Okay, let’s tackle this. So Steven Smyser has a strong background in finance, with skills like capital markets, derivatives, and portfolio management. He’s based in New York, which is a hub for finance. Industry demand for these skills is high, especially in trading and financial analysis. Considering his skills and location, I’d estimate his hourly rate to be around $200, which is in line with average rates for finance professionals in New York. This is slightly below the $250–$300 range for more senior roles, but still competitive for a mid-level professional with his expertise.