Okay, let’s tackle this. So John Lyon has a broad skill set, including systems engineering, program management, and software development. He also has a security clearance, which is a plus. Government contracting experience is valuable, but not as highly paid as some other industries. Location is Southlake, Texas, which is a relatively affluent area. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area can earn around $120,000 per year. Systems engineers with experience and a security clearance might average $100,000-$150,000. Considering his skill set and experience, I estimate his hourly rate to be around $125, which is on the lower end of the range but still reflects his value.