Hi Houston. I think it's hard to extrapolate an hourly rate to a yearly salary in order to compare the two... there's so much else that goes into it (some factors that would make the hourly rate higher than the corresponding per annum, and others that would make it lower -- and these don't even out so much as they apply differently in different situations).
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>For instance, it could be, in the case of clients seekeing $20 per hour, that they are looking for a small amount of work, to be done remotely. Then again, a client may need to shell out a higher hourly rate than the corresponding per annum for a long-term project, given that the contractor is giving up some security. There are so many factors involved!
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>As for these low-end wages, I guess, ultimately, that I am a free-marketeer. Take the case of the $11 per hour posting: our impulse might be to say "VFP work is worth more than that!" but, if indeed he/she fills the position, then we can whine all we want, but the market has dictated the value of that work. Likewise with higher end work.... (reminds me a little of when people complain that Barry Bonds or whomever "isn't worth $xxx million" -- but of course, since SOMEONE paid that amount, then, by definition, that's what Mr. Bonds is indeed worth....)
I have to disagree at least minimally. I take your point, and ordinarily, I'd agree. If one puts a job out to tender amongst those competent to know the worth of the work, then yes, the market is dictating the value of the work.
On the other hand, if one preys on the desparate, the market, far from dictating value, is, in fact, being manipulated. Not the same thing at all.
Alan
>>>In a market were the job market is higher than the number of people looking for jobs, your logic is okay. But as soon as it's the other way around, as it is now, you don't have a chance of finding a job if you don't lower your rates. There will be at least one other consultant as skilled as you who will lower his rates and get the job.
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>>I agree with you Michel.
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>>Lowering a rate from say 45 to 40 to secure a new contract is one thing - $11 per hour is nonsense.
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>>If Ford cannot sell cars at a certain level, they do not turn around and start giving them away!
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>>The position at the root of this thread is also interesting for several other reasons:
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>>The surprisingly quick turnaround.
>>There is a general consensus on this thread that $11 per hour is derisory. One would reasonably assume that this would make filling the position a difficult and protracted task. The job was posted on Thursday February 27 and gone by close of play the following Monday March 3rd. This cannot possibly have been time to receive resumes (CV’s), arrange interviews and make a selection.
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>>Lets assume that the Public Defenders Office falls under the auspices of Dade County (http://miamidade.gov) and compare this ridiculous rate with other positions that are currently open:
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>>$11 per hour, for a 40-hour week and 48-week year (even contractors take holidays) works out at $21,120 per annum.
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>>This values our 6 month VFP 7 experience, OO and Client/Server contractor at the bottom end of someone sweeping up leaves – a Park Attendant gets $19k to $26k per annum (http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/jobs/pgeJobDetail.asp?id=18838).
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>>The data entry Clerk can expect to make more at $21k to $34k (http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/jobs/pgeJobDetail.asp?id=18856)
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>>Even an experienced Toll Collector is likely to make more at $19k to $28k (http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/jobs/pgeJobDetail.asp?id=18869).
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>>But what do the IT positions pay?
>>Senior OS Programmer : $61k - $93k
>>http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/jobs/pgeJobDetail.asp?id=18853
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>>Senior Systems A/P : $53k - $84k
>>http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/jobs/pgeJobDetail.asp?id=18851
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>>Web Designer : $46k - $76k
>>http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/jobs/pgeJobDetail.asp?id=18821
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>>Web Publisher : $42k - $70k
>>http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/jobs/pgeJobDetail.asp?id=18822
