Rates & Advice on Contract Network Admin Work

All, I'm a Sr. Network Engineer with a full time job doing network admin, enterprise storage and virtualization work. Seperate from my full-time job I've got two different very wealthy clients that I've done work for previously, but I wasn't getting paid for, long story...don't ask

In my new role I'll be in a position to charge the clients for my work, but I'm not exactly sure #1 what I should charge and #2 whether or not I need to create a LLC of some sort. Most of the work will be networking, wired and wireless, VPN as well as some server administration. I'm thinking of starting at $100/hr. The work will be all over the US, but I'm based in Oklahoma. The client made mention that I could also be paid on a retainer basis whether I work or not. I'm not sure I want to go that route though.

Also, are there any example contracts that you have used that I could have the client sign which spells out the rates and the overall agreement for service?

I really appreciate any advice you have on this. Thanks in advance! I realize there are some existing threads on what to charge for work, but most of them are extremely old or not really for the same kind of work I'm doing.

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Comments

redz

DirtySouth wrote: »

#2 whether or not I need to create a LLC

Creating a one-person LLC helps to protect you from potential legal action. An LLC is something a person can walk away from, performing as an independent contractor without that coverage is not.

I don't know about rates, that's on you. There is a lot that you need to account for, including the employer-side of taxes. Research state and federal taxes, required insurances (e.g. workers comp), all that. If travel is on your dime, build it into your rates, as well. It also depends if it is full time, part time, whether you need health/life/dental/vision insurance, et aliae. If you send me a PM, I'll break out how I build and negotiate rates a little more fully.

I don't have any non-current contracts at this time; can't help you out there.

DirtySouth

Thanks, redz. I should clarify though. My full-time job has full benefits and is completely & totally separate from the on-the-side/contract work that I'm referring to. I already have full benefits and retirement offered from the FT job.