Contracting Rates falling

MidLiveUpgrade

This recession is starting to take its toll on rates ... the danager to these companies that are grinding contractors is that when the recession ends and rates pick up these guys will get dropped like a rock and will be left with the bottom of the barrel to finish their projects.

Title .Net Developer
Job Type Contract
Schedule Full-Time
Years of Experience 3+

Responsibilities
Develop and configure ASP.NET web forms.
Develop VB.NET classes (business logic, data access logic, etc.).
Work with the project manager and project team to ensure the project is completed within schedule, budget, and quality constraints.

Skills and Experience
2+ years of experience within the software industry.
2+ years experience using Visual Studio 2008.
3+ years experience using Visual Studio NET.
1+ years experience programming in VB.NET or C#.
1+ years experience programming in Crystal Reports
1+ years experience developing ASP.NET 2.0 web applications.
2+ years experience using PL/SQL.
Excellent communication skills (writing, reading, and speaking).

Desirable Skills
Skilled in applying software usability concepts.
Experience with Telerik
Experience with Aspose.Cells
Experience with code generation
Experience with AJAX technologies.
Understanding of enterprise software architecture.
Experience with the health and social services subject area.

Education and Certification
Any one of the following:
o MCAD (Microsoft Certified Applications Developer)
o MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer)
o MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist)
o MCPD (Microsoft Certified Professional Developer)
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Hourly Rate $15.00 to $25.00 (DOE)

dynamik

That's probably decent money for India, etc.

astorrs

Rates are definitely down compared to a year ago (and competition is up), but from what I've seen only by maybe 10-15%.

JDMurray

From what I've seen, programmers are harder to find now because people are somewhat afraid to change jobs at the moment, so the hourly rates are up. It's a similar feeling as right after the dotcom bust in 2000. Also, you don't start making really good money with .NET programming until you hit the 5+ years of experience mark.

MidLiveUpgrade

JDMurray wrote: »

From what I've seen, programmers are harder to find now because people are somewhat afraid to change jobs at the moment, so the hourly rates are up.

Not in the city I leave in ... business and companies are chopping contract programmers first and those that are still hiring are beating down the rates.

I have 6+ years in .NET, years and years as a ASP, VB, SQL developer ... I just had lunch with one of the major suppliers of contractors to the ministry of finance and was informed last year at this time they had 45 contractors working at the ministry and today they have zero.

Turgon

The problem is the recession is not going to end. The dynamic we all enjoyed is over. I recall a guy I knew, very competant IT professional, certified, experienced, very capable, hardworking, loyal. The bean counters came in and offered the permies options. The best option for him was to go contract. He did so and was earning way more money than he did. Gravy. Them BAM! He got laid off. Really good at his job too but that didn't matter at all to the pie chart back in head office. That wasn't the point.

Best contract rates are out of the support sphere so move out if you can and fast! Design. Consult. Senior Engineer. IT Manager etc.

JDMurray

If businesses are cutting projects to save money then there will be no demand for contract work. But if there's a project that must absolutely be funded (say, to keep the company competitive and profitable in today's markets) then those jobs will be paying top-dollar for the top people. All I hear from hiring manager is how is it soooooo difficult to find qualified engineers right now for specific project needs. It's definitely famine for for the job market at the moment, but the jobs out requiring more experience tend to be high paying and hard-working.

mistervince

my contracting company made all of us take a 9% pay cut back in march. i don't think i will ever see that money again...

Turgon

JDMurray wrote: »

If businesses are cutting projects to save money then there will be no demand for contract work. But if there's a project that must absolutely be funded (say, to keep the company competitive and profitable in today's markets) then those jobs will be paying top-dollar for the top people. All I hear from hiring manager is how is it soooooo difficult to find qualified engineers right now for specific project needs. It's definitely famine for for the job market at the moment, but the jobs out requiring more experience tend to be high paying and hard-working.

I think it depends where you are and who you are talking about. At my last gig there will be more demand for contractors because they are looking to payoff some of the permies to leave. It really depends on what philosophy each company employs to be honest.