<p>I can't believe that any drupal expert would work for $5/hr. If they're contributing quality code (and thus regular internet access) then it doesn't matter where they are, they can get paid 10x that. We've worked with clients on 5 continents, some of whom we've never talked to on the phone, let alone met in person, and geography just isn't the hurdle it used to be. But...the big issue I see is that there are currently far too few (or no) experts in countries with those wage levels, and the general reputation of 'off shoring' firms in our industry tends to be terrible. I have noticed more and more drupal firms popping up in places like Jordan and Sri Lanka, which is really exciting, but the end result may be them living better, rather than clients paying less. </p>
<p>Also, for a large % of clients, local matters (as it should)....</p>
<div class="gmail_quote">On Mar 22, 2011 11:11 PM, "netsperience" <<a href="mailto:rgoya@netsperience.org">rgoya@netsperience.org</a>> wrote:<br type="attribution">> wow, I think it's a great discussion about the global economy but we <br>
> developers have very little ability to change anybody's working <br>> conditions except our own :-(<br>> <br>> I am the one who quoted the $5/hour rate for a developer I know in <br>> Vietnam - and it's true, he's very happy and very busy<br>
> <br>> I am surprised that nobody also picked up on the idea of an experienced <br>> US/EU Lead/PM supervising an offshore team who might do this work for <br>> that price, with a few % for the PM - that is becoming a working model <br>
> for quite a few major corporations I have consulted with lately<br>> <br>> Also regarding realistic rates in the US/EU, yes top Drupal specialists <br>> can earn $200/hour in a direct hire project-oriented role. I generally <br>
> let staffing agencies do the footwork for me, and I usually earn about <br>> $80-100/hour for short term contracts, sometimes working remotely with <br>> no commuting. If the agency doubles or nearly doubles that, it's about <br>
> the same as $150-200/hour for the end-client. Permanent salaries are <br>> still a little depressed from the recession so contracting is the way to <br>> go for now.<br>> <br>> Since when did this list become US/EU-centric? - I was under the <br>
> impression that it is for the _entire_ Drupal consulting community, and <br>> the geographic chauvinism that appeard in this discussion bothers me :-)<br>> <br>> Randall Goya (decibel.places) <a href="http://netsperience.org">http://netsperience.org</a><br>
> <br>> <br></div>