How much will it cost?
The Australian and New Zealand Society of Indexers has a recommended minimum hourly rate for book and periodical indexes (see below). Indexers are not obliged to charge this rate, but many do. Indexers usually use this rate to calculate a fee for an assignment; this fee is usually given in quotes for the customer, rather than the hourly rate. Complicated or urgent indexes may attract a higher hourly rate or a surcharge. Very experienced indexers who are fast indexers may base their quotes on a higher hourly rate. Some indexers prefer to quote on a per indexable page rate rather than a fee for the job. Database indexing is usually costed on a per item basis.
Recommended rate
ANZSI recommends that the minimum rate for competent indexers* is A$70 per hour. The rate does not include GST. The rate in New Zealand is currently NZ$55 per hour.
*Competent indexers are those, not necessarily Accredited, who understand the principles and standards of professional indexing and who can do a good job of indexing the materials put before them. They are most likely to have completed number of indexes, to have undertaken training (either formal training, on-the-job training or self-directed learning), and engage in professional development. Competent indexers will also be aware of their limitations, and know when to reject a commission because it is outside their level of expertise or subject knowledge.
The rate was set by ANZSI Council in July 2019; it is reviewed regularly.