Fee Structures. Rates and fee structures can vary among genealogists. Some genealogists simply bill as they work. Others charge a daily rate or a flat fee per project. Most genealogists charge an hourly rate plus expenses.

Hourly Rates. Most genealogists base their hourly rate on their education, training, skill, experience, and credentials and what the market will bear. Rates may be as low as $10.00 per hour but could be over $100.00 per hour. The average rate charged by most competent genealogists ranges from $15.00 to $35.00 per hour. Record searchers often charge between $7.00 and $20.00 per hour.

Since rates vary, it is sometimes hard to know what warrants a higher rate. In general, genealogists may justifiably charge higher rates if they:

• Are experienced researchers in great demand.
• Have some unique research specialty, such as a knowledge of records in a foreign country or expertise concerning a particular set of records.
• Have credentials that reflect advanced skills.
• Have years of education and professional development.
  

Although the majority of genealogists work independently, you may find genealogical firms in areas where large repositories of records exist. Firms usually offer a wider variety of services and expertise.

Expenses. Most genealogists bill for the expenses they incur. Common expenses include:

• Costs of copies of records, certificates, and other documents.
• Fees paid to other researchers to search records in distant cities.
• Field travel (auto, meals, lodging).
• Admission fees paid to courthouses, repositories, and other record facilities.
• Administrative costs for items such as postage, supplies, and secretarial services.
  

Payment. Methods of payment vary, depending on the fee structure. Many genealogists ask their clients to pay a certain amount of money (a retainer) before work begins. The genealogist then works and bills against the retainer until it is spent. Then, another retainer is paid and work continues.

You can do the following to control your costs:

• Gather together as much information about your family as you reasonably can.
• Break a large project into smaller tasks and pay periodically.
• Request frequent reports and detailed billings to keep you informed.
• Clearly specify whether the genealogist can bill for additional services (cost overruns) and under what conditions it is appropriate to do so.
• Have other family members help pay costs.