4 ms·

What about the low end of the scale for a multi-skilled full-stack developer proficient in one or more server-side scripting languages and frameworks as well as

by vonseel 13y ago

What about the low end of the scale for a multi-skilled full-stack developer proficient in one or more server-side scripting languages and frameworks as well as JavaScript/CSS? What's the minimum pay that would be acceptable? Edit: I am a 1 year exp developer working for a consultancy focused on obtaining business through a major SAAS. We develop applications on said SAAS platform, and I am paid to integrate and use scripting with the API for this companies clients. I am moving towards an independent, freelance compensation model as I feel I would be underpaid otherwise and have no time to pick up my own clients if I don't. Is <$40/hr too low? This is what I've been offered.

jacques_chester 13y ago
If you need it, take it. But don't stick with it. Regularly ask to raise your rate (I do so every 6 months).
- vonseel 13y ago
  Yes, but what would the suggested rate be? I studied finance and worked as an accountant before programming, although at a top school, a different subject.
  - jacques_chester 13y ago
    Try to get work with overlapping subject matter, then you'll be able to charge more. Eg. work on web projects with a finance component. Work for companies in the finance industry. And so on. Pitch your expertise in the problem domain to bump your rate way up and keep walking it up on each new engagement.
wwweston 13y ago
I think it depends on where you're working and the client. I have certainly turned down work at < $40/hr (particularly in metro LA or Bay Area). On the other hand, I've also taken work at near $40 and even less some non-metro areas (even with 10+ years of experience at the time), just because I was available and that seemed pretty closely dialed in to both the general market and/or what the client could pay. In my mind, the biggest thing to work out is: 1) Can you work a reasonable amount of time at the current rate without having to worry about money? Some places you can rent a decent 2 bedroom apartment for less than $700/month, and $30-$40/hr will be fine. 2) Are you sending the right signal about your value? And are they sending signals about how they're likely to treat you? Once I made the mistake of pricing myself at $45/hr in a middlin'-sized California town. I later learned that other contractors were being paid in the neighborhood of $60-$75. I wasn't terribly dismayed by this fact alone (though it's always disappointing to know you left potential income on the table), but my perception was that my contributions and opinions ended up being less valued than some of the other more highly paid contractors, none of which seemed to be demonstrably more productive or skilled (and some less). A year or two later I had another contract gig come up in the same area, and the presented an absolute ceiling of $40/hr (if they were perfectly happy with me). I already knew that was on the low side for the area, so I said no. I later found out an acquaintance had done some time there and said it was a very high pressure situation without much respect for either work-life balance or the professional opinions of contractors. I've heard it said that you make money as much on the business you don't do as the business you pick up. Try to find out as much about market value for your location as possible. If it seems low -- if you're not sure you'll have enough money or that your contributions will be respected -- keep looking, unless you absolutely need a bird in hand.

by vonseel 13y ago

jacques_chester 13y ago

If you need it, take it. But don't stick with it. Regularly ask to raise your rate (I do so every 6 months).

vonseel 13y ago
Yes, but what would the suggested rate be? I studied finance and worked as an accountant before programming, although at a top school, a different subject.
- jacques_chester 13y ago
  Try to get work with overlapping subject matter, then you'll be able to charge more. Eg. work on web projects with a finance component. Work for companies in the finance industry. And so on. Pitch your expertise in the problem domain to bump your rate way up and keep walking it up on each new engagement.

wwweston 13y ago

I think it depends on where you're working and the client. I have certainly turned down work at < $40/hr (particularly in metro LA or Bay Area). On the other hand, I've also taken work at near $40 and even less some non-metro areas (even with 10+ years of experience at the time), just because I was available and that seemed pretty closely dialed in to both the general market and/or what the client could pay. In my mind, the biggest thing to work out is: 1) Can you work a reasonable amount of time at the current rate without having to worry about money? Some places you can rent a decent 2 bedroom apartment for less than $700/month, and $30-$40/hr will be fine. 2) Are you sending the right signal about your value? And are they sending signals about how they're likely to treat you? Once I made the mistake of pricing myself at $45/hr in a middlin'-sized California town. I later learned that other contractors were being paid in the neighborhood of $60-$75. I wasn't terribly dismayed by this fact alone (though it's always disappointing to know you left potential income on the table), but my perception was that my contributions and opinions ended up being less valued than some of the other more highly paid contractors, none of which seemed to be demonstrably more productive or skilled (and some less). A year or two later I had another contract gig come up in the same area, and the presented an absolute ceiling of $40/hr (if they were perfectly happy with me). I already knew that was on the low side for the area, so I said no. I later found out an acquaintance had done some time there and said it was a very high pressure situation without much respect for either work-life balance or the professional opinions of contractors. I've heard it said that you make money as much on the business you don't do as the business you pick up. Try to find out as much about market value for your location as possible. If it seems low -- if you're not sure you'll have enough money or that your contributions will be respected -- keep looking, unless you absolutely need a bird in hand.