How [much] to bill out a Junior developer

[softwarefounder]

I'm an independent senior developer, and looking to slowly grow a small team of devs. A common theme I've run across is people want to mix a senior, and junior dev to produce a lower "mixed" rate for a team.

1. What's a fair rate to bill out a Junior Dev at. My focus is on devs who have little to no real-world experience, and a 2 year degree. (Recruiting from a local, technical college).

My thought is that with some of the very "green" junior devs, fresh out of college, I would bill them out at (common rate) / 2.

(i.e. $125 / 2 = ~$62.50).

With 6mo-1.5yr experience, and/or depending on the individual, I would nudge the formula to be (common-rate) / 1.5.

i.e. ~$85

Eventually, they would fall into the mid-senior category, and demand the common rate.

Just curious to hear thoughts on this approach, and what you've encountered in the industry.

Location: Mid-west / Wisconsin Primary technology: Web / .NET

Note: I know rates are very relative, but I'd be curious on the formulaic approach.

[mekael]

Are you in Madison/Milwaukee or outside of it? I only ask because I live in Madison and 62.50 would be considered low for a C#/VB developer.

I'd suggest pricing similar to what the local contract agencies are charging. Maybe give the customer a discount for large blocks of hours?

If you're close and want to get a cup of coffee or a beer give me a shout.

[softwarefounder]

Hey mekael, Sorry for the belated response. I live in the Milwaukee/Waukesha area, and would love to grab a coffee, or a beer during lunch. My email is [email protected].