General Discussions

**Kev76** · 04-20-2007, 06:25 PM

Just curious about something.

I'm currently a glorified webmaster for a magazine here in Colorado. I'm not a web guy, though I know enough to get around. I took the position because I was hoping to move up and get a crack at doing some writing, but it's become painfully clear that isn't going to happen.

I am wondering if you guys can tell me what I should be charging for my work.

To give you an idea, I spend roughly 40 hours per month on the project, including about an hour per day where I update the new story, tweak our RSS feed, edit some Flash, etc. I do some occasional image manipulation, a little video editing (not much, I mainly just post it), and I guess that's about it.

For a freelance "webmaster" with no degree, and no real expertise in any area, but with enough experience to edit HTML, CSS, Flash and XML, what do you think the going rate would be?

I ask because I'm thinking about saying "screw it", and moving on. I have a feeling I'm being grossly underpaid, but if I'm not, I'll suck it up and keep going.

After I get a few responses, I'll gladly share what I'm making with everybody. I just wanted to get some honest feedback, first.

Thanks!

**Republikin** · 04-20-2007, 07:04 PM

Determining how much you should get paid is a really tough subject. It really depends a lot on so many factors such as what the job market looks like in your area, the non-defacto minimum wage (for instance, in my area minimum wage is $7.50 but most jobs start at $8-$8.50) and how much other webmasters get paid in your area. Then you have to take into account your family situation, living expenses, etc and determine what would be suitable for you. If they can't provide that amount then definitely move on.

With all that said, it sounds like what you do is fairly easy, I wouldn't do it for less than $10 an hour though. Considering you only work 40 hours a month I would also pick up another job on the side.

**travelagent** · 04-20-2007, 11:58 PM

Not a web guy; no real expertise in any area; update an hour a day; and you're complaining? I've seen 100's who boast they're God's gift to the Webmaster world, and can't create a simple HTML website.

With what you're doing with extremely limited experience, I don't see the problem -- unless they're paying you minimum wage, which I can understand from their viewpoint, if that's all you're doing.

**ADAM Web Design** · 04-21-2007, 01:40 AM

As far as the education factor goes, there is next to nothing that is relevant to web design and that anyone would take seriously as a degree. So don't worry about that.

As far as "the going rate", it's basic supply and demand. Find out what others would pay you to do what you're doing now at the level you're doing it at now (which of course would require us to see your work) and see if you're at or above that level. If you're at or above it, stay. If not, get a raise or haul ***.

So...with all that said...what's your site?

**Firemedic333** · 04-22-2007, 07:33 PM

I also have that same question. I have three site that i admin for and would like to know what a fair rate would be . I do these site for free right now because my wife volunteers for these organizations, they are non for profit that's why i dont charge. you can view my sites here.

http://www.missiowa.com

http://www.misscapitalcityia.org

http://www.iowasgottalent.com