studio based sound engineer -how much to charge?

[wolvie]

Hi all,

I have a couple of years formal studio experience as a junior engineer and have now been offered a senior position in another studio. I am working out the T&Cs and want your advice on what the going rate is for a head engineer - hourly rate, hourly plus commission, weekly rate etc? You know the craic when your training you get crap money so not sure what to ask for and dont wnat to be taken for a ride!

[wolvie]

anyone any ideas? wouldnt want to push for too much too soon and shoot myself in the foot since work is hard to come by or too little and ill be undervalued and stuck on pot noodles for life!

[Simon Ryder]

Studio residencies I have seen advertised go anywhere from £12,000 to £28,000 per annum depending on the size and success of the studio and the seniority of the position (this is assuming that your not the tea boy in which case maybe £10,000). If it is a good studio and as it is the head engineer position, I would suggest looking at £20,000 or more plus benefits.
If it is a small studio though, they are unlikely to be able to afford that much. I suggest you look at their turnover and see if you can work out roughly how much they can afford.
Good luck with the job,
S:-)