Years of experience: this is one of the widest rate ranges of any freelance category, largely because experience and track record compound so heavily here.
Advisory level: C-suite strategic advisory work commands a dramatically higher rate than operational or small-business consulting.
Engagement type: a fixed-scope project (build a 90-day plan) often prices differently than an ongoing retainer for fractional executive support.
Industry specialization: consultants with deep, provable expertise in a specific vertical (healthcare compliance, SaaS growth, manufacturing operations) can charge well above the general median.
Starting out vs. established, in real numbers
A consultant early in their independent practice, working mostly with small businesses on operational questions, often lands in the $30-50/hr range while building a client base and case studies. Established consultants with a proven track record and referral pipeline typically charge $60-90/hr. Consultants who've built a specific, in-demand specialization or who work at the executive/strategic level can charge $100-150/hr and up, frequently pricing by project or retainer rather than hourly at that tier.
Getting paid once you've set your rate
A rate only matters if it actually gets collected. Once you've picked a number, send a professional invoice that states your terms clearly, and consider a simple contract for anything beyond a quick one-off, it's the easiest way to avoid scope creep eating into that hourly number. If you want to see how your rate translates into real take-home pay after taxes and time off, try the freelance take-home pay calculator.