Okay, let’s calculate this. Vij has a strong skill set in enterprise software, cloud computing, and technical leadership. He’s got full proficiency in English, which is a plus. Location is the Greater Seattle Area, which is a hub for tech companies. Considering his skills and location, I’m estimating his hourly rate to be around $125. This is slightly below the national average for software developers and technical leaders in the US, but Vij’s experience and location bring his rate down. A similar rate for a software developer in the Seattle area would be around $150–$200 per hour, but Vij’s leadership and technical expertise reduce his rate. Let’s check some benchmarks. According to Glassdoor, a senior software engineer in the Seattle area can earn around $120–$180 per hour. A technical leader can earn around $150–$250 per hour. Considering these benchmarks, I’m estimating Vij’s rate to be around $125 per hour.