Negotiating hourly wages...

[The Duchess]

I just got a heads up from a former co-worker that management may want me to come pack as a "consultant" eg...no benefits.
This is fine with me, b/c I get my health insurance through DH.
But, I have no idea what kind of hourly wage I should negotiate.
When I left in June of this year, I was making between $18-$19/hour with benefits.
And of course, the price of gas has gone way up and it's about a 40 minute commute.

 

[Rippington'sFan]

What do you have to lose if you ask them for $30 or $40 an hour.

You could also try to find out what other consultants with your skillset and experience are making "before" you discuss the hourly rate. I'm not sure how to find out but I'm sure there is a way.
Good Luck

 

[tar heel]

Will the company pay your FICA or consider you self-employed? If the latter, make sure to consider that in your calculations. Given what you were making as an employee (with vacation and sick leave, the company paying half of FICA, the reassurance of knowing you had a job and any other benefits), I think $30 an hour is an absolute minimum to not take a pay cut.

 

[ahutton]

Keep in mind taxes too when you figure your rate... I know DH pays $30+ per hour for an "average" level consultant or temp employee.

 

[snarfer1]

Dear Dutchess:

A 'full' benie package is usually betweem 30-35% of salary.

Full would include, Pension (401K with matching), Health, Dental, Rx, Life, Disability, Vacation, Continuing Education, Dues & Subscriptions, Section 125s, etc.

So if you had full, I would want atleast $25.27 an hour. Plus you do need to consider wear and tear as well as gasoline costs.

On the plus, you could set up a Schedule C business, and deduct all your business expenses. (Car, Home Office - includes utilitities, mortgage, etc for % of house used as home office!) Uniforms if needed, Dues and Subscriptions, The new computer (only used for work of course!)

Good Luck, keep us posted!

-Tony