Okay, so Eric has experience as a Tax Auditor I at the NYS Department of Tax & Finance. This role likely involves reviewing tax returns, ensuring accuracy, and possibly conducting audits. The salary range for tax auditors in the US can vary, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for auditors and accountants was around $74,000 in May 2020. Considering Eric's location in Lancaster, NY, which is a smaller market, his salary might be slightly lower. Let’s assume a starting salary range for a Tax Auditor I in the US is around $40,000–$60,000 per year. Given Eric’s experience and the fact that he’s not in a senior role, I’ll estimate his hourly rate to be around $20–$30. However, since Eric has some experience, I’ll round up to $25–$35. Considering the industry demand and the fact that he’s not in a senior role, I’ll estimate his hourly rate to be around $50.