How much should I charge for AutoCAD and Computer Support?

[Jay5.9L]

I'm not a professional CAD or Computer guy but am very good in both areas (mechanical engineer by trade). What would be a fair hourly rate to charge for my services? There is a small business that is looking for help and I have not clue what a contractor/tech support would be asking.

Thanks!
Jason

 

[Maverick]

$100/hr ($75 to $125). Our drafter rates are around $50, designer rates are $65 to $86 and engineering rates start at $90.

Call around to get the same service that they want you to provide and see how much you'd pay. I'll ask our IT guys...one of which used to be a gun for hire, and the other does IT and Autocad.

Make sure you don't need Errors and Omissions insurance. (I don't know very much about it...I've looked into it a couple times but forgot what I learned.)

Brett (licensed mech e)

 

[DevinB]

I would imagine it depends on exactly what services you're offering. If it's just CADmonkey work, $30/hr? If you're designing something but not applying an engineering stamp to it, $50-$75/hr. If you're designing something AND applying your licensed engineer's stamp to it, $100+/h, depending on difficulty and expertise required. I'm a CAD whore for an architect, but I've been in the business long enough to draw a complete set of house plans on my own. When I do that, it's $50+/hr depending on if I like you or not, if the wife gets involved (man, do they screw everything up), and how busy I am with my real job and life in general.

 

[Tacoma]

. I'm a CAD whore for an architect, but I've been in the business long enough to draw a complete set of house plans on my own. When I do that, it's $50+/hr depending on if I like you or not, if the wife gets involved (man, do they screw everything up), and how busy I am with my real job and life in general.

That's good to know.... I may need your services in the future.

 

[Skylinerider]

If your providing "support" to those doing CAD that is much different than actually "pumping CAD". I am a CAD monkey and they charge $50 an hour for my services (I don't see much of that). So IT and CAD support I would think around $125+ an hour isn't outrageous.

 

[Caleb]

A good IT Consultant will get $200/hr or more. I can't say anything for the CAD part of it but I wouldn't do it for less than $100+/hr.

 

[DevinB]

That's good to know.... I may need your services in the future.

For you? It won't be cheap.

 

[CJJ92yj]

I run ACAD at work. We charge around $50/hour. I also do it at home as a side gig. I charge $50/drawing. May not sound like much really, but when you're doing drawing packages around 40 sheets, it adds up. I can usually pump out that many in around 15-20 hours. That puts my hourly rate around $100-$130/hr.

BTW, this is not architectural stuff. A fair amount of it is also standardized drawings too, that's how I get the hours so low. If I had to draw it fresh every time, I'd be screwed.

What kind of stuff would you be drawing? I think that makes a difference. If it's something a million other people do, you'll have a harder time getting much money out of it. But if it's something few people know, and by know I mean they fully understand the product and all applicable codes that pertain to it, then you can get top dollar.

 

[Jay5.9L]

Thanks for the info. I'm not sure what exactly they want but it sounds more along the lines of support than actual drafting. I'm trying to meet with them this weekend to get a better idea of the job.

Keep the post coming