Okay, let’s tackle this. So Samuel Montgomery has 51 years of experience as an NC programmer. That’s a long time! This experience, combined with his current role at Schneider Electric Energy & Sustainability Services, suggests a high level of expertise. However, the location is Lexington County, South Carolina, which may impact the rate. Considering the industry and experience, a rate of $75 per hour seems reasonable. This is a bit lower than average, but given the location, it's not unreasonable. Some programmers with similar experience in other locations might charge higher rates, but $75 is a good estimate for this specific individual and location.