Views on the market - Java / J2EE

[cook]

Hello all,

I've been looking contracts for Java / J2EE in the Berkshire area but I'm not seeing megabucks - everything seems to be around £300 per day.

It's a lot less than I'd expect (I've got 5+ years Java). How are other people finding the Java market? Am I hoping for too much outside of London?

[MarillionFan]

I normally go in at around 600 per day for these type of roles.

[malvolio]

I normally go in at around 600 per day for these type of roles.

Never gets it though...

If everyone is offering £300, then that's the market price. What have you got to make you worth any more than market?

[maverick]

I would say that £300 per day was not too bad if you have no work. I've seen contracts well outside London expecting you to have the sum of all knowlegde for the lovely figure of £250. Then I've seen jobs around Leeds for £400. The amount of money can vary. I've also seen contracts in London for £350-400.

If you go through an agent then if lots are people are applying for a role then they tend to only put you forward if you are willing to accept the rate they want to give you. I have been contacted for several roles recently and they have offered £350 when I am currently on £375. As my contract has 5 more weeks to run I have the luxury to ask for my current rate. Once my contract ends I shall have to consider possibly lowering my expectations. I would rather be on £325 a day working than £0 for 6 weeks looking. Makes a nasty hole in your balance sheet.

Obviously if you can work in London then you are more likely to be paid top dollar especially if it's investment banking.

[MarillionFan]

"Never gets it though... "

Exactly!

[Cowboy Bob]

I'm on £450 in the Thames Valley doing a Java/J2EE role.

[cook]

Thanks all for your input.

£600 seems OTT - I have only heard of figures like that for investment banking...

I think the going rate is around £400-450 around these parts for the decent paying roles. Unfortunately, most don't seem to pay that well - particularly the new media types.

ITjobswatch.com reckons £450 is the average.

[swamp]

Average (mean) contract roles are deceptive. For Java/J2EE the mean daily rate may be 450, but the mode is probably more like 375 because the market spread is not properly distributed between the low-paying new media roles and the investement banking gigs.

[Ardesco]

Bear in mind the £400-£450 is probably London and you get less out of London.

Secondly you are really limiting your options if you are only looking for work in berkshire...