Freelance Consultant Invoice Template

Download the Freelance Consultant Invoice Template, a formal bill given by those that provide professional advice and guidance services to businesses and individuals. Whether the consultant charges by the hour, by the session, or a combination of the two, the invoice can be used to provide the client with a complete record of what they’re paying for (and why). An invoice differs from a receipt in that it is given before any payment has been received. It’s up the consultant whether they want to require their clients to pay upon receiving the invoice, or within a set amount of time (such as thirty days).

What is a Freelance Consultant?

Freelance consultants are independent contractors hired by companies or organizations to provide solutions to problems. They can be viewed as a consulting firm comprised of one person. The provider can be an expert in one or many business niches. The advantage of hiring a third-party consultant is that they bring a fresh perspective into problem-solving situations.

How Much do Freelance Consultants Charge?

The national average rate is $35 per hour, which is roughly $67,200 per year. Depending on their level of expertise, the person or company they’re working with, and the importance of the job, rates can fluctuate significantly higher. The top-earning consultants charge around $83 per hour, which equates to roughly $159,360 annually.

How to Become a Freelance Consultant

Becoming a consultant requires a mix of networking, experience, and credentials. Most freelancers start their career by finding a business niche in which they’re an expert. It’s good practice for freelancers to form an LLC to protect personal assets and legitimize their practice.

The goal is to connect with as many potential clients as possible, which can be done by reaching out to former employers, colleagues, and anyone who could benefit from a consultant’s advice. Over time, one should steadily build a network of contacts through which they can find work and gain positive testimonials, improving their credentials.

Once they have proven that they’re reliable and effective, it’ll be considerably easier for them to find clients; and they can raise their hourly rate to reflect the value of their work.