Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate utilizing power-based rate signaling for uplink scheduling in a wireless communications system. A maximum nominal power (e.g., relative maximum transmit power that may be employed on an uplink) may be known to both a base station and a mobile device. For example, the base station and the mobile device may agree upon a maximum nominal power. According to another example, signaling related to a maximum nominal power for utilization on the uplink may be provided over a downlink. Further, selection of a code rate, modulation scheme, and the like for the uplink may be effectuated by a mobile device as a function of the maximum nominal power. Moreover, such selection may be based at least in part upon an interference cost, which may be evaluated by the mobile device.