is because you’d rather not set your rate too high, out of fear that others might be awarded the job instead. On the other hand, for many people, it also sends a message when someone offers their services for too little money. In that case, people might assume that this has to do with, for example, the quality or professionalism of your work.
Salary or fee
If you have an employment relationship in which you work as a salaried employee for a company, you receive a salary. When discussing this salary, you normally start with a gross salary. Taxes and social security contributions are then deducted from that amount. You’ll also factor in fringe benefits during negotiations. These can include things like a pension plan, expense reimbursements, and training. If you’re working as a self-employed professional on a contract basis for someone else, you’ll discuss a fee when negotiating compensation. In that case, you arrange all types of insurance yourself and set aside time and money for vacation and training. This means that your hourly rate must, in any case, be significantly higher than that of an employee who is on the company’s payroll. You discuss the terms with the client and preferably set them out in a model agreement. This also ensures that you quickly meet the requirements set by the Tax Authority under the Labor Relations Assessment Deregulation Act (Wet DBA).
What does the collective bargaining agreement say?
The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) sets out provisions regarding salaries and fees, working hours, expenses, and pensions. Sometimes it also includes provisions on internship stipends and minimum rates for self-employed individuals. Even if no CBA is legally applicable to your job or assignment, you can still use it as a reference for standard compensation rates. A CLA is often negotiated between various employer organizations and labor unions. Once a CLA has been declared binding, it applies to everyone working in that sector. CLAs have been established for a wide range of sectors and occupational groups. We’ve compiled a list of most of those relevant to the cultural sector for you.
Guidelines and Recommended Rates
Trade unions and professional associations sometimes establish recommended rates or guidelines. These amounts are not legally mandated. However, if you’re applying for a grant or fund, these rates may be used as a reference, meaning there’s a maximum hourly or daily rate you can claim. Always be sure to do your own thorough research in your local market, as standard rates are not available for every assignment. This can be particularly challenging in the cultural sector, where costs can vary widely because the nature of the work is often quite diverse.
Rate Checker
The Kunstenbond is a professional association “for anyone who considers themselves creative or an artist.” They’ve developed a handy tool that might help you get started on determining your fee. It’s called the rate checker.
Platform ACCT has also conducted research on rates in the cultural sector as part of the Fair Pay initiative, which is a component of the Fair Practice Code. On their website, you’ll find, among other things, this rate calculator for pop musicians, based on the career stage your act is in.
Guidelines for Fees Within Specific Professional Groups
We've found some guidelines and provisions for a number of specific professional groups within the cultural sector that you might find useful.
Dance or Theater
If you are hired as a self-employed professional for a position covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), and your working conditions are virtually the same as those of an employee, then the CBA serves as the basis for determining your fee. This means that your hourly rate is roughly equal to the rate charged for an employee plus an additional 40%. This is because, as a self-employed person, you are responsible for your own insurance and pension plans. You can find the collective bargaining agreement for dance and theater here.
Fine art
A tool has been developed specifically for people working in the visual arts, providing guidelines for fees. On the website kunstenaarshonorarium.nl, you’ll find a wealth of information about these guidelines, and it will help you determine your own rate.
Singers and educators
Guidelines have been developed for singers, vocal coaches, and vocal teachers, and you can find them on this website.
Composers
For composers, the website nieuwgeneco.nl may be a useful resource.
Conductors
If you work as a conductor, we’d like to direct your attention to the website koornetwerk.nl.
Time and Expenses
Whether it’s a monthly salary or a fee for an assignment, it’s always important to carefully consider the time the work will take and any expenses that may arise. It’s essential to discuss this with the client in advance, because budgets are often completely exhausted or allocated by the time the work is done. Furthermore, it doesn’t come across as professional. So think carefully about whether, for example, travel expenses will be reimbursed, whether you’ll have to cover printing costs yourself, or whether you might need to purchase materials in advance. Also, carefully assess the amount of time the work will take. Is it realistic to complete it within the number of hours you’ve agreed upon with an employer or client? Be sure to pay close attention to this when agreeing on a fixed rate for an entire assignment.
Other sources
We've found a few other websites that you might find useful. 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.