The market for AI consulting services is forming fast and rates vary enormously. This guide gives you a framework for setting rates that are defensible, competitive, and sustainable — with real numbers where they exist in the current market.
Price Based on Value, Not Time
AI consulting is knowledge work. A workflow design saving a five-person team ten hours per week is worth several thousand pounds to that team — regardless of how long it took you. Price based on value delivered, not time spent.
Rate Ranges by Service
AI Workflow Audit & Design
Review current AI use, identify high-value opportunities, document recommended workflows.
Rate: £750 for teams under 5; £1,400 for teams of 5–15; higher for larger or more complex.
Custom AI Automation Scripts
Working script for a specific task, with documentation and handover.
Rate: £350 for simple single-step automations; £900–£2,500 for complex multi-tool workflows.
Prompt Library & SOPs
Tested prompts for a specific task set, organised with examples and team guidance.
Rate: £450 for 15–25 prompts with full documentation.
AI Team Workshop
Hands-on session: team builds working workflows for their actual tasks.
Rate: £850 half-day (up to 6 people); £1,600 full day (up to 12). Remote or in-person.
Monthly Advisory Retainer
4 hours/month of access for ongoing support, tool recommendations, workflow updates.
Rate: £450/month, rolling, cancel any time.
CMS & Template Development
Custom Joomla, WordPress, or Webflow templates and site builds.
Rate: £250 for customisation; £800–£2,500 for a full custom build.
How to Set Your Starting Rate
New to consulting: start at the lower end of the range and raise as you build case studies. Two or three successful engagements at a lower rate with good references are worth more than holding out for top rates with no track record.
Domain expertise in a specific industry: price at the middle or above. Industry knowledge commands a premium because you can evaluate what "good output" looks like for that context. That's a real differentiator.
When to Raise Rates
When your pipeline is consistently full. When clients accept your quote without pushback. When you have case studies demonstrating measurable ROI. When you start turning down work. These are signals you're underpriced.