A friend of a friend is just starting up a construction company and has asked me to do his book keeping. Although I have never actually worked as a bookkeeper, bookkeeping has been an aspect for several of my jobs giving me about 12 years experience.

While he is starting up the company, he expects that I will work about 10-15 hours per week. I will work from home using my own computer, fax, phone, etc. Once a month I will be expected to attend a company meeting in his office - approx. 40 minutes from me.

The job could become full time in the future, but it would not be for quite some time.

So my question is... what is a reasonable hourly rate to ask for? I am in NYC. He is in Connecticut.

Try looking at the classifieds in your area for jobs similar to what you will be doing and see what their hourly rate is. Try the newspaper, and online. As far as travel expenses, maybe just charge for mileage based on the national rates see here: National Business Association - IRS Announces 2009 Standard Mileage Rates

Thanks for taking the time to answer. I tried your suggestion, but didn't have much luck. Any other ideas?

Why were you unsuccessful? Were there no rates listed with the job descriptions? Try this:
PayScale - Connecticut State Wages, Hourly Wage Rate

No, there were not rates listed. But this website is great. Thank you very much for your help.

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Originally Posted by jjwoodhull

what is a reasonable hourly rate to ask for? I am in NYC. He is in Connecticut.

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Hello jj:

Whatever you would make if you were employed in his office + $5 more per hour to cover the use of your equipment and utilities.

excon

Thanks Ex, I was wondering what additional compensation would be appropriate for that.

Hi JJ, You could also try calling some of the classified ads and asking what rate they are offering as most classified ads don't post rates. I think that NY rates are higher than Connecticut rates. In the future you might think of expanding your services to include NY clients. I have found that having a bookkeeping service is much more lucrative than a full time job.

I've been a bookkeeper for 10 years, when I've been laid off the rates vary. I work in the Parsippany Area as a full charge bookkeeper with an income rate of 40-45k. I would never take a job offering less.

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