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Joined: Aug 2001
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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"
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Joined: Jul 2002
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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
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Joined: Aug 2001
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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"
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 697
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Call around to other electrical contractors & you'll know the rate in your area & charge accordingly.
Dave
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Joined: Dec 2003
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You guys are lucky. ![[Linked Image]](https://www.electrical-contractor.net/ubb/biggrin.gif) Here in Southern Manitoba Rates are less than that$28-$40 Canadian I just started 1 year ago and I charge $32
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Joined: Jun 2001
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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]](https://www.electrical-contractor.net/ubb/smile.gif)
ed
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Joined: Jun 2003
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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]](https://www.electrical-contractor.net/ubb/biggrin.gif) [/smartass]
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Joined: Mar 2004
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Aldav......What part of AZ you in??? Here in Tucson the going rate for one man is Seventy something for licensed bonded insured.
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Joined: Aug 2001
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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"
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Joined: Feb 2004
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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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Posts: 46
Joined: May 2007
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