hourly rate

USAGE SUMMARY

"hourly rate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It often refers to the rate of pay that an employee receives for each hour of work. For example, "The agency offered me a job with an hourly rate of $25."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her hourly rate starts at $75.

The New York Times

Mr. Barnett charges his usual hourly rate.

The New York Times

All that's missing is the hourly rate.

The New Yorker

Or, to give the hourly rate, £6 instead of £2?

The Guardian

Coventry council was paying an equivalent hourly rate of £2.72.

The Guardian

Recently Blyther's hourly rate was reduced by 25%.

The Guardian

Another said her hourly rate had been cut.

The New York Times

The hourly rate for his work is $60, he said.

The New York Times

Well, do you know your lawyer's hourly rate?

The New York Times

That won't happen again; the hourly rate is now $129.95.

The New York Times

Noncontract calls are billed at an hourly rate.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing compensation, clearly state the "hourly rate" alongside any benefits or additional payments to provide a comprehensive understanding of the overall earnings.

Common error

Avoid using "hourly rate" when discussing annual salaries. "Hourly rate" specifies the payment for one hour of work, while salary refers to a fixed annual amount, regardless of hours worked.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hourly rate" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to identify the amount of money paid or charged for one hour of work or service. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it describes the compensation model based on time. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hourly rate" is a common and grammatically sound term referring to the cost or payment for one hour of work or service. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, primarily in news, wiki, and formal business settings. Analysis of its usage reveals that it serves to inform or negotiate the cost of labor, and its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both professional and informal discussions. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in communicating total compensation and differentiate it from fixed salaries. Consider alternatives like "wage per hour" or "cost per hour" to fine-tune your message according to the intended audience. Ludwig's examples highlight that understanding and accurately representing "hourly rate" is crucial in employment and service agreements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rate per hour

This alternative directly rephrases "hourly rate" by changing the order of the words, emphasizing the "rate" applicable to each "hour".

wage per hour

Replaces "rate" with "wage", focusing on the compensation received by the employee for each hour worked.

hourly wage

Similar to "wage per hour", this variant emphasizes the wage received on an hourly basis.

pay per hour

Focuses on the payment made for each hour of work.

cost per hour

Shifts the perspective to the employer's side, focusing on the expense incurred for each hour of work.

hourly compensation

Uses a more formal term, "compensation", to refer to the total payment received for each hour of work.

charge per hour

This applies when someone is billing for their time, like a consultant or freelancer.

hourly earnings

This focuses on the amount earned within an hour.

hourly fee

Indicates a cost or payment that is applied on an hourly basis, especially for services.

time-based rate

Describes a rate that is calculated based on the amount of time worked, particularly one hour.

FAQs

How do I calculate my annual salary from my "hourly rate"?

Multiply your "hourly rate" by the number of hours you work per week, and then multiply that result by the number of weeks you work per year. For example, if you make $20 per hour and work 40 hours a week for 52 weeks, your annual salary is $20 * 40 * 52 = $41,600.

What is a good alternative to using the phrase "hourly rate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "wage per hour", "hourly wage", or "rate per hour". These phrases all convey the same basic meaning.

Is it better to negotiate an "hourly rate" or a project-based fee?

It depends on the type of work and your preferences. An "hourly rate" can be better for projects with uncertain timeframes, while a project-based fee may be more suitable for well-defined tasks. Consider the potential for scope creep and whether you prefer the stability of a fixed fee or the flexibility of an hourly rate.

What factors influence a typical "hourly rate" for a specific job?

Factors that influence an "hourly rate" include experience, skills, location, industry demand, and the complexity of the work. Researching industry standards and considering your own qualifications can help you determine a fair and competitive rate.