How to set scheduled rate increases on Upwork

In this article

• How do scheduled rate increases work?
• How do I schedule a rate increase?
• How do I review a scheduled rate increase request in a freelancer's proposal or proposed contract?
• Does a rate increase result in a new contract?
• Can scheduled rate increases be added to existing contracts?
• Can I edit or cancel a scheduled rate increase in an existing contract?

How do scheduled rate increases work?

Scheduled rate increases are only available for new hourly contracts and are entirely optional. Once you schedule a rate increase, the increases will occur at regular frequencies throughout the duration of the contract.

If you want to schedule an increase, you'll do it during the offer phase. Freelancers can request them in their proposals or in suggested new contracts, but it's up to you whether to include them in the final offer.

How do I schedule a rate increase?

You can only schedule a rate increase when you're sending an offer on a new hourly contract. To do so, follow these steps:

1. In the Contract terms section of your offer, choose the starting hourly rate you want to pay. (The rate defaults to what's on the freelancer’s profile or proposal bid, but you can edit it by selecting the pencil icon)
2. In the Scheduled rate increase section, choose how often you want to increase the rate from the dropdown options
3. Choose the increase percentage you want to offer from the dropdown options, or set a custom amount

How do I review a scheduled rate increase request in a freelancer's proposal or proposed contract?

For proposals: If a freelancer includes a scheduled rate increase in their proposal, you’ll see it in the Proposal details. If you respond with an offer, you can accept their proposed scheduled rate increase, decline it and include no rate increase, or set a different amount and frequency.

For proposed contracts: A freelancer you you've worked with or messaged through Project Catalog or consultations can also propose new contracts and include a scheduled rate increase. You’ll see it in the Rate increase section of the contract. You can approve or decline the contract or propose changes, including to the scheduled rate increase, by editing the offer.

Does a rate increase result in a new contract?

No, one of the benefits of including a scheduled rate increase in your contract is that you don’t have to start over with a new contract to give your freelancer a raise.

Can scheduled rate increases be added to existing contracts?

No. Scheduled rate increases can only be set when you're creating a new contract — they can’t be added to one that’s already active. You can manually increase the rate, but to schedule regular increases, you’ll need to end the current contract and start a new one.

Can I edit or cancel a scheduled rate increase in an existing contract?

No. Scheduling a rate increase is optional for you and your freelancer, but once you both agree to the scheduled increase, it's permanent for the duration of your contract. If you want to negotiate new rates in the future, you’ll need to start a new contract.