Cost to hire a database developer? 3

[chrisdono]

Can anyone tell me, what is the going rate to hire a database developer, to make an Access 03 or 07, simple database, with 1 switchboard, 1 form, 1 table linked to Excel, with no macros or anything fancy? This is in the New England area, if that matters.

 

[dhookom]

You could expect to pay anywhere from $50 -$100 per hour. There is at least one MS Access MVP in NJ that does good work. I'm sure there are others.

Make sure you have very clear specifications regarding what you need and expect from your application.

Duane
Hook'D on Access
MS Access MVP

 

[JoeAtWork]

Be wary of those who style themselves as "Access Developers". There are many hacks out there who rely on wizard generated code and have no real knowledge of relational databases or application design. A red flag is anyone whose resume shows he has never done anything outside of Access (i.e. knows no other programming languages, has never worked with other databases such as SQL Server, etc.).

If your requirements are truly as simple as you present, the work should not take more than 2 - 4 hours.

Joe Schwarz
Custom Software Developer

http://www.plandev.net

 

[alvechurchdata]

I'd agree with Joe that this requirement only looks like a few hours work but there are a couple of danger signs.

I'm puzzled by the requirement for "1 switchboard, 1 form". Why do we need a switchboard if there's only one form?

I'm also worried by the single table linked to Excel. I suspect that there may be need for more tables but the Excel requirement is forcing the design towards a single flat table.

It might well end up as a couple of days work if the developer has to help clarify the requirements.

Geoff Franklin

http://www.alvechurchdata.co.uk

 

[chrisdono]

Thank you for the help! This is the situation: I am an Access teacher, to intermediate level. A friend asked me to make this database which looks fairly easy, although I do have a few questions about the Excel file. He just doesn't want to deal with Access himself. He requested a switchboard/splashscreen kind of thing so that end users would not click on Design icons. They also requested password protection for this. I usually say "no" to requests like this because my consulting days were some time ago, and I do not call myself a developer. I have been teaching exclusively for a while now. Since I used to consult, I know how specifications can be fuzzy, and I plan to clear up a bunch of questions initially. Your advice has helped me a great deal.

 

[PaulBricker]

You will see some fairly significant differences in costs between suburban (rural) and metropolitan areas as well with rural area costs being less than metro areas. I live in western Massachusetts (US) and the hourly rate in this area is below $50/hr for small development projects like that.
Why not have your students take it on as a project? Maybe extra credit if you can't fit it into the normal curriculum (?).

Paul

 

[chrisdono]

That would be an awesome idea--making the database as coursework--if it was for a friend's personal use or small business. But it is for the company he works for. If it was the first scenario, I would try to do it for free or use your idea. Since I'm pretty busy, I wanted to make sure I charged a fair rate and all. I'm going to try and make a couple parts of this, see how long it takes me, and I will either come up with an estimate, or find out that it is over my head. I won't charge anything for my time "trying." It seems like the rates vary by locale (like you said) but also by program. About 10 years ago, the going rate for Word documents was $35/hour and PowerPoint was $65 per slide at Kinko's. Now I hear that people type for about $20/hour. I'm not sure what rates PowerPoint slides are at. I wasn't sure where to start with this, but this info has all been really helpful!

 

[alvechurchdata]

... but also by program.

So very true, and the problem with Access is that you're always being undercut by somebody working in their spare time on a copy of Access they've brought home from work. These folk can and will work for peanuts because they've got no overheads.

If the job's being done for a company then you must ask to see the developer's Professional Liability Insurance.

Geoff Franklin

http://www.alvechurchdata.co.uk

 

[Remou]

Consider also support and maintenance.

http://lessthandot.com