Okay, let’s break it down. Randy has 8 years of experience in the tech industry, which is a good amount of time to build expertise. His Master’s degree in Computer Science adds value, but it’s not from a top-tier program. He’s proficient in in-demand skills like Python, R, and SQL. Data analysis and machine learning are in high demand, but the rates for these skills can vary widely depending on the location. As a software engineer in Buffalo, NY, he’s likely to be competing with other engineers in the region. Based on national averages and online sources, I’d estimate his hourly rate to be around $125. This is slightly lower than the national average for software engineers with similar experience and skills, but it’s still a competitive rate for the Buffalo market.