Free Hourly Rate Quote Template

Hourly Rate Quote Template Examples

Use these previews for layout and wording ideas. Choose the layout that makes the hours and rates easiest to review, then create and style your own quote in Docelf. Add the work and estimated time. Then state any expenses, limits, and terms.

Popular Hourly Rate Quote Layouts

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  Sample Hourly Rate Quote Template

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  Free Hourly Rate Quote Template

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  Printable Hourly Rate Quote Template

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More Hourly Rate Quote Layouts

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  Blank Hourly Rate Quote Template

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  Simple Hourly Rate Quote Template

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  Downloadable Hourly Rate Quote Template

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  Editable Hourly Rate Quote Template

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  Fillable Hourly Rate Quote Template

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  Professional Hourly Rate Quote Template

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Show How the Hourly Price Was Built

An hourly rate quote shows the customer how the quoted amount is built. List the rate, estimated hours, and work covered by the quote.

Add a minimum charge, not-to-exceed amount, overtime rate, or approval rule when it helps control uncertainty. Make it clear that the invoice reflects the actual approved hours and terms.

• Show the hourly rate, estimated hours, and quoted amount
• Use separate rates for different people, skills, equipment, or time periods
• Add a minimum charge, cost cap, overtime rate, or approved expenses
• State what counts as billable time and how extra hours need to be approved

What Is an Hourly Rate Quote?

An hourly rate quote prices work by time. It shows the rate, estimated hours, and quoted amount. It also states the terms that can affect billing.

The quoted amount may be based on the time you expect the work to take. State whether the customer will pay for actual hours, whether a cap applies, and how additional time will be approved.

How to Create an Hourly Rate Quote

Start with the work the customer needs. Estimate the time by task or role, then add the rates and limits that make the quoted amount clear.

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1. Business Details: Add your business name, contact details, and logo.
2. Customer and Work: Add the customer and describe the hourly work being offered.
3. Quote Dates: Add the quote number, issue date, and valid-until date.
4. Tasks and Rates: List each task or role with its hourly rate.
5. Hours and Limits: Add estimated hours, minimums, and any not-to-exceed amount.
6. Expenses and Terms: Show overtime, travel, expenses, and approval terms for additional hours.
7. Review and Send: Check the rates, hours, limit, and quoted amount, then send the quote.

What to Include in an Hourly Rate Quote

The customer should be able to see which work is billed by time, how the quoted amount was calculated, and what happens if more hours are needed.

• Your business name, contact details, and logo
• Your customer's name and contact details
• A unique quote number, issue date, and valid-until date when needed
• A clear description of each task, service, role, or type of work
• The hourly rate and estimated hours for each line item
• The base rate and any minimum charge. Show overtime, travel, or expenses separately. Then add discounts, taxes, and the quoted amount.
• A not-to-exceed amount or approval rule when additional hours may be needed
• The work schedule, payment terms, exclusions, and acceptance details

Set a Clear Cost Limit Without Hiding the Hourly Rate

Choose the limit that fits the job and the level of uncertainty. State the rule in plain language.

Hourly Rate Quote, Timesheet, or Invoice?

Use the quote before the work, record the time during the work, and send the invoice when payment is due.

Make Billable Time Clear Before the Work Starts

State what counts as billable time. This may include planning, meetings, travel, or documentation. Add separate rates where needed.

If the estimated hours are no longer enough, update the quote or ask the customer to approve the additional time before you continue.

Work Completed? Create the Invoice From the Accepted Quote

Create the invoice from the accepted quote, then replace the quoted hours with the approved actual hours. Add only the expenses or charges being billed.

For a later billing period, duplicate the invoice as a new draft and update the dates, hours, and line items.

Other Quote Template File Formats

Prefer an editable file? Choose a document or spreadsheet below. Use Docelf when you want the accepted rate and hours ready for billing.

• Word Quote Template
• Excel Quote Template
• Google Docs Quote Template
• Google Sheets Quote Template
• All Quote Formats

Related Quote Templates

Browse related templates when the work is better priced as a project, job, or professional service engagement.

• Professional Service Quote Templates
• Job Quote Template
• Project Quote Template
• Consultant Quote Template
• Quote Terms Example

Hourly Rate Quote Template FAQs

• What is an hourly rate quote?

  An hourly rate quote shows the work and hourly rate. It also states the estimated hours, quoted amount, and terms the customer is being asked to accept.

• What should I include in an hourly rate quote?

  Include the business and customer details, quote dates, and scope. Show the rate and estimated hours for each task or role. Add any cap, expenses, payment terms, and approval rule for more time.

• How do I estimate hours for an hourly quote?

  Break the work into tasks or stages and estimate the time for each one. Use past work, known requirements, and reasonable allowances. State the assumptions that could change the hours.

• Can I put a maximum amount on an hourly quote?

  Yes. Add a not-to-exceed amount and state that you will ask for approval before working beyond it. The cap shows the maximum charge under the quoted scope.

• Should I use a minimum charge?

  Use a minimum when the job requires setup, travel, scheduling, or a reserved block of time even if the hands-on work is short. State the minimum clearly before the customer accepts the quote.

• Can I use different hourly rates in one quote?

  Yes. Use separate line items when people or services have different rates. Add equipment, overtime, or travel time only when they are billed differently. Show the hours and rate for each line.

• What counts as billable time?

  Billable time depends on your service and agreement. State what the rate covers before work begins. Call out meetings, travel, or after-hours work when they are billed separately.

• What should I do if the work needs more hours?

  Pause before exceeding the approved hours or cap. Explain what changed and ask the customer to approve additional hours or a revised quote before you continue.

• Can I turn an accepted hourly quote into an invoice?

  Yes. Create the invoice from the accepted quote, replace the quoted hours with approved actual hours, and include only the work and expenses being billed.

Ready to Send Your Hourly Rate Quote?

Set out the hourly arrangement clearly before the customer approves the work.

• List each task or role with its hourly rate
• State minimums, caps, overtime, travel, and approval terms
• Email the hourly rate quote or download a PDF

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