Ask HN: Hourly rate for freelancer (in Germany)?
I've recently graduated and hold something like a masters-equivalent (German Diplom) degree in mathematics with a minor in computer science from a renowned university. I've been tinkering with various programming languages since my childhood but decided to study math because that looked more like a challenge to learn new things I wouldn't otherwise learn.
Background: The company that I worked for as a student does not want to hire employees and would like me to work for them as a freelancer. This obviously puts the burdon of security, insurance, etc. on me. On the other hand it gives me more freedom, which I would really enjoy; and it would open the door to other clients.
The tasks would primarily include mobile application development, currently only iOS, some PHP, making estimates for projects and what ever comes up and need solving (it's a software agency in it's infancy). Presumably I could also get project and personnel responsibility in the not so distant future.
I've been repeatedly told that I am very valuable to the company, and I would judge at least my iOS expertise way above theirs. Yet I think they try to get me at a ridiculously low hourly rate.
Which is why I'd love to get some pointers in which range I should expect/set the hourly range. I won't disclose the current offer they made, as the negotiations as still ongoing, but it's about at least 10eur away from what I'd expect.
Any input would be very much appreciated. Thanks!