The Complete Guide To Freelance Writing In 2025: $50-100/Hour Without Experience

How to go from complete beginner to well-paid freelance writer in 30 days or less. In this post you’ll learn how to perform that and more. Just learn, take action and implement.

Soon you’ll be getting gigs in no time. Just be consistent in your approach and never give up. Freelance writing in 2025 is more doable than you ever imagined.

Table of Contents

Last month, Sarah Martinez was working as a barista in Denver, struggling to make ends meet on $12 an hour. She had a college degree in psychology but couldn’t find work in her field.

Bills were piling up, and she was considering taking on a second job just to stay afloat.

Today, just eight weeks later, Sarah is earning $75 an hour as a freelance copywriter, working from her apartment, and has a waiting list of clients who want to hire her.

What changed? Sarah discovered that the writing skills she already possessed—the same skills you probably have—were exactly what thousands of businesses desperately need.

The best part? She started with zero freelance writing experience.

If you’ve been wondering whether you can really make money as a freelance writer without years of experience or a journalism degree, this guide will show you exactly how.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear road-map to start earning $50-100 per hour as a freelance writer, even if you’ve never written professionally before.

The $75/Hour Success Story That Changes Everything

Sarah’s transformation wasn’t magic—it was method. Here’s exactly what she did:

Week 1: She identified her existing skills (clear communication, attention to detail, and research abilities from her psychology background) and chose email marketing copywriting as her focus.

Week 2: She created three sample email campaigns for fictional businesses, built a simple portfolio website, and set up profiles on Upwork and Contently.

Week 3: She sent 20 cold emails to small business owners, following a proven template. Three responded with interest.

Week 4: She landed her first paid project—a $200 email sequence for a fitness coach. She delivered excellent work and asked for a testimonial.

Weeks 5-8: Word-of-mouth referrals and her growing portfolio led to higher-paying projects. She raised her rates twice and now has more work than she can handle.

Sarah’s secret? She understood that freelance writing isn’t about being the next Hemingway—it’s about solving business problems with words.

Why Freelance Writing is Perfect for Beginners in 2025

The freelance writing landscape has never been more favorable for newcomers. Here’s why:

Image compliments of PIxabay

The Digital Content Explosion

Every business needs content to survive online. Consider these statistics:

Content marketing generates 3x more leads than traditional marketing
Companies that blog receive 67% more leads than those that don’t
Email marketing has an average ROI of $42 for every $1 spent

This creates massive demand for writers who can create content that converts readers into customers.

Low Barrier to Entry

Unlike many online income streams, freelance writing requires minimal startup costs:

Equipment needed: A computer and internet connection (which you already have)
Skills required: Basic writing ability and willingness to learn
Investment: $0-50 for portfolio website and basic tools

Skills You Already Possess

If you can write a clear email, text message, or social media post, you have the foundation for freelance writing. The difference between casual writing and professional writing isn’t talent—it’s understanding what businesses need and how to deliver it.

High Income Potential

Freelance writing isn’t just a side hustle—it’s a legitimate career path:

Beginner writers: $25-50/hour
Experienced writers: $75-150/hour
Specialist copywriters: $150-500/hour
Top-tier writers: $500+ per project

Flexible and Scalable

Start part-time while keeping your current job, then scale to full-time as your income grows. Work from anywhere, choose your clients, and set your own schedule.

High-Paying Types of Freelance Writing (What Actually Pays Well)

Not all writing pays the same. Here are the most lucrative niches for beginners:

1. Email Marketing Copy ($50-150 per email)

What it is: Writing emails that sell products or nurture customer relationships.

Why it pays well: A good email can generate thousands in revenue, making writers valuable.

Getting started: Study successful email campaigns in different industries. Create sample emails for fictional businesses to build your portfolio.

Sample projects:

Welcome email sequences (5-7 emails): $300-800
Product launch campaigns: $500-1,500
Newsletter content: $50-200 per email

2. Sales Pages and Landing Pages ($500-5,000 per page)

What it is: Writing web pages designed to convert visitors into customers.

Why it pays well: A well-written sales page can increase conversion rates by 200-400%.

Getting started: Learn basic copywriting principles and study high-converting sales pages in various industries.

