Free Hourly Invoice Template & Generator

For freelancers, consultants, and contractors, billing by the hour is one of the most common ways to get paid. An hourly invoice clearly shows the number of hours worked, the hourly rate, and the total due. This transparency ensures clients know exactly what they are paying for. With our free hourly invoice template and generator, you can create accurate, professional PDF invoices in minutes. Just enter your hours, rates, and client details, and download a polished invoice ready to send.

What to Include in an Invoice Template for Hourly Services

An hourly invoice must clearly reflect how much time was worked, the agreed rate, and the final total due. Proper documentation prevents payment disputes and builds client confidence.

  • •Business and client information - Include your business name, logo, address, and contact details. Add client name, project details, and contact information.
  • •Invoice details - Assign a unique invoice number, issue date, and due date for tracking and records.
  • •Hours worked - List total hours, date ranges, and a description of tasks performed.
  • •Hourly rate and subtotal - Show the hourly rate, hours multiplied by rate, and subtotal for each task.
  • •Taxes and totals - Add applicable taxes or fees and calculate the final amount due.
  • •Payment terms - State acceptable payment methods, due dates, and late fee policies.
  • •Notes and conditions - Add project references, disclaimers, or a short thank-you to clients.

Why are Invoices Important for Hourly Contractors?

Invoices are vital for freelancers and hourly workers because they are the official record of time worked and payment owed. Without them, billing can become inconsistent and disputes more likely.

  • •Payment transparency - Clients can see the exact hours worked and the rate applied.
  • •Proof of work performed - Itemized invoices confirm the effort put into a project.
  • •Financial organization - Consistent invoices make it easier to track income and prepare taxes.
  • •Professional reputation - Well-presented invoices show clients you run an organized business.

How to Use This Hourly Invoice Template

Our generator makes billing by the hour simple. Just enter the required details, and you'll have a professional PDF ready to send in minutes.

  1. 1Enter business and client details - Add your contact details, logo, and client information.
  2. 2Record hours worked - List hours by date or task, along with descriptions.
  3. 3Apply hourly rates and taxes - Multiply hours by rate, add taxes or adjustments.
  4. 4Download your invoice in PDF format - Export instantly to email or print for delivery.

Why Use an Hourly Invoice Template

Manually calculating hours and rates can lead to mistakes. A template and generator provide accuracy, structure, and a polished finish. With our hourly invoice template and generator, you can:

  • •Save time with automated calculations
  • •Reduce billing errors with clear documentation
  • •Present professional PDF invoices to clients
  • •Keep organized records for taxes and audits

Industry-Specific Tips for Hourly Invoicing

Hourly invoices are used across industries like freelancing, consulting, IT services, and trades. Tailoring them to your industry ensures clarity and professionalism.

  • •Break hours into tasks - Itemize different project activities for better client understanding.
  • •Include project or contract references - Mention job codes, project names, or client references.
  • •Add overtime or special rates - Clearly state if different rates apply for certain work.
  • •Use recurring invoicing for long projects - For ongoing contracts, issue invoices weekly or monthly.

Frequently Asked Questions

It should list business and client information, invoice details, hours worked, hourly rates, subtotals, taxes, total due, and payment terms.

Send invoices at the end of a project, weekly, or monthly, depending on the agreement with your client.

An hourly invoice charges for time worked, while a project invoice bills a flat fee for the entire job regardless of hours.

An invoice requests payment for hours worked, while a receipt confirms that payment has already been received.

Use a professional layout with invoice number, client details, itemized tasks, hours, rates, totals, and payment terms in PDF format.

A template provides structure, but a generator automates calculations and produces a ready-to-send PDF instantly.

You enter hours, rates, and client details. The tool calculates totals automatically and generates a PDF invoice to share.

Most hourly invoices can be created in less than five minutes, saving time compared to manual methods.

Looking for other invoice templates?

Contractor Invoice Template

Consulting Invoice Template

Small Business Invoice Template