TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Contract rates From:"USA::IT9371" <IT9371%USA -dot- decnet -at- USAV01 -dot- GLAXO -dot- COM> Date:Mon, 25 Oct 1993 10:28:00 EST
Maria,
In the Research Triangle Park Area (North Carolina) rates vary widely.
You can make anywhere from $20/hr to $50/hr as an independent contractor
(that is, working as a sole proprietor or an employee of your own
corporation). As an independent, you must pay self-employment tax,
provide your own health benefits, and pay more to social security, so
the "higher" salary is more than offset by expenses.
If you work for a contract agency (for example, SEI, Broadway & Seymour,
etc.), the agency will take a cut from your salary in return for paying
you benefits and/or withholding taxes. Hourly rates when you work for
a contract house tend to be much lower ($15/hr to $35/hr).
Good luck.
Ingrid Towey
Technical Communications & Design Specialist
P.S. I was an independent contractor for 4 1/2 years.
My opinions are not those of my company or anyone else--least of all me.
