Setting Your Hourly Rate

Understanding Rates on Automate America

Your hourly rate is one of the first things customers see. Setting it right is crucial for getting work.

What Your Rate Represents

The rate you set is your base hourly rate - what you want to earn per hour of work. This doesn't include:

• Per diem allowances
• Travel reimbursement
• Overtime premiums

These are typically negotiated separately during the contract offer phase.

Rate Guidelines by Experience

Entry Level (0-3 years)

• Range: $35-55/hour
• Focus on building your profile and getting reviews

Mid Level (3-7 years)

• Range: $55-85/hour
• Highlight specialized skills and certifications

Senior Level (7+ years)

• Range: $85-125+/hour
• Emphasize leadership experience and complex project history

Specialist/Expert

• Range: $100-175+/hour
• Niche skills, rare certifications, commissioning experience

Factors That Affect Rate

Location

• Major manufacturing hubs (Detroit, Chicago) may command higher rates
• Rural areas may have different market dynamics

Skills

• Rare skills (KUKA robots, Siemens TIA Portal) can justify higher rates
• Multiple platform expertise increases value

Availability

• Short-notice availability may allow premium rates
• Long-term availability may require competitive rates

Setting Your Rate

1. Go to your Profile
2. Find the Hourly Rate field
3. Enter your desired rate (numbers only)
4. Click to save

Rate Visibility

Your rate is visible to:

• All customers searching for professionals
• Anyone viewing your public profile

It's NOT visible to:

• Other professionals in the feed