Many people wonder if becoming a freelance developer is still a smart move, but one of the biggest questions in 2025 is this “what is the average WordPress freelancer salaryWordPress Freelancer Salary in 2025 — Is Freelancing Still Profitable?
The short answer?
Yes, but only if you know how to position yourself right.
In this article, we’ll break down the current state of WordPress freelancing, what kind of income you can expect, and how to actually make a living from it in 2025.
🧠 Why WordPress Still Dominates in 2025
Despite all the noise from Webflow, Wix, and other drag-and-drop platforms, WordPress still powers over 40% of all websites online.
Businesses of all sizes, from startups to global brands, continue to choose WordPress because it offers:
- Full customization and ownership
- Affordable development cost
- Flexibility with plugins like Elementor, ACF, WooCommerce
- Easy integration with SEO and marketing tools
📌 Related: Why WordPress is the Best Choice for Your Business Website
💰 So How Much Do WordPress Freelancers Earn?
The average WordPress freelancer salary depends on several factors, but here’s a general breakdown:
| Experience Level | Est. Monthly Income (USD) | Project Types |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner (0–1 yr) | $500 – $1,500 | Simple websites, landing pages |
| Intermediate (1–3 yr) | $1,500 – $4,000 | Small business websites, maintenance |
| Expert (3+ yr) | $4,000 – $10,000+ | eCommerce, custom builds, retainers |
These numbers are global estimates. Freelancers working in high-demand markets or niche specializations (e.g, speed optimization, custom plugin dev) can earn well above $10,000/month.
📌 Want to dive deeper? Read WordPress Developer Hourly Rate in 2025
🔄 Freelance WordPress vs Full-Time Developer
| Category | Freelance WordPress Dev | Full-Time Web Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | High | Low to Medium |
| Stability | Depends on client pipeline | Fixed salary |
| Income Ceiling | Unlimited | Capped unless promoted |
| Freedom | You choose your projects | You do what you’re assigned |
Both paths are valid, but if you value freedom and growth, freelancing still has a high income ceiling in 2025.
📌 Want to switch careers? Read How to Become a WordPress Developer
📈 What Makes WordPress Freelancing Profitable Today
Not every freelancer makes it. Here’s what separates the pros from the struggling:
- Clear Niche: e.g. “I build websites for restaurants”
- Solid Portfolio: real projects, strong UX/UI, proven results
- Client Experience: fast response, clear process, over-delivering
- Pricing Strategy: hourly for small tasks, fixed price for builds
- Retention Model: monthly maintenance plans or retainers
It’s no longer about just building a website. Clients are paying for reliability, speed, and results.
📌 Maximize what you build: Unlock Your Website’s Full Potential With WordPress
🧃 Real Examples of WordPress Freelance Income
Here’s a realistic growth path for a WordPress freelancer:
- Year 1: Learn WordPress, build 2–3 sites, earn ~$5K total
- Year 2: Improve skills, raise rates, start getting referrals
- Year 3: Niche down, offer packages, earn $40K–$70K
- Year 4+: Retainers, inbound leads, scale past $100K/year
Some freelancers scale into agencies, while others stay solo with premium clients. Both work depending on your goals.
🚧 What Challenges Do WordPress Freelancers Face?
Even in 2025, freelancing comes with some hurdles:
- Finding clients consistently
- Managing scope creep and revisions
- Standing out in a saturated market
- Setting boundaries and work hours
But with proper systems, positioning, and a polished website you can avoid the feast-and-famine cycle.
📌 Not sure what to charge? Start with the WordPress Developer Hourly Rate in 2025
💼 Final Verdict
Yes, WordPress freelancing is still profitable in 2025.
But it’s not passive. It’s a real business that requires skill, positioning, and a commitment to learning.
If you treat it like a side hustle, you’ll get side hustle results.
If you treat it like a career, it can pay better than a full-time job.
📣 Ready to Freelance Smarter?
If you’re looking for a WordPress developer to learn from — or you’re a business owner who wants results-driven websites:
👉 See My Portfolio
👉 Contact Me to Collaborate
Let’s build something that grows your brand and your income.
