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0 pointsarcticbull6y ago0 comments

$100/hr is really low in the bay area; most SWE generalist contractors can walk in and get $150 no questions asked, anywhere. $200 if you're more experienced in the specific area and $250+ if you "have a name for yourself" online.

Rule of thumb at least around here is take your base salary in thousands per year, and that's your hourly rate. If you're getting $200K base, charge $200/hr for your contracting time. The extra that yields is to help you offset the fact you won't always have work and the extra you have to do to keep your pipeline full. Many startups pay $150K for senior engineers so have no problem paying $150/hr for contractors.

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jamestimmins6y ago· 1 in thread

I'm always curious how contractors get hired by startups. Most of my work has been one-off jobs with non-tech companies, and I feel like I rarely see contractor gigs for solid technical startups.

arcticbullOP6y ago

Usually through network. Frequently it's people you've worked with in the past that end up at startups, have worked with you before and need your help on something. That'll get you through the door. Management often looks at it as a potential "contract-to-hire" opportunity and if they like you will try and sell you on full-time employment.

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