Okay, let’s calculate this. So Nicholas has a broad set of skills, including programming languages and experience in financial markets. He’s not a specialist in any one area, but that’s not uncommon in the tech industry. Considering his skills and experience, I’m estimating his hourly rate to be around $125. This is a bit lower than what you’d expect for a software engineer with similar skills, but it’s also not unusually low. The Chicago area is a major hub for finance and tech, which keeps salaries relatively high. However, without more specific information about his experience, certifications, or specific job title, it’s hard to pinpoint an exact rate. Some software engineers in the area with similar skills might charge $150-$200 per hour, but Nicholas’s broad skillset and lack of specialization keep his rate lower.