Contracting/consulting fee 1

[Kinsrow]

I'm new to this and would like to get some idea how much do you chare (hourly) in doing consulting/contract for Machine Design. This is like for assembly fixturing, nest, test fixtures and such. Probably 25-50 machined and purchased parts with some kinematics, but not to complex. This includes brainstorming ideas, Design work, and draftings. I understand that the rate depends on how involve the design is, I just want to get some ideas.

Thanks

 

[Cockroach]

You should check with your professional association, who typically offer "suggested" rates of renumeration. A cost analysis on what the market would bear would be a better approach, no?

In most cases, consulting engineering requires by law that liability insurance, workman compensation (for offsite entry as part of your work), company registration for government (federal)/provincial or state (local) legislation, permit to practice (professional designation and defined scope of work as your expertise) and of course, financial institution statements that cover net worth, identify company directors as officers of that business practice (corporate or limited partnership), the list just keeps on going. Having the government tax department nailing you for income tax evasion wouldn't necessarily constitute "party time".

Afterall, machine design is something that affects public property and health/safety/welfare.

You just don't start designing machines because it's so much fun to do so....

Kenneth J Hueston, PEng
Principal
Sturni-Hueston Engineering Inc
Edmonton, Alberta Canada

 

[Timelord]

Kinsrow,

I have been moonlighting doing machine design (big lasers and experimental physics setups) for years. I charge $100/hr which is a little low for this area (Albuquerque, NM). Some jobs I handed off to a draftsman for the drawings (at a lower rate) and small jobs I do the drawings myself.
Hope this helps.

Timelord

 

[CoryPad]

Consulting can be $30 to $50 per hour, but providing a design or parts or other property (intellectual or physical) can increase the cost to $100 per hour like Timelord states.

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[zekeman]

Quote"Consulting can be $30 to $50 per hour, but providing a design or parts or other property (intellectual or physical) can increase the cost to $100 per hour like Timelord states.
Regards,"

$30/hr? in what third world country do you work? Here in the US plumbers and electricians get $150/hr.Isn't creative work worth at least a trifle more?

In my experience, depending on the complexity of the work, from $150 to $250/hr is fair compensation.

 

[CoryPad]

Urrrrggghhh, I got confused between what the consulting firm (or proprietor, if s/he is doing it) charges versus what an employee might get. A three times multiplier is common to convert salary to the customer charge (convering employee benefits, overhead, etc.), which brings it to $100 to $150 per hour.

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[tygerdawg]

Your description indicates what you are doing is simple machine design work. If so, this is probably designer level work with a 3D package, and very little engineering work. If this is strictly moonlighting, and not your main source of income, then your competition is the local contract house that farms out designers. Those rates could be quite low. Call one or two and find out what they charge for designers, and set your rates accordingly. Rates should be a bit higher because contract houses will go for longer-term gigs.

My personal definition is designer work is simply putting parts together in 3D CAD and making drawings. The resource pool for that is quite large. Engineer work is being able to correctly make the pertinent calculations, and then be responsible for the calculations. Certainly charge more for this.


TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Advanced Robotics & Automation Engineering

http://www.bluetechnik.com

 

[Kinsrow]

Thanks for the info. I think I charged them too low ($40), but oh well. Its better getting $40/hour than spending my saturday morning doing laundry.

Thanks again