Okay, let’s tackle this. So Howard Baker has 15+ years of experience in IT, which is a solid foundation. He’s also certified in CompTIA Security+, which is a well-respected credential in the industry. The CISSP certification is also a big plus. Location is Austin, Texas, which is a growing tech hub. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a network administrator in the Austin area is around $90,000 per year. However, considering his experience and certifications, I would estimate his hourly rate to be around $125, which is slightly higher than the average. This is also in line with industry benchmarks for experienced IT professionals with similar certifications and experience.