Going rate for computer labor

TheBiggmann

Senior member
Aug 9, 2006
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I have a family that I know that wants me to build them a computer, and they insist on paying me for the labor. What is a decent rate for labor nowadays?
 

KrillBee

Golden Member
Nov 17, 2005
1,433
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depends. A professional would probably charge at least $30 / hour in labor.

for someone who is a friend, well maybe you dont need to charge as much. I dont charge my friends must at all. But if someone insists on paying you, I'd ask for $15 per hour. That way they wont be extremely surprised if they have to pay the going rate to a professional company someday.

 

brtspears2

Diamond Member
Nov 16, 2000
8,660
1
81
I stopped building computers for anyone except for immediate family. It becomes a hassle when you become a 24x7 helpdesk.

But if I had to charge, $20/hr, min 3 hours.
 

doze

Platinum Member
Jul 26, 2005
2,786
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Assuming you are buying parts then upcharge 10~20% depending on cost of parts and amount of hardware/software installed. Otherwise $75~100 should take care of it as you will have to babysit OS updates and software installs and troubleshoot any broken hardware
 

compuwiz1

Admin Emeritus Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
27,112
930
126
I'd rather just have my family go buy a Dell. With no labor, them buying a Dell, I still profit. ;)
 

chambersc

Diamond Member
Feb 11, 2005
6,247
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Originally posted by: compuwiz1
I'd rather just have my family go buy a Dell. With no labor, them buying a Dell, I still profit. ;)

I agree! I'm so tired of building PCs for relatives that I just say "get a dell."
 

JBT

Lifer
Nov 28, 2001
12,094
1
81
I don't think I will ever build a PC for anyone ever again. Cause guess who gets called any time anything bad happens. What I will help them do is find coupons etc from hot deals sites.
 

Zugzwang152

Lifer
Oct 30, 2001
12,134
1
0
dell.com + charge a percentage for consulting on the specs and setup. cheaper for them, cheaper for you.
 

compuwiz1

Admin Emeritus Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
27,112
930
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Building computers yourself is for geeks, so most relatives are not geeks, and therefore, should buy a product, where they can call support, when needed. :)
 

Journer

Banned
Jun 30, 2005
4,355
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Originally posted by: compuwiz1
Building computers yourself is for geeks, so most relatives are not geeks, and therefore, should buy a product, where they can call support, when needed. :)

:thumbsup:
 

KLin

Lifer
Feb 29, 2000
30,881
1,013
126
Originally posted by: compuwiz1
Building computers yourself is for geeks, so most relatives are not geeks, and therefore, should buy a product, where they can call support, when needed. :)

Take heed of this advice young OP. Tell them to buy a dell, a gateway, an HP, whatever.