Okay, let’s tackle this. So Colton has 20+ years of experience in telecommunications, which is a significant amount of time. His role as Director of Network Engineering at Verizon is also a high-level position. Skills like network design, program management, and vendor management are in demand. Location is Baltimore, Maryland, which is a mid-sized market. Considering his experience and skills, I would estimate his hourly rate to be around $125, which is slightly below the national average for a senior-level network engineer. This is because he doesn’t have any specific certifications or advanced degrees that would push his rate up to the top tier. However, his experience at Verizon and his leadership role suggest that he can command a premium rate. Some mid-level network engineers in the US can earn around $100-$150 per hour, so Colton’s rate is in line with that range.