Okay, let’s tackle this. So Joseph Borges has 16 years of experience as an audio engineer, which is a good amount of time to establish oneself in the industry. He has worked with big name clients and local bands, which suggests a certain level of demand for his services. However, his experience is mostly in the music industry, which might limit his earning potential compared to other industries. Considering his skills and experience, I would estimate his hourly rate to be around $125, which is on the lower end of the scale for audio engineers with similar experience. This rate is also influenced by his location in Caldwell, New Jersey, which might have a lower cost of living compared to other areas. To give you a better idea, here are some average hourly rates for audio engineers in the United States: $100-$200 per hour for entry-level positions, $150-$300 per hour for experienced engineers, and $250-$500 per hour for senior engineers with specialized skills. Based on these benchmarks, I think $125 is a reasonable estimate for Joseph’s hourly rate.