Safety Knights

We’re paying a consultant $200/hour right now for a program overhaul. It’s a specific NFPA niche - was the only consultant who was comfortable accepting the project

All depends on scope of project, but we typically come in under $100/hour for most projects.

Now I want to be a consultant.....

I really try to stay away from quoting hourly rates, unless the project is based on hourly labor. I prefer project based fees. Consulting is a side hustle for me, so I primarily base my fee on how much I want to do a project and how complicated I think it will be. If I really want to do something, and it's straight forward, my rate might work out to $75/hr. If a project isn't interesting to me and seems like it might turn into a can of worms, I might quote as high as $150/hr or more. If I get it, great, that's good money. If I don't...well, that's okay too.

It all depends and I am with Tim. I try to stay away from quoting by the hour. Lately my customers like a retainer type arrangement. I just charge them so much a month. I have not been an "hourly " employee since I was in (undergrad) college in 1976 so I am not good with the "hours" thing! I have quoted by the hour for a short duration job , one shot deal. But I like to build relationships, and the retainer thing just seems to work for me in most situations. When I teach OSHA Outreach I charge a flat rate to a customer. I have a friend that teaches Outreach and he charges per student. I like my way and he likes his.

I've been a consultant for almost 2 decades. Hourly rates are based on experience level, longevity of the project, and skill level needed. For long term outsourcing, rates from $85-$125 are common. H&S only is on the low end. EHS is on the high end. I own my own business so my standard rate is $150. I charge this especially for any engineering projects that require my PE stamp (like an SPCC Plan). But if I have a client that will commit to at least 24 hours a week for 3-6 months, I definitely discount my rates for the security. I also prefer lump sum projects like a program or a training. I want to be rewarded for my experience. If the market rate is X and I can do it in half the time, why should I be penalized for efficiency? I think the industry is changing and I'll be curious to see how it all shakes out in a few years.

What I answered is what we typically Charge out but definitely not what I get paid, this includes overhead and such as well as my rate.