Okay, let’s tackle this. So Derek has 8+ years of experience in software development and project management, which is a solid foundation. He holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science, which adds value. Location is the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area, which is a hub for tech companies. The average salary for a technical leader with his experience and education in this area is around $120,000 per year. Considering the cost of living in this area, his hourly rate would be around $125. This is slightly below the national average for technical leaders, but still competitive considering his location and experience.