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
A contract states each of these itself. There is no bidding and no negotiating: the rate on the contract is the rate. Apply with your profile and you are paid exactly what you see.
Finding the Market Rate
Open contracts show their rates in the Feed. Look at the contracts for your occupation and location to see what customers pay for your skills, and set your base rate with that in mind.
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
- Go to your Profile
- Find the Hourly Rate field
- Enter your desired rate (numbers only)
- Click to save
Tip
You can always adjust your rate. Many professionals start competitive and increase as they build their Automate America reputation.
Rate Visibility
Your listed rate is public: anyone who views your profile or searches for professionals sees it.
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