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#38658 05/28/04 11:17 AM
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 545
A
aldav53 Offline OP
Member
Doing a 2 week job with a helper at a church installing wiring for a projector and a programmable lighting system etc. Hard to estimate the whole job so will probably charge T&M (time & materials). I usually charge $45 an hour for me and $20 an hour for my helper. Does $45 per hour sound about right?, or should I charge less for bigger jobs? Or is there a better way to estimate this?
Thanks for any input,


The Golden Rule - "The man with the gold makes the rule"
#38659 05/28/04 01:06 PM
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 717
M
Member
Aldev, your geographical location will play a big part in this, because in some area's of the country the wages are much lower than in other area's. For my area you would be so low as to P___ off other contractors for underselling your work. Here the rates are more like $60-120 / hr for licence holder hourly billing rates. Your helper probably costs you more than $20/hr with all overhead included even if you are paying him cash. (not ever recommended if you want to hold on to your assets). Here is my tip, just go for it and try a higher rate- say 70/ hour. All they can do is say no, and then negotiate . Good luck to you on your project

#38660 05/29/04 01:46 AM
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 545
A
aldav53 Offline OP
Member
I don't think the rates are that high here in AZ. But I could be wrong. I am licensed and may raise my rates though. I haven't worked for anyone else for awhile but I believe the Journeymen here average about $20 an hour.


The Golden Rule - "The man with the gold makes the rule"
#38661 05/29/04 01:34 PM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 697
D
Member
Call around to other electrical contractors & you'll know the rate in your area & charge accordingly.

Dave

#38662 06/03/04 11:56 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 36
D
Member
You guys are lucky. [Linked Image]Here in Southern Manitoba Rates are less than that$28-$40 Canadian
I just started 1 year ago and I charge $32

#38663 06/04/04 09:10 AM
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 642
N
Member
aldav53
Your labor rate should reflect what the pay scale is in your area. As a rough rule of thumb your rates should be at least double of what you pay your journeyman or apprentice.
You have to allow for things likwe work comp, unemployement insurance, SSAN matching, increased cost of business insurance for additiional employees, vacation pay etc.etc.etc.
You have to get all your costs back in your rates or you will not be able to pay your bills. And a profit would be nice. [Linked Image]


ed
#38664 06/05/04 11:22 PM
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,143
D
Member
Quote
Originally posted by DYNAMITE:

You guys are lucky. Here in Southern Manitoba Rates are less than that$28-$40 Canadian
I just started 1 year ago and I charge $32

[smartass]So that winds up being, like, $15 USD, right? [Linked Image] [/smartass]

#38665 06/06/04 12:21 AM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 814
B
Member
Aldav......What part of AZ you in??? Here in Tucson the going rate for one man is Seventy something for licensed bonded insured.

#38666 06/06/04 02:01 AM
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 545
A
aldav53 Offline OP
Member
BigB, wow thats hard to believe, is that for repairs or larger jobs too? Maybe I need to raise my prices.
Al D
Chandler, AZ


The Golden Rule - "The man with the gold makes the rule"
#38667 06/06/04 12:47 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 62
S
Member
aldav53, You need to read maintenanceguy's post in the 'having trouble' thread. His is a most informative post for those of us that are just starting to go out on our own.
I too have trouble charging what is a fair price for my work. I didn't feel nearly as bad about charging for my work after a recent visit to the auto repair shop though. They wanted $108 to change the idler pulley on my Blazer, I changed it myself in about 30 minutes and the part cost $14.
I'm still lower than the guys that are doing this full time, but I can afford to be, I don't have near as much overhead.

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