Tips and Best Practices

oDesk users often have questions (/comments/concerns) about the rates here on oDesk. Here's two of the most common questions, and their basic answers.

1. What kind of rates are oDesk users earning? It varies, but oDesk tries to be as transparent as possible. Please check out the oConomy and Trends for statistics. Remember: you always set your own rate.
2. What about minimum wage? There isn't one because (a) our buyers and providers come from around the globe, and (b) US minimum wage laws do not apply to contractors (aka freelancers or 1099ers).

Before you post your own thread on the topic, please read what your fellow users have already said on the subject. We encourage our users to actively participate in the community. Just read up first so you can be an informed participant.

Here's some comments voted 'most helpful' that you should check out:

• http://www.odesk.com/community/node/5613#comment-16765
• http://www.odesk.com/community/node/5900#comment-17498
• http://www.odesk.com/community/node/1565#comment-9124
• http://www.odesk.com/community/node/4599#comment-13084
• http://www.odesk.com/community/node/4265#comment-12074

These are past discussion threads addressing rates and minimum wages. Feel free to join the conversation or debate.

• http://www.odesk.com/community/node/5467
• http://www.odesk.com/community/node/5900
• http://www.odesk.com/community/node/1565
• http://www.odesk.com/community/node/5613
• http://www.odesk.com/community/node/4053
• http://www.odesk.com/community/node/4265
• http://www.odesk.com/community/node/4599

Beyond the oDesk forums, here are a few blogs that come highly recommended:

Vote Result

Score: 6.0, Votes: 5