Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
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Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
How Much Should You Charge for Packaging Design?
Freelance packaging designers typically charge $800–$5,000 per SKU for original packaging design. Simple label design starts around $500–$1,000; complex structural packaging with multiple panels and variants can reach $8,000+.
Floor
$800
per hour
Typical
$2,500
per hour
Premium
$6,000
per hour
Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
Was this helpful?
Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
What changes the price
- Number of SKUs or product variants
- Structural complexity (label only vs. box vs. custom dieline)
- Whether structural/dieline design is included or provided
- Number of color variants or product lines
- Print production file preparation requirements
- Photography or illustration elements
- Compliance text and regulatory requirements
- Rush timeline
Real quote breakdowns
Single Product Label
A craft hot sauce brand needing a label design for a standard 5oz bottle with a pre-made dieline.
Breakdown
Label design with 2 concepts, 2 revision rounds, print-ready PDF with bleeds and crop marks, Pantone color callouts.
CPG Product Line
A natural snack brand launching 4 flavors in pouch packaging with consistent visual system and flavor differentiation.
Breakdown
System design (1 hero SKU + 3 flavor variants), dieline coordination with printer, packaging mockups, print-ready files for all 4 SKUs.
Premium Gift Box System
A luxury skincare brand launching a holiday gift set with custom outer box, insert tray, and individual product labels.
Breakdown
Custom structural dielines for box and insert, premium print specifications, deboss/foil callouts, 3D mockups, full print production file set.
Frequently asked questions
Do packaging designers charge extra for print production file preparation?
Yes. Preparing printer-ready files with correct bleeds, crop marks, color profiles, and Pantone callouts is specialized work. Add $200–$500 to your design fee if print prep is included, or bill separately.
Should I charge per SKU or per project for a multi-SKU client?
Per-SKU pricing is transparent and scalable. Offer a volume discount (10–20%) for 4+ SKUs ordered together to reward larger projects while keeping your pricing structure simple.
How do I handle dieline/structural design if I'm a 2D designer?
Either partner with a structural designer and mark up their fee, or limit your scope to 2D surface design using client-provided or standard dielines. Be transparent with clients about what's in scope.
What's a fair rate for packaging mockups and 3D renderings?
Simple Photoshop mockups add $150–$300. Professional 3D renderings (Cinema 4D or similar) are worth $400–$800 per product. These dramatically help clients visualize the design and reduce revision rounds.