FLASH: Salaries

[Gahlord Dewald]

15/hr is ridiculously low. I charge 100/hr and do quite well. New York can

climb up to 325/hr (better be a good programmer _and_ a good designer for

that). But that's all subcontract/freelance.


I wouldn't take a salary below 80k and that better be a choice position

where I go home at 5pm every day, don't work weekends, and have an Aeron to

sit in. 125k seems to be the salary number I hear and see most often.


As for where you live, the fact that you live in an inexpensive place should

help you lower your rates some, but the reality is it's you that lives

there, not the client. If someone's trying to weasel your rate down because

you live in some place that's cheap you'd be best finding work from someone

who needs you more than they do (let them hire those 15/hr guys out there

and see what they get).


IMHO, a good flash developer has both programming and creative skills. The

programming strategies and creative vision he or she brings to the table are

in most cases unique. No one would design the way I do (or maybe no one

would want to ;) ) and no one would approach a programming situation in

exactly the same way I do (again, maybe no one would want to). Aside from

your laundry list of great commodified knowledge, you contain unique

abilities and insights that are priceless. Be confident in that, and don't

commoditize yourself. Because there's always some jr high schooler willing

to work for cheaper.


Of course, if you have to pay rent and you aren't bringing down the big

bucks then do what you gotta do. But best to concentrate on attracting

clients who are willing to support your livelihood and method of problem

solving (both creative and technical) then getting sucked into the safety of

regular money (and dog hours and tight deadlines and not enough resources

etc.). If necessary, consult a business coach.


I guess that might've been 4 cents worth :)


g




Gahlord Dewald

gahlordweedsmedia [dot] com

Weeds Media Consortium

www.weedsmedia.com


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