Learn how weekly hour limits work on hourly contracts, who sets them, and when changes take effect. Stay aligned with your client on time, budget, and scope.
What is the weekly limit on hourly contracts?
Hourly contracts have a cap on how many hours you can log each billing week. The client sets that limit, but it’s always best to talk it through so you're aligned on scope, expectations, and budget before you get started.
How do weekly limits work?
- Only the client can set or adjust the limit, but it should be a collaborative decision. Agree on the hours upfront so you both know what to expect
- Only hours within the weekly limit are covered by Upwork's Hourly Protection
- Hours over the limit won’t be billed
- If you need to go over the limit, clients can choose to issue a bonus to cover the extra time. Be sure to discuss a bonus before you log the hours, however
Pro tip: Think you’ll need more time? Don’t wait — message your client early. It shows professionalism, protects your time, and gives you both space to decide if the additional hours make sense.
When do changes to weekly limits take effect?
- Increases take effect right away. Any time you’ve already logged that week will count toward the new limit
- Decreases begin the next workweek (Monday at 00:00 UTC) — giving you time to adjust