Rate for very good java developer?

[jojo]

Hi guys,
one question. I'm planning to start work on contract. I have graduated with excellent success, and have near 7 years of experience.

Main areas of expertise are java, j2ee, although I have more than year with .NET (C sharp).

I'm certified as Java developer, j2EE architect and MSCD.

I'm planning to search job after 1-2 months, but I don't know how much I can win?

Can you give me some advices for the rates that I should require, and some sites or any other helpful information? Any advice for umbrella company should be appreciated.

10x in advance

 

[Churchill]

Hi guys,
one question. I'm planning to start work on contract. I have graduated with excellent success, and have near 7 years of experience.

Main areas of expertise are java, j2ee, although I have more than year with .NET (C sharp).

I'm certified as Java developer, j2EE architect and MSCD.

I'm planning to search job after 1-2 months, but I don't know how much I can win?

Can you give me some advices for the rates that I should require, and some sites or any other helpful information? Any advice for umbrella company should be appreciated.

10x in advance

In the UK or India?

 

[bogeyman]

I have graduated with excellent success

Well, good luck JoJo.

Unfortunately your skills are commonplace and will not attract a premium rate in the market. You are up against thousands of developers with many years of experience in Java technologies, and a vast (and ever increasing) number of .NET developers.

On the other hand, old farts like me who know ancient, obscure stuff like IBM s/3x0 assembler, REXX, CICS, VSAM and so on are commanding something of a permium lately. And as we die off, our rarity value increases, like a fine old burgundy.

Specialise! Identify and learn some promising niche product inside out, and work with that.

 

[jojo]

Not in india , but yes, most of mine experience is not in UK.

I'm working here from 1 year

 

[bogeyman]

Not in india , but yes, most of mine experience is not in UK.

I'm working here from 1 year

Where are you working?

 

[Fungus]

Well, good luck JoJo.

Unfortunately your skills are commonplace and will not attract a premium rate in the market. You are up against thousands of developers with many years of experience in Java technologies, and a vast (and ever increasing) number of .NET developers.

On the other hand, old farts like me who know ancient, obscure stuff like IBM s/3x0 assembler, REXX, CICS, VSAM and so on are commanding something of a permium lately. And as we die off, our rarity value increases, like a fine old burgundy.

Specialise! Identify and learn some promising niche product inside out, and work with that.

I like to compare myself to a fine old burgundy, though a rather hard smelly old cheese might be more appropriate.

My experience agrees with yours, though I have heard that at the moment there is quite a bit of demand for Java skills for some reason. I specialise in multi-threaded real-time C++ with COM, UML and OOD and I am good at debugging and re-architecting complex programs. At the risk of sounding egocentric, it's hard and that reduces the amount of competition.

I got sick of Windows, and having to learn completely new tricks every year just to keep up with the eager young whippersnappers biting at my heels and overtaking me. The problem with the latest stuff is that everyone and his dog wants to do it. And with my luck the dog gets the interview.

Rate depends on location. Think £40 ph and above in London, and more like £35 ph outside. Shorter contracts with specific tasks can be higher rate, but a lower rate can be compensated for by a longer term. And some skills command more. But if you research the market you can apply direct and cut out the parasite.

Fungus (not the Bogey Man)

 

[DodgyAgent]

In the UK or India?

Could be Polish

 

[hugebrain]

Hi guys,
one question. I'm planning to start work on contract. I have graduated with excellent success, and have near 7 years of experience.

Main areas of expertise are java, j2ee, although I have more than year with .NET (C sharp).

I'm certified as Java developer, j2EE architect and MSCD.

I'm planning to search job after 1-2 months, but I don't know how much I can win?

Can you give me some advices for the rates that I should require, and some sites or any other helpful information? Any advice for umbrella company should be appreciated.

10x in advance

About eight pounds an hour is the going rate and you should price yourself at around half that so that you can out-compete the locals.

If you're only staying for a year, why would you want to pay tax?

 

[Francko]

On the other hand, old farts like me who know ancient, obscure stuff like IBM s/3x0 assembler, REXX, CICS, VSAM and so on are commanding something of a permium lately. And as we die off, our rarity value increases, like a fine old burgundy.

Specialise! Identify and learn some promising niche product inside out, and work with that.

Oh well, he just has to wait another 20 years. I am sure that once you were common stuff too. Weren't you?

Ex. in 2026 they will say..."On the other hand, old farts like me who know ancient, obscure stuff like J2EE, .NET, apache, iis and so on are commanding something of a permium lately"

 

[Churchill]

Could be Polish

Just what is this fixation with Eastern Europeans?