New freelance seo specialist typically land near the $18/hr end while building a portfolio and client base. Once you have proof of results and repeat clients, the $30/hr median becomes realistic. Specialists with a clear niche and strong track record routinely reach $85/hr or more, especially for short, high-stakes engagements.
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. 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.