Sample projects:

Product sales pages: $800-3,000
Service landing pages: $500-1,500
Webinar registration pages: $300-800

3. Blog Posts and Articles ($0.10-1.00 per word)

What it is: Writing educational or entertaining content for websites and publications.

Why it’s beginner-friendly: Lower pressure than sales copy, and many opportunities available.

Getting started: Choose 2-3 industries you’re interested in and become knowledgeable about their challenges.

Sample projects:

1,500-word blog posts: $150-1,500
Industry articles: $200-800
How-to guides: $300-1,200

4. Social Media Content ($25-100 per post)

What it is: Creating posts, captions, and content calendars for social media platforms.

Why it’s growing: Businesses struggle to maintain consistent, engaging social media presence.

Getting started: Master 1-2 platforms thoroughly before expanding to others.

Sample projects:

Monthly content calendar (30 posts): $750-3,000
Individual posts with graphics: $25-100
Social media strategy documents: $500-2,000

5. Case Studies and White Papers ($300-1,500 each)

What it is: In-depth documents showcasing business results or industry insights.

Why it pays well: These require research skills and generate high-value leads for businesses.

Getting started: Develop strong interview and research skills. Focus on B2B industries.

Sample projects:

Customer success case studies: $400-1,200
Industry white papers: $800-2,500
Research reports: $1,000-5,000

6. Website Copy ($1,000-10,000 per project)

What it is: Writing all the text content for business websites.

Why it’s lucrative: Companies understand that website copy directly impacts their revenue.

Getting started: Learn user experience (UX) principles and study websites in specific industries.

Sample projects:

Small business websites (5-10 pages): $1,000-3,000
E-commerce product descriptions: $10-50 per product
Complete website overhauls: $3,000-15,000

Your First Week Action Plan (Day-by-Day Breakdown)

Here’s exactly what to do in your first seven days:

Day 1: Skill Assessment and Niche Selection

Morning (2 hours):

Take inventory of your existing skills and interests
Research which writing types align with your strengths
Choose your primary focus (I recommend email marketing for beginners)

Afternoon (2 hours):

Study 10 examples of your chosen writing type
Identify common patterns and structures
Take notes on what makes the best examples effective

Evening (1 hour):

Join 3-5 Facebook groups or online communities in your chosen niche
Follow industry leaders on social media
Subscribe to relevant newsletters and blogs

Day 2: Portfolio Creation

Morning (3 hours):

Write your first sample piece using a proven template
Create a second sample in a different style or industry
Edit and polish both pieces thoroughly

Afternoon (2 hours):

Set up a simple portfolio website using WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace
Write a compelling “About” page that focuses on client benefits
Upload your sample pieces with context about each project

Evening (1 hour):

Get feedback on your samples from friends or online communities
Make necessary revisions based on feedback

Day 3: Platform Setup

Morning (2 hours):

Create a professional Upwork profile with a clear, benefit-focused headline
Write a compelling overview that speaks to client needs
Upload portfolio samples and set your initial rates

Afternoon (2 hours):

Set up profiles on additional platforms (Contently, Freelancer, or Fiverr)
Ensure consistency across all profiles
Research what successful writers in your niche are charging

Evening (1 hour):

Join platform-specific groups and forums
Study job postings to understand what clients are looking for
Save 10-15 relevant job postings to apply to later

Day 4: Application Strategy

Morning (2 hours):

Write 3-5 customized proposals for jobs on your chosen platforms
Focus on how you’ll solve the client’s specific problem
Include relevant samples and ask clarifying questions

Afternoon (2 hours):

Research potential clients outside of job platforms
Find 10-15 businesses that could use your services
Gather contact information for decision-makers

Evening (1 hour):

Prepare cold email templates for direct outreach
Personalize each email with specific observations about their business
Schedule emails to send the next day

Day 5: Direct Outreach

Morning (2 hours):

Send 10 personalized cold emails to potential clients
Follow up on any platform applications from previous days
Engage with prospects on social media

Afternoon (2 hours):

Continue building your portfolio with additional samples
Start a simple blog or social media presence to showcase expertise
Network in online communities without being salesy

Evening (1 hour):

Track all outreach activities in a spreadsheet
Plan follow-up sequences for non-responders
Celebrate small wins (like profile views or initial responses)

Day 6: Learning and Improvement

Full Day (6 hours):

