How much should i ask for? (Basic HTML)

So I'm doing basic HTML, Email coding and web updates (web admin stuff) for an individual in need of a freelancer. I was asked what my hourly rate was...any idea? Can someone give me a ball park figure? Since its supposed to be super basic work, I was thinking 8 - 10/hr?

Minimum wage in Arizona is $7.35 an hour, that is for the lowest and most unskilled workers that can be found. While you are not doing anything terribly complex you still fall into the skilled labor category since not everyone can do it. Now take into account that you are going to be self employed so you will pay state, federal and self employment tax which is significantly more than you would pay as a regular employee of a company. Then take business expenses into account, will you need a server? Office expenses? How much will you spend on marketing? Are you going to carry insurance, ect? You need to figure out your expenses before you can start talking figures. Take the amount of hours you expect to work per year and divide 150% of that among it, go 150% because you want a margin for error. Then finally take into account what you want to make, once you add that you have your price.

The issue with this is that most of these jobs are outsourced because $5/hr is profitable over there and this stuff doesn't take much skill to complete. You may find that getting work at a fair price is rather hard for your skill set. Still worth giving a try though.

7$ per hour would be ok!

Unfortunately, Village Genius is right. Covering the costs of what you're doing can be difficult, especially when you're looking for your first freelance jobs. It may be worth it to accept a lower contract amount just to build trust with your clients. Once you have a foot in the door and have proven the quality of your work, they will be more likely to come back to you for a better price... and possibly recommend you to their colleagues.

I agree with what has been said above, however, I wouldn't devalue the fact that you have skills.

Personally, I would ask for between $9 and $10 an hour to start. Then, when your portfolio begins to build along with your reputation, you can increase your hourly wage.

In my experience everybody has wanted a fixed price. I've only worked with members from here and similar forums though.

I don't do hourly rates on freelancing. Although what has been said in the thread seems fair for the work you're doing.