When seeking an engineer, then, look at things like payments from past jobs and qualifications to help you judge exactly how much a freelancer might charge. If you're posting jobs instead, it's also worth looking at existing FE listings for ideas. Other companies may offer $900 for a network installation, for example, compared to $450 for a cable technician. Research and experience are really the best ways to get a feel for how much FE engineers are worth, so don't hesitate to start browsing the market.
In truth, budgeting on FE isn't all that different from how you budget a job for a client. For each posting, you'll need to consider basic salaries like those mentioned above, as well as hours required, tools needed, and training necessary. Each of these can either boost or drop the price depending on what you're after.
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