Take an online course in your chosen writing specialty
Read industry blogs and books
Practice writing with feedback from online communities
Refine your pitch based on any responses received

Day 7: Review and Plan

Morning (2 hours):

Review the week’s activities and results
Identify what’s working and what needs improvement
Adjust your strategy based on early feedback

Afternoon (2 hours):

Plan week two with specific goals and activities
Create content calendar for ongoing portfolio development
Set up systems for tracking applications and follow-ups

Evening (1 hour):

Prepare for the upcoming week
Continue learning and skill development
Stay motivated by connecting with other freelance writers

Pricing Strategies That Get You Hired (Without Selling Yourself Short)

Pricing is where most new freelance writers go wrong. Here’s how to get it right:

The Beginner’s Pricing Paradox

New writers face a catch-22: they need experience to charge higher rates, but they need to charge enough to be taken seriously. Here’s how to navigate this:

Start at 75% of market rate, not 25%

If experienced writers charge $100/hour, start at $75/hour, not $25/hour. Low prices signal low quality and attract problem clients.

Project-Based vs. Hourly Pricing

Use project-based pricing when possible:

Easier for clients to approve
Allows you to benefit from increased efficiency
Reduces focus on time tracking

Use hourly pricing for:

Undefined scope projects
Ongoing retainer work
When you’re unsure how long something will take

The Rate Progression Strategy

Months 1-2: Foundation Rates

Email copy: $50-75 per email
Blog posts: $0.15-0.25 per word
Social media posts: $25-40 each

Months 3-6: Growth Rates

Email copy: $75-125 per email
Blog posts: $0.25-0.50 per word
Social media posts: $40-75 each

Months 6+: Premium Rates

Email copy: $125-200+ per email
Blog posts: $0.50-1.00+ per word
Social media posts: $75-150+ each

When and How to Raise Your Rates

Raise rates when:

You have more work than you can handle
You’ve completed 10+ successful projects
You’ve developed specialized expertise
Your results improve client outcomes

How to raise rates:

Increase rates for new clients first
Inform existing clients 30 days in advance
Provide additional value to justify increases
Be prepared to lose some clients (this is normal and healthy)

The Value-Based Pricing Secret

Instead of charging based on time, charge based on value delivered:

Example: An email that takes 2 hours to write but generates $10,000 in sales is worth far more than $150. Consider charging $500-1,000 based on the value it creates.

How to implement:

Ask clients about their goals and expected outcomes
Tie your pricing to results when possible
Share case studies showing ROI from your work
Position yourself as an investment, not an expense

Finding High-Paying Clients (The Methods That Actually Work)

Forget what you’ve heard about job boards being the only way to find clients. Here are the strategies that consistently work:

Method 1: Direct Outreach (Highest Success Rate)

Why it works: You’re approaching businesses that need your services, not competing with hundreds of other writers on job boards.

How to do it:

Identify businesses in your target industries
Research their current marketing efforts
Find specific ways you could improve their results
Send personalized emails with specific observations and suggestions

Email Template That Works:

Subject: Quick question about [specific aspect of their business]

Hi [Name],

I was looking at [specific page/campaign/content] and noticed [specific observation about what they're doing well].

I'm curious - are you currently [specific question related to their marketing/content strategy]?

I ask because I recently helped [similar business] [specific result you achieved], and I noticed some opportunities that might work for [their business] too.

Would you be open to a brief conversation about [specific benefit you could provide]?

Best,
[Your name]

P.S. [Specific compliment or observation about their business]

Success tips:

Send 10 emails per day consistently
Follow up 2-3 times with non-responders
Track open rates and responses to improve your approach
Focus on smaller businesses (easier to get responses)

Method 2: Content Marketing and SEO

Create content that attracts clients to you:

Start a blog focused on your target industries
Write case studies of successful projects
Share tips and insights on social media
Guest post on industry websites
Speak at virtual events or webinars

Example topics that attract clients:

“How to Write Email Subject Lines That Get Opened”
“5 Website Copy Mistakes That Kill Conversions”
“Case Study: How Better Product Descriptions Increased Sales 40%”

Method 3: Strategic Job Board Usage

Not all job boards are created equal. Focus on:

Upwork (Best for beginners):

Largest client base
Built-in payment protection
Good for building initial reviews

Contently (Higher-quality clients):

Requires application approval
Better rates than most platforms
Focus on content marketing

