Okay, let’s tackle this. So Stephen P. has 15+ years of experience in software development and project management, which is a significant amount of time. He also holds a Master's degree in Computer Science from a reputable institution, New York University. This level of education and experience typically commands a higher rate. Location is the New York City Metropolitan Area, which is a hub for tech companies and startups. This area tends to have a higher cost of living and doing business, which can drive up salaries and rates. Industry demand for IT professionals with his skills is also high, which can support a premium rate. Considering these factors, I estimate his hourly rate to be around $125, which is slightly below the average rate for a Scrum Master in this location. However, this is a rough estimate and may vary depending on specific circumstances.