If a station wants to hire an engineer to help a sitting C.E. solve specific technical issues, what kind of costs, per hour or otherwise, would be appropriate?
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Going rates for engineering help
- Thread starter johnbasalla
- Start date
It depends on the problems to be solved, the complexity involved, the use of test equipment, and the amount of time it's likely to take. You have to give a little more detail.
Since January, 2009 we've had a high-pitched whine being broadcast. People with good hearing hear it more then others. We would also like to make sure that our transmitting equipment is operating at peak efficiency.
It's reasonable to charge $ 75 an hour or more. Don't be bashful. Station managers don't bat an eye when the toilet doesn't flush and a plumber spends a half hour and bills $ 150. In other words, don't sell your skills too cheaply.
Orange is on the right track. As a check, the rule is two and a half to three times a salary. Thus if a Chief in the area was turning $60 65 Large per year, s/he's doing around $30 an hour (using a 2,080 hour work year). So, $75 to $90 would be in line. If we're talking heavy experience and night work, scale it up appropriately. The neophyte pulling and punching wires for a studio would scale down appropriately.
Set your price, and be prepared to walk away. Those who want cheap are used to buying cheap and complaining about the results. Let them buy elsewhere. When I did much more pickup work, I figured what the time as worth to me and quoted. For those few who were concerned, "I'm sure you'll be able to find someone. Good day."
Set your price, and be prepared to walk away. Those who want cheap are used to buying cheap and complaining about the results. Let them buy elsewhere. When I did much more pickup work, I figured what the time as worth to me and quoted. For those few who were concerned, "I'm sure you'll be able to find someone. Good day."
If the station owner/manager asks why you charge so much, ask how much they last paid someone to fix the copy machine.
Naw,I tell them it's just like the (exhorbitant) cost of their last divorce: It's worth it!
And, any more, I only do a day rate, plus travel. Unknown accounts, money up front.
And, any more, I only do a day rate, plus travel. Unknown accounts, money up front.
Well speaking personally, I wouldn't compare contract technical work with a divorce, especially mine! By comparison, I could have purchased a couple small market radio stations with cash for less than the divorce.
one of several reasons - albeit a minor one - why Im coming up on my 41st anniversary next month 
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