ProBlogger Job Board (Premium opportunities):

$10 to post, filters out low-budget clients
Higher-quality opportunities
Less competition

Job board success strategies:

Apply within the first hour of posting
Ask questions to stand out from generic applications
Include relevant samples, not just links to your portfolio
Follow up professionally if you don’t hear back within a week

Method 4: Networking and Referrals

Build relationships that generate consistent work:

Join industry-specific Facebook groups and Slack communities
Attend virtual networking events and webinars
Connect with other freelancers who might refer overflow work
Maintain relationships with past clients for repeat business

Referral generation strategies:

Always ask satisfied clients if they know others who might need similar help
Offer referral bonuses to clients who send you business
Stay in touch with past clients through valuable newsletters or updates
Create a simple referral program with clear benefits

Method 5: Partnership Opportunities

Work with complementary service providers:

Web designers (they need copywriters for client projects)
Marketing agencies (often outsource writing work)
Business coaches (their clients need marketing materials)
Virtual assistants (they refer specialized work)

How to build partnerships:

Identify potential partners in your area
Offer to collaborate on a project for free initially
Provide excellent work to establish trust
Create formal referral agreements
Cross-promote each other’s services

Common Mistakes That Kill Your Freelance Success

Learning from others’ mistakes is far less expensive than making them yourself. Avoid these critical errors:

Mistake #1: Underpricing to Win Work

The Problem: Setting rates too low to compete with other beginners.

Why it backfires:

Attracts clients who don’t value quality work
Creates unsustainable workload for the income generated
Makes it harder to raise rates later
Signals that your work isn’t high-quality

The Solution: Price competitively but fairly from day one. It’s better to land fewer, higher-paying clients than many low-paying ones.

Mistake #2: Taking On Every Project

The Problem: Saying yes to projects outside your expertise or below your standards.

Why it’s damaging:

Spreads your efforts too thin
Prevents you from developing specialized expertise
Can damage your reputation if you deliver poor work
Keeps you stuck in generalist pricing

The Solution: Focus on your chosen niche until you’re genuinely expert, then expand strategically.

Mistake #3: Poor Communication

The Problem: Slow responses, unclear project requirements, or missing deadlines.

Why it kills success:

Erodes client trust quickly
Leads to poor reviews and no referrals
Creates stress and rushed work
Prevents repeat business

The Solution: Set clear communication expectations, respond within 24 hours, and always meet deadlines.

Mistake #4: Not Setting Boundaries

The Problem: Allowing clients to request unlimited revisions, expand project scope, or contact you at all hours.

Why it’s problematic:

Reduces your effective hourly rate
Creates client expectations that are hard to change
Leads to burnout and resentment
Attracts difficult clients

The Solution: Define project scope, revision limits, and communication hours upfront in your contracts.

Mistake #5: Focusing Only on Writing

The Problem: Treating freelance writing as just writing, not as running a business.

Why it limits success:

Neglects marketing and client acquisition
Prevents business growth and scaling
Creates feast-or-famine income cycles
Limits long-term earning potential

The Solution: Spend 50% of your time on business development, even when you’re busy with client work.

Mistake #6: Not Tracking Business Metrics

The Problem: Not monitoring key performance indicators like conversion rates, average project value, or client lifetime value.

Why it matters:

Can’t improve what you don’t measure
Miss opportunities to increase profitability
Can’t identify which marketing efforts work best
Prevents strategic decision-making

The Solution: Track applications sent, response rates, project values, and client retention rates monthly.

Essential Tools and Resources (What You Actually Need)

Don’t get overwhelmed by tools. Here’s what you actually need:

Writing and Editing Tools

Free Options:

Grammarly (Free version): Basic grammar and spell checking
Hemingway Editor: Improves readability and clarity
Google Docs: Collaboration and sharing with clients
Power Thesaurus: Better word choices and variety

Paid Upgrades Worth It:

Grammarly Premium ($12/month): Advanced grammar, tone, and plagiarism checking
ProWritingAid ($20/month): In-depth writing analysis and improvement suggestions

Portfolio and Website

Free Options:

WordPress.com: Basic website with limited customization
Wix or Squarespace: User-friendly drag-and-drop builders
Google Sites: Simple, free website creation

Paid Upgrades:

