How much does professional CV writing cost in 2026?

In the UK, there is no professional body setting the price of CV writing, so as a result there is a wide variation in prices and services available. Sometimes the CV writing cost is justified and other times it isn't, so it's important to do your research before engaging a professional CV writer.

What is the average CV writing cost in the UK?

CV writing costs in the UK can vary from under £50 to well over £1,000. The price you pay for CV writing can depend on several factors, including:

• Which provider you choose (for example, a certified CV writer will cost more than a mass-production CV mill)
• Your level of seniority (for example, a C-suite executive can expect to pay more than an entry-level graduate)
• How much work experience you have (for example, CV writing costs more if you have 30 years' experience compared to two)
• How much input you need (for example, if you're willing to do some of the work yourself you can often get expert help for a lower cost)

Now we've discussed what affects CV writing costs, let's explore what you get for your investment.

What should I get for my money?

When you work with a CV writer, you're not just engaging a typing service. A good CV writer will:

• Ask about your ideal next steps, so that the CV can be written with a specific target in mind
• Hold a consultation with you to discuss your career, fill gaps and understand your exact requirements
• Have extensive experience in CV writing and knowledge of the UK job market
• Produce a CV in line with industry best practice, with first class English and professional presentation, that positions you as the ideal candidate
• Tailor the CV to a job advert for your target role
• Write a CV that sounds like a polished version of you – not AI!
• Complete revisions at no additional cost
• Give you confidence in your CV that inspires your entire job search

When comparing CV writing costs across providers, remember you're paying for expertise, not just a data input.

Should I use a low-cost CV writing service?

Low-cost CV writing is unlikely to result in the expertise or results that you need.

There are several CV writing mills in the UK. These are businesses that churn out a high volume of CVs at low cost, by engaging low-paid writers on freelance or zero-hours contracts and taking a cut of the price paid by the client – often over 50%.

Calculate roughly how much the writer is likely to be getting paid, and compare it to the amount of time you'd expect them to spend on your CV. Does it seem like a fair hourly rate?

Now ask yourself how much expertise you'd expect them to have for that hourly rate. Does the rate reflect expertise in CV writing? Are they likely to be educated to degree-level and have a solid history of professional experience themselves that they can draw on when writing your CV? Or does the cost reflect a simple tidy up with no value added to the content?

Some (not all) CV mills engage writers in third world countries in order to keep costs down (and because their rates are unacceptable to UK workers). Consider whether your writer is likely to have experience in the UK job market or a high standard of written English before you agree to work with these businesses.

Are independent CV writers expensive?

Independent CV writers are usually the best route, to avoid the low quality of CV mills. Naturally, many job seekers worry about the CV writing cost of these boutique providers, but the investment can pay for itself in terms of a shorter job search, a pay rise and increased confidence that your CV is presenting the very best version of you.

Not all CV writers are created equal, so you will still need to do your research. The British Association of CV Writers maintains a list of registered and certified writers, who have all passed a CV writing test, signed a Code of Ethics and committed to regular professional development. Not all publish their prices online, but you can get a good idea of current averages by looking at a few of their websites.

Should I use AI to write my CV?

It's never sensible to delegate the whole CV writing process to AI. If you're trying to avoid the cost involved in engaging an expert CV writer, it can be tempting but, while AI has its uses, your CV needs the human touch.

Recruiters on LinkedIn are regularly reporting receiving an overwhelming number of AI-generated CVs where the applicant is ultimately entirely unsuited to the role, and many have started binning CVs that they suspect of being generated by AI.

CV writing cost FAQs

How much does a professional CV writer charge?

CV mills will write a CV for under £100, but they're focused on volume over quality and are unlikely to have the results you want. Independent CV writers are committed to quality and their prices reflect their expertise and the time spent on your CV. They usually charge from £200 to over £1,000.

Can ChatGPT write a CV?

ChatGPT can write a generic CV that reads like every other CV in the pile. When you need to stand out, you can't beat the human touch.

Is it worth paying a CV writer?

A good CV writer is worth it, a bad CV writer isn't. Do your research and find a certified CV writer who understands your needs, has experience at your level, and falls within your budget.

Can I make a CV for free?

Yes, you can write a CV for free – use the advice on the Word Dragon Careers Blog to ensure it falls in line with current best practice.

Where can I find a CV writer within my budget?

The British Association of CV Writers has a list of approved professionals. Avoid places like Fiverr, Upwork and large CV mills.

Professional CV writing prices for all budgets

Word Dragon offers CV writing services for every budget. Full CV writing from scratch is available to anyone who wants to hand the whole project to an expert, certified CV writer. For those who need a lower cost service, choose from:

• A CV review, with in-depth feedback on your CV for you to implement yourself
• The Job Application Toolkit, comprising an eBook and digital tools to help you write a CV yourself
• Free CV advice on the Word Dragon Careers Blog

Get in touch to find out more or place an order.

Updated 2026