UNIX hourly consulting rates?

[AStar617]

So I haven't actually billed hourly for my computer services since the mid-90s when all my knowledge encompassed was PC-related stuff, but now I find myself with an opportunity to do some per-hour moonlighting consisting mainly of UNIX-related system build/admin tasks on behalf of a company in the Boston area.

Any ideas what's considered realistic? A few Google searches state the average is $110/hr for UNIX work, but I'm curious as to what anyone here is actually getting consistently for this type of thing (anyone can fill out the form after a free signup and skew those numbers). I don't want to alienate my potential customer, but I don't want to shortchange myself either.

Thanks :beer:

 

[Safeway]

I think that a listed average would be an average of what people are getting paid.

 

[AStar617]

Originally posted by: Safeway
I think that a listed average would be an average of what people are getting paid.

If only one person responds, then it's useless as an "average" though. Plus the low-med-high figures they have seems to be identical for a large amount of the listed proficiencies, which would suggest that they don't actually have enough data from respondents to calculate a true "average". That's why I'm looking for confirmation if possible.

 

[SoulAssassin]

It depends on the level of experience and the functions you're performing as well. I typically bill out at $135-150/hr for Netbackup work. $110 for general SA type stuff is probably within reason. Call up some other companies and put together a story that you're looking to bring a consultant in and see what they charge.

 

[ultimatebob]

I bill my internal customers about $80 an hour for systems admin services (for accounting purposes only), although I'd imagine that external customers would be billed a lot more.

$110 an hour sounds good for someone with 5+ years experience... perhaps even more if you have a bunch of impressive looking certifications.

 

[Safeway]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
I bill my internal customers about $80 an hour for systems admin services (for accounting purposes only), although I'd imagine that external customers would be billed a lot more.

$110 an hour sounds good for someone with 5+ years experience... perhaps even more if you have a bunch of impressive looking certifications.

I've learned that experience >>> certifications.

 

[randay]

from one of my favorite movies:

"take what you can, give nothing back!"

 

[AStar617]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
I bill my internal customers about $80 an hour for systems admin services (for accounting purposes only), although I'd imagine that external customers would be billed a lot more.

$110 an hour sounds good for someone with 5+ years experience... perhaps even more if you have a bunch of impressive looking certifications.

I have 5+ years experience but in a largely break-fix support role rather than true administration, though I have been responsible for some important-yet-non-production boxes in our lab. I may just let him give a figure and if its anywhere near there, just grab it.

This is helping guys, thanks. Any other views appreciated.

 

[AStar617]

Originally posted by: Safeway

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
I bill my internal customers about $80 an hour for systems admin services (for accounting purposes only), although I'd imagine that external customers would be billed a lot more.

$110 an hour sounds good for someone with 5+ years experience... perhaps even more if you have a bunch of impressive looking certifications.

I've learned that experience >>> certifications.

I would tend to agree. I have enough on my resume so as not to be turned away solely on that basis, but I'm probably due to renew the paper credentials in this next coming year.

 

[pravi333]

i dont know where you guys get that much rate!. ibm pays around $70 and most of the job openings here in jersey range from $35 - $70, mostly in the $55 range. I havent found one in jersey that pays more than $70. I've 6+ years experience as well.

 

[LS20]

Originally posted by: pravi333
i dont know where you guys get that much rate!. ibm pays around $70 and most of the job openings here in jersey range from $35 - $70, mostly in the $55 range. I havent found one in jersey that pays more than $70. I've 6+ years experience as well.

bill is not the same as pay. we bill about 2500$-4000$ a day, but i certainly dont get paid that much

 

[pravi333]

Originally posted by: LS20

Originally posted by: pravi333
i dont know where you guys get that much rate!. ibm pays around $70 and most of the job openings here in jersey range from $35 - $70, mostly in the $55 range. I havent found one in jersey that pays more than $70. I've 6+ years experience as well.

bill is not the same as pay. we bill about 2500$-4000$ a day, but i certainly dont get paid that much

hmm i thought the OP wanted to know the billing rate that gets paid

 

[LS20]

Originally posted by: pravi333


hmm i thought the OP wanted to know the billing rate that gets paid

when you said IBM and job opening i thought you meant IBM hiring you and billing their clients

 

[pravi333]

Originally posted by: LS20

Originally posted by: pravi333


hmm i thought the OP wanted to know the billing rate that gets paid

when you said IBM and job opening i thought you meant IBM hiring you and billing their clients

we both are confused, ha ha. Well IBM has a system in place and according to it level2 unix support personal will get paid $65/hr immaterial of how much they bill the end client

 

[HarryAngel]

Around 50+ US, Im living in stockholm, sweden, I do occasional unix/linux "light" adminstuff.