Fair CNC Programmer Compensation

[ERICK]

I'm trying to determine what my hourly rate should be. With 16 years experience programming lathes and mills in 6 different shops I have a variety of experience. I can hold tenths all day long. I'm fast and a very create problem solver. I have my own Solidworks and full 3d cam package as well as $10k in cutters and measuring tools. Usually I'm working at one cnc shop full time programming and milling one prototype at a time. Just program, set-up, and run one part; then repeat for some other part. I've milled an engine block from billet, remachined a formula one block, as well as other very complex, high-tolerance, expensive parts. I'm in Silicon Valley (Bay Area).


I'm sure others in this community are wondering if thier rate is above or below fair market rate. Please inform as to what you think is fair as an independent contractor or as an employee. Share what you do and your compensation package if you'd like.

Let’s see if we are getting our fair share of the pie.

[WallyL7]

If you don't know what you are worth, then how would I know!?

You are worth what your (or another) employer is willing to pay. Bottom line. (unless we are talking union work...LOL)


Interesting first post, btw. I noticed you conveniently left out your current pay...

[ERICK]

My rate is $40/hr. as an independent contractor. I'm currently asking for $45 and was told to wait a couple days for a response. The company said thier market research indicated $40 was fair, but for who? I've been offered $50 by another shop but the position came with a 3 hour commute round-trip. Not worth my time.

I'm banging out parts in ten hours that were quoted at $2000 at other shops. This shop has very little overhead beyond my rate.

[WallyL7]

I think you've answered your own question...

although, 40 bucks an hour as a contractor in Silicon Valley?!?!?!

That is chump change. You're paying both sides of Fica plus all your own benefits? Plus you have to maintain the software?

As far as other shops quoting something that you seem to be able to do in half the time, don't break your arm patting yourself on the back. It seems that many to most of the shops in norcal are pretty busy - and therefore, price is elevated greatly due to being backed up already in their schedules.

Here are some Silicon Valley Stats...which may or may not be true - I just grabbed them quick off google. A friend lives in the San Jose area and I can attest that it is pretty close to true from what I've seen from him. You can probably get a job with a local company as an employee and get that 40 bucks an hour plus you won't have to pay both sides of the employment tax and you will get paid time off, health, etc...just sayin'

6 shops in 16 years...many business owners may look at that as a negative. And watch the self promoting stuff a little bit here. 2 posts and both seem to convey you think you are God's gift to our profession. I won't really get into that with you, but you don't have any history here and guys will chew that up.

http://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitte...nfographic.jpg

[ERICK]

Thanks for the input. I probably should push the shop for more cash. I built-out the shop for them and the product is thier own pharma manufacturing equipment.

Anyway, wages are always based on reference points- that guy is making x so I should be making x give or take since I'm doing the same job. If I undercharge for my position, it has a possible ripple effect of driving down rates for everyone. I thought this post would be more popular for that reason, but I'm new here and learning as I go.

[Matt McColley]

I have to pay a roofer $40/hr. And $35/hr for his help.

He's a good guy and does good work. But that ain't exactly rocket science.

I guess we don't have enough illegals up here in the frozen tundra to sufficiently depress the wage scale.

[ERICK]

Someone needs to remind the Governor what the definition of illegal is. My wife came to this country on her own, worked 17hrs/day between school and a minimum wage job. She used her earnings to pay tuition that was many times what her fellow classmates paid. Once she graduated, she worked for years at depressed wages because of her work visa status. But she did it all legally. And now she's a classic American success story. And a gorgeous one at that.

Sorry, a little off topic here. Don't get me started on the f#$%ing illegals and thier f#$%ing rights and f*^%ing.....