Freelance web designers in Australia typically charge $75 to $150 an hour, and agencies $150 to $300 an hour. For a complete small business site, a fixed project price is usually safer than paying by the hour.
| Provider | Typical hourly rate (AUD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Freelancer | $75–$150 | Small sites, direct contact with the person doing the work |
| Agency | $150–$300 | Larger or complex projects needing a team |
Rates from Spark Interact, 2026.
Freelancer pros and cons
- Usually cheaper, and you deal directly with the designer.
- Limited capacity, and no backup if they're sick or move on.
Agency pros and cons
- More people, quality checks and ongoing support.
- Higher prices and more process than a small site needs.
Why fixed prices are safer
Hourly billing puts the risk of delays on you. A fixed price with a written scope (number of pages, rounds of changes, what's included) tells you exactly what you'll pay. Ask any designer for that before you start.
Questions to ask
- Is this a fixed price, and what exactly does it include?
- Who owns the domain, site and content when it's finished?
- What does it cost to make changes after launch?
Ranktide works on fixed prices from $2,490. See pricing and how to choose a web designer.