WordPress.org with hosting ($5-15/month): Full customization and control
Custom domain ($10-15/year): Professional email and web address

Project Management

Free Options:

Trello: Visual project organization
Google Calendar: Scheduling and deadline tracking
Google Sheets: Client tracking and invoicing

Paid Options:

Asana or Monday.com ($10-15/month): Advanced project management
Toggl ($9/month): Time tracking for hourly projects

Communication and Invoicing

Free Options:

PayPal or Stripe: Basic payment processing
Wave Accounting: Free invoicing and basic bookkeeping
Zoom (Free tier): Client calls and meetings

Paid Options:

FreshBooks ($15/month): Professional invoicing and expense tracking
QuickBooks ($25/month): Comprehensive accounting software

Learning and Development

Free Resources:

Copyblogger: Content marketing and copywriting education
HubSpot Academy: Free marketing and sales courses
Google Digital Marketing Courses: Foundational marketing knowledge

Paid Resources:

AWAI (American Writers & Artists Inc.): Copywriting courses ($300-800)
Copy School: Modern copywriting training ($500-1,500)
Udemy courses: Specific skill development ($10-200)

The $100 Starter Kit

If you have a limited budget, here’s what to prioritize:

Domain name and basic hosting ($30/year)
Grammarly Premium ($144/year)
Basic website template ($30-50)
Professional headshot ($50-100)

Everything else can be added as your income grows.

Scaling to $5K/Month and Beyond

Once you’re consistently earning your first $1,000-2,000 monthly, it’s time to scale strategically:

Strategy 1: Specialization and Premium Positioning

Move from general writer to specialist:

Instead of “I write blog posts,” become “I write conversion-focused blog posts for SaaS companies that increase trial signups.”

Benefits of specialization:

Command higher rates (specialists earn 2-3x more than generalists)
Easier to market yourself
Faster project completion due to expertise
More referrals within your industry

How to specialize:

Choose an industry you understand or find interesting
Study that industry’s unique challenges and language
Create industry-specific portfolio samples
Network within that industry
Gradually shift all marketing to focus on that specialty

Strategy 2: Recurring Revenue Streams

Move from project-based to retainer work:

Types of recurring work:

Monthly blog posts for multiple clients
Weekly email newsletters
Ongoing social media content
Monthly reporting and content strategy

Benefits:

Predictable income
Less time spent on client acquisition
Deeper client relationships
Higher lifetime value per client

How to transition:

Identify clients who need ongoing content
Propose retainer packages instead of one-off projects
Create different tiers of monthly services
Focus on results and ROI to justify ongoing investment

Strategy 3: Increase Your Value Per Hour

Instead of working more hours, make each hour more valuable:

Tactics that work:

Charge based on value, not time
Create templates and systems to work faster
Focus on high-impact projects that generate measurable results
Develop premium service packages

Example progression:

Month 1-3: $50/hour for basic blog posts
Month 4-6: $100/hour for strategy-focused content
Month 7-12: $200/hour for conversion-optimized copy
Year 2+: $300-500/hour for comprehensive campaigns

Strategy 4: Build Your Own Platform

Create assets that generate income without client work:

Options that work:

Email newsletter with paid sponsorships
Online course teaching your writing specialty
Membership site with ongoing content and community
Done-for-you templates and resources
Coaching or consulting services

Implementation timeline:

Build audience while doing client work
Create first digital product around month 6-8
Scale platform-based income to replace client work partially
Transition to hybrid model (some clients + some products)

Strategy 5: Team Building and Outsourcing

Scale beyond your personal time limitations:

What to outsource first:

Administrative tasks (scheduling, invoicing)
Research and initial drafts
Social media management
Lead generation and outreach

Building a writing team:

Partner with other writers for larger projects
Subcontract overflow work to trusted freelancers
Create systems and templates for consistent quality
Focus your time on strategy and client relationships

Management structure:

You handle strategy, client communication, and final editing
Team members handle research, first drafts, and specific tasks
Everyone follows established brand guidelines and quality standards
Regular training and feedback sessions maintain standards

Your 30-Day Implementation Plan

Here’s your complete roadmap to freelance writing success:

Week 1: Foundation (Days 1-7)

Goal: Set up your freelance writing business infrastructure

Daily tasks:

