Okay, so Dave Dluger has a mix of technical skills like video, audio, and lighting, which are in demand. He also has experience in live events, event planning, and management. Considering his role as a DIA at Harper College, he likely has some level of responsibility and expertise. However, his location in Palatine, Illinois, which is a smaller market, might affect his earning potential. Let's look at some benchmarks. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for multimedia artists and animators in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI Metropolitan Division is around $55,000. For event planners, the median annual salary is around $50,000. Given Dave's skills and experience, I'd estimate his hourly rate to be around $75, which is slightly above the median salary for event planners, but still relatively lower than what professionals with more specialized skills might charge.