>>>What is a consultant's hourly rate in the USA now?
>>
>>As much as the customer is willing to pay :)
>>
>>I have been out of the consulting business for 4-5 years now (WOW has it been that long), but I recall around $100 per hour (this was for VFP).
>
>Thanks, I'll pass it on.

Is your buddy doing VFP or .NET (C# or VB) consulting? Where abouts in the US is he?