Hourly billing on UpWork is simple and straightforward. You set your hourly rate, and then you track your time using the UpWork desktop app or mobile app. Once you reach your monthly billable hours limit, you’ll be charged for the next month.
Here’s how it works:
1) You set your hourly rate. When you create or edit your profile, you’ll enter your hourly rate in the “Hourly Rate” field. This is the hourly rate you’ll charge for all future engagements.
2) You track your time. After you’re hired for an hourly project, you’ll use the UpWork desktop app or mobile app to track your time. You can also add time manually if you forget to track it.
3) You reach your monthly billable hours limit. Once you reach the number of billable hours you’ve set for the month, you’ll be charged for the next month. If you don’t want to be charged, you can pause your account or cancel it entirely.
4) You’re charged for the next month. If you reach your monthly billable hours limit, you’ll be charged for the next month automatically. You can see all charges on your Billing History page.
5) You can pause or cancel anytime.
Pausing your account will prevent any future charges, but you’ll still have access to all of your data and files. Canceling will delete your account entirely and is irreversible.
1. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the project scope and deliverables before you start work. Otherwise, you could end up working more hours than you anticipated and not getting paid for all of your work.
2. Keep track of your time carefully and submit accurate timesheets to your client. If you round up or down on your hours, it could affect how much you get paid.
3. If your client requests changes to the scope of work, make sure you adjust your hours accordingly. Otherwise, you could end up working extra hours for no extra pay.
4. Keep an eye on your client’s budget and make sure you don’t go over the agreed-upon number of hours. If you do, you may not be paid for all of your work.
5. Be aware that some clients may try to lowball you by offering a lower hourly rate than what you’re worth. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for a higher rate if you feel like the project warrants it
