Okay, let’s break it down. Houston Stokes has a strong educational background from the U of Chicago, which suggests a high level of expertise. His skills in econometrics and statistical software development are in demand, especially in the Greater Chicago Area. However, his skills in Microsoft Office and customer service are more common and might not command the same rate. Considering the average salary for an econometrician in the US is around $85,000, and adding a 10-20% premium for expertise and location, I estimate his hourly rate to be around $120. This is slightly lower than the national average, but still reflective of his strong educational background and in-demand skills.