Day 1: Niche selection and market research
Day 2: Create first portfolio samples
Day 3: Build basic website and profiles
Day 4: Write and send first client proposals
Day 5: Direct outreach to potential clients
Day 6: Skill development and learning
Day 7: Review progress and plan week 2

Week 1 success metrics:

2-3 strong portfolio samples created
Professional website live
5+ client applications submitted
10+ direct outreach emails sent

Week 2: Momentum Building (Days 8-14)

Goal: Generate first responses and potential clients

Focus areas:

Follow up on all outreach efforts
Apply to 10+ new opportunities
Create additional portfolio samples
Join relevant online communities
Start building social media presence

Week 2 success metrics:

3+ client responses or inquiries
15+ total applications submitted
Active participation in 5+ online communities
Social media profiles established

Week 3: First Projects (Days 15-21)

Goal: Land and complete your first paid projects

Priority activities:

Convert inquiries into paid projects
Deliver exceptional work on first projects
Request testimonials and feedback
Continue steady outreach and applications
Refine your pitch based on feedback received

Week 3 success metrics:

1-2 paid projects secured
First testimonials received
Refined service offerings based on market response

Week 4: Growth and Optimization (Days 22-30)

Goal: Scale successful strategies and plan month 2

Key activities:

Analyze what’s working and double down
Raise rates for new clients
Develop systems for ongoing client management
Plan content marketing strategy
Set goals for month 2

Week 4 success metrics:

$500+ in confirmed income
3+ client testimonials
Clear plan for sustainable growth
Systems in place for ongoing operations

Monthly Ongoing Goals (Month 2 and Beyond)

Income targets:

Month 2: $1,000-1,500
Month 3: $2,000-3,000
Month 4: $3,000-4,000
Month 5: $4,000-5,000
Month 6: $5,000+ and planning next growth phase

Activity targets:

Send 50+ outreach emails monthly
Apply to 20+ relevant opportunities
Publish 4+ pieces of content (blog posts, social media)
Network with 10+ new contacts
Complete 5-10 client projects

Success Tracking Spreadsheet

Track these metrics weekly:

Number of applications sent
Response rate to applications
Number of client inquiries
Conversion rate (inquiries to projects)
Average project value
Total monthly income
Client satisfaction scores
Referrals received

Your Freelance Writing Journey Starts Now

The freelance writing opportunity has never been better. Businesses desperately need writers who can create content that converts, and the barriers to entry have never been lower.

But here’s the truth: reading this guide won’t make you money. Only implementing these strategies will.

Sarah Martinez, the barista who now earns $75/hour as a freelance writer, didn’t succeed because she had special talents or connections. She succeeded because she followed a proven system and took consistent action.

Your system is now laid out in front of you. You have the road-map, the strategies, and the action plan.

The question isn’t whether you can succeed as a freelance writer—you absolutely can.

The question is: will you start today?

Your Next Action Steps:

Today: Choose your niche and write your first portfolio sample
This week: Complete the 7-day action plan outlined above
This month: Follow the 30-day implementation road-map
Next month: Scale using the strategies in this guide

Free Resources to Get You Started:

Coming Soon – Grab These Free Tools:

Freelance Writing Starter Kit (templates, checklists, and samples)
10 High-Converting Cold Email Templates
Pricing Calculator Spreadsheet
Client On-boarding Checklist
30-Day Action Plan Worksheet

Join the Community: Connect with other aspiring freelance writers, share your progress, and get support on your journey. [Community link coming soon]

Remember: every expert was once a beginner. Every successful freelance writer started with their first client, their first project, their first paycheck.

Your first client is out there right now, looking for exactly what you can provide. They don’t need you to be perfect—they need you to solve their problem.

Start today. Your freelance writing career is waiting.

Ready to dive deeper into building your online income? Check out our complete guide: Making Money Online: How Does One Start In 2025 and Beyond? for more strategies beyond freelance writing.

What’s your biggest question about starting as a freelance writer? Leave a comment below, and I’ll make sure to address it in upcoming posts. Your success is my success, and I’m here to help you every step of the way.

Keep following for more impactful posts like the ones I am bringing to you. This is the second in a series of 4 posts of the niche MMO or making money online. If you haven’t already, do subscribe.

David Jones

yourdigitalbreakthrough.com

The Complete Guide to Freelance Writing in 2025: $50-100/Hour Without Experience