Okay, let’s calculate this. So Jim has skills in operating systems, device drivers, and embedded Linux development, which are in demand. He’s also proficient in C and Linux. Location is San Mateo, California, which is a hub for tech companies. According to Glassdoor, software engineers in this area with similar skills can earn around $120–$180 per hour. Considering his skills and location, I’d estimate his hourly rate to be around $125, which is slightly below the average but still competitive.