If you're looking for medical writing support, you're probably wondering “How much is this going to cost?”
There's no denying that medical writers can be expensive, particularly if you're working with a large medical communications agency. These agencies often charge premium rates for their services, which may not be within reach for smaller companies, independent researchers, or startups operating on a tight budget.
But there's another option – freelancer medical writers or microagencies.
Freelance medical writers are often more affordable and flexible when it comes to pricing. Since they work independently or in small teams, they have fewer overheads and can often provide high-quality work at a lower cost than large agencies.
But what’s a reasonable rate to pay? And how should you structure payments for your project?
Understanding Medical Writing Rates
Medical writing fees vary based on factors such as:
The writer's experience and qualifications
The complexity and length of the project
The type of document required
The amount of research and strategic input needed
Several industry surveys, such as the WE3 salary survey and EMWA freelance business survey, can give you an idea of typical freelancer rates. However, the ranges can be quite broad, making it difficult to pinpoint exact costs.
One of the most important considerations is how you want to pay: by the hour, by the word or through a fixed-price arrangement for your project. Each method has its pros and cons.
Hourly rates
Most freelance medical writers charge by the hour or day. But rates can vary enormously depending on a writer’s experience, skill level and demand.
Highly sought-after experienced medical writers will naturally charge more, but can complete tasks faster and deliver a better first draft, potentially saving you time and money in the long run.
Newer writers may charge less, but their work may take longer and need more revision.
While paying by the hour seems straightforward, it can be tricky if you're unsure how long a project will take. To avoid budget surprises, some clients prefer to set an upper limit on billable hours or request an estimate before work begins.
Sometimes, it's more cost-effective to pay a higher hourly rate for a skilled writer who gets it right first time, rather than a lower rate for someone who takes twice as long. If your project is time-sensitive, investing in a seasoned writer could be the better choice.
Be cautious of writers offering rock-bottom prices – they will likely deliver low-quality work or rely heavily on AI-generated content.
Typical hourly rates
In the UK, experienced medical writers typically charge between £65 and £85 per hour and this can go up to £100 per hour for regulatory writing or for writers who offer strategic consultancy in addition to writing.
These rates apply when you hire a writer directly. However, if you go through a recruitment agency, expect to pay significantly more. Recruitment agencies will add their own markup on top of a writer's fee, which can drive up costs substantially. If you're on a budget, hiring a freelancer directly can be a more cost-effective solution.
Paying by the word
For some tasks, particularly medical editing or proofreading, paying by the word can be an option. Some editors prefer this model for its simplicity, especially for well-defined tasks.
However, per-word pricing is less practical for tasks like original scientific writing, development of slide decks or meeting support. These projects involve more than just writing: they often require background research, strategic thinking and collaboration with subject matter experts.
Fixed-price projects
Another option is working on a fixed-price basis, which many freelancers (myself included) offer.
This gives you a set price for the entire project from start to finish so you'll know exactly what you'll pay from the outset. It also means no surprises if the project takes longer than expected and allows you to quickly determine whether the cost fits your budget. Fixed pricing is particularly useful for well-defined projects like manuscripts, review articles and white papers.
From the freelancer's perspective, fixed pricing carries some risk, as it depends on their ability to accurately estimate the time required to complete a project upfront, It also requires time to prepare detailed quotes and they will need to monitor the project scope closely to ensure everything stays within the original agreement.
Why Pricing Transparency Matters
It can be hard to find clear pricing for medical writing services, as many agencies and freelancers avoid listing fees publicly. This is often because pricing varies significantly depending on project complexity, client needs and turnaround times. Some providers also worry that publishing rates could deter potential clients before they've had a chance to understand the value of the service.
But I believe in transparency. I’d rather give potential clients a rough idea of costs upfront rather than waste time on inquiries that don’t align with their budget.
Are Freelancers More Affordable Than Agencies?
Freelancers typically have lower overheads than agencies, which means we can offer better rates. For the same project, agencies will likely charge at least 2-3 times the price of a freelancer.
Agencies are also less likely to be flexible when it comes to scope. For example, a freelancer may be happy to take on a small amount of ad hoc editing for a nearly complete manuscript, whereas an agency may require a larger project commitment.
Freelancers also have networks of specialist freelancers, such as editors and graphic designers, and can work with these to provide a tailored service for your project without breaking the bank.
How Much Do I charge?
I provide a transparent pricing structure to help potential clients understand costs upfront. You can view my full price list here.
Here are some ballpark figures for common projects:
Full manuscript support: £9000+ for an original research article.
Editing and formatting: £75– £125 per 1000 words, depending on the level of work needed.
If you'd like a more detailed quote based on your project needs, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
What About VAT?
When budgeting for medical writing services, don’t forget about VAT. I am VAT-registered, which means 20% VAT will be added to my invoices for UK clients.
Some freelancers are not VAT-registered, meaning they do not charge VAT, but if you’re working with a VAT-registered writer, make sure to factor this into your budget.
Want to Learn More About Freelance Medical Writing?
If you're considering working with a freelance medical writer, you might have more questions. To find out more, check out my article: Do you want to be a freelance medical writer? Get the answers to your FAQs
Get In Touch
If you're interested in working with me on your next medical writing project, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
I'd be happy to chat about your requirements and provide you with a detailed quote for your project.
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