Telecom labor rates? 1

[exverizon]

Anyone care to share what their hourly rate is (if you're a telecom tech working for yourself)? After six years on my own, my rates have remained unchanged. Now I feel it's time to bump them up a bit. But two of the companies I do work for say they charge less to their customers than I bill to them, hence they lose a bit on each job unless it's several hours' work. But they don't have anyone else they can turn to around here, so they pay it. I realize different markets command a variety of rates, but major metro areas like mine are usually steeper. I've been charging $80 first hr, $50 ea thereafter, plus materials, and sometimes a trip charge of $30 if over 20 miles to the job. They're telling me they pay only about $45/hr to techs in NYC, which I can't believe. (I'm in D.C.) Verizon T&M charges are $90 for the first HALF HOUR, $45 ea HALF HR after that. Care to share what you charge? Am I out of line? People have been paying me without a hiccup. But gas is double now. Something's gotta give. Let me have it if you think I'm nuts.

 

[acewarlock]

Back in 1989, I was contracting to GTE in Dallas, TX. and this is what they had me charge there customers on the trip sheet.

If they had a contract
$60/hr 2hr min.

T&M
$65/hr 4hr min.

I'm sure it is a lot higher now.




This is a Signature and not part of the answer, it appears on every reply.

This is an Analogy so don't take it personally as some have.

Why change the engine if all you need is to change the spark plugs.

 

[paterson]

Paying their techs $45/hr is NOT a complete number by any stretch. They also pay the tech's vehicle costs (fuel,parking, repairs, lease), usually provide tools, provide other benefits like health/life insurance or pensions, and in most cases these techs get free training on the products they service.

My question to you is, "Is the company also providing these expenses to you?" I would wager not! So that means it has to come out of your contracted wage/salary. Don't get sucked into the "we only pay our guys $X" arguement. Apples and oranges.

**************************************
Insert Witty Signature Here.

 

[audiopro]

...... do work for say they charge less to their customers than I bill to them, hence they lose a bit on each job.

Why should you suffer for their strange pricing policy. If a company has to hire in contractors, they should expect to pay contractors rates.

Keith

http://www.studiosoft.co.uk

 

[acewarlock]

If your charging less than Verizon, your not charging to much. stick to your pricing.




This is a Signature and not part of the answer, it appears on every reply.

This is an Analogy so don't take it personally as some have.

Why change the engine if all you need is to change the spark plugs.

 

[aarenot]

Raise your rates as you see fit, they are just trying to screw your prices down.


I charge what you do, or more in the midwest. $75/hr over 1 hr travel round trip is billable.

I would, as a cost control measure for your two customers who lose money on you offer to help them out by taking that customer on directly so they can stop losing money. If they do not take that deal, then raise your rates as you know they are not telling the whole story.

 

[VoIPFANATIC]

Can you describe what your job description of telecom tech entails?
I too am currently a 1099e in DC for a government project.

I am physically installing the network devices. I am interconnecting and documenting whats installed where. I am also creating documents in visio and word. and patching the stations. someone else is doing the configuration.

tis supposed to be a 3-6 month temp to perm contract with IBM. with the job resposibilites balloning to Tier 1 & 2 cisco IPT support and ISDN voice support.

I would be embarrased to state what I am making ($45)as it is considerably below $85/hr. If I did move into a VoIP support role I was planning to charge them $65/hr.

am i under selling myself. I believe I am. the one good thing is. they are real flexible with time off and start times but Im not trying to be ripped off.

 

[aarenot]

I project manage, implement, program, install, and service Avaya as well as other brand SMBS business telephone systems, voice mail systems, including VOIP phone systems.

I also install equipment configured, or programmed by others, do cut overs, and site surveys. I am also qualified, and sometimes project manage, estimate, and do structured cabling as needed, but am not aiming to be highly competitive in that area, simply offer it for my customers convenience of using one vendor for the entire project. Mostly just for a short run new extension, or extend a DMARC, or smart jack. I do not provide materials for anything, but have most any tool in need up to a 6" masonry core bit, and drill brought along by appointment. I do not really make my living doing wiring, but figure better to do work that takes more physical, and get paid then to pay a club to work out. I started off pulling cable so it is not hard for me.

My core service is implementing, installing, and servicing Avaya VOIP system like the IPOffice.

 

[VoIPFANATIC]

I work with the Cisco VoIP products, fiber terminations, twisted pair, pbx MAC, desktop support, work with circuits and carriers.Sounds like I am under compensated but not too far off the mark. I havent thrown a figure out to them yet. maybe ill make it $70. thanks.

 

[aarenot]

You can always accept less than you originaly bid, but getting more is harder. Always give them some room to negotiate you down some.