Am I being paid enough?

Question

I'm developing a comprehensive medical scheduling, booking, and client registration software for a medical office that is powered by php, mysql, and ajax to be run locally on their network. I am also taking care and maintaining all of their computers and electronics in the office, so I maintain 7 palm pilots, several computers, and any other technological problems they have... I've seen the bills they used to pay for computer problems, they'd call in technicians nearly weekly and pay anywhere between $150 to $250 for visits that last 15 minutes to a few hours.

I'm only being paid $12.50 an hour and only being paid to work 30 hours a week, do you think I am being paid fairly to do all of this or should I be paid more? I'm pretty sure that the software alone that i'm developing should be a minimum of $10k if I was contracted, and I am technically contracted to wkr there until december.. but nothing more about programming.. am I being paid enough?

oh and all prices are in Canadian...

some more details, when I was originally hired they told me I would be able to sell this software to other practices but now since they said they're paying me hourly, it is technically owned by them. I am going to create an agreement with signature on it after negotiating, but first I'd like to have some insight on fair pay... so please list references and cite sources to any information you provide in answers.

i am only a student in college.

@suli_as2000

initially yes, but nothing was signed other than a medical records confidentiality paper.. and what they've asked me to do in the beginning has changed to what is being asked now.. the terms have changed

Answer 1

No way! You're being severely underpaid! Build up your resume and go someplace else. I don't care if you're still in college - when you know high tech it usually means big bucks. I'm from San Jose, CA where anyone who knows ANYTHING about computers not only makes over $100,000/year but also gets stock options (Google, Yahoo, HP, Adobe, ebay, and hundreds of others are here just to name a few). Maybe you should get hired on by one of those companies and come down here to work (or work for them up there). Companies will hire suckers as long as there are suckers who will work for starvation wages.

My husband's friend's wife just sits in an office as an assistant with no special knowledge and gets $21/hour!!! (Also in San Jose).

Answer 2

it really depends. How old are you? When I was babysitting I was connected to an agency which set up the job - the client paid a one off fee to the agency and then the client and I organised a rate per hour based on the agency rates. I didnt have to give any cash back to the agency for this service. I have an early childhood education background so my pay reflected my experience. I was getting around $17 an hour (australian), but more if I worked on a weekend. However, if you are babysitting for a friend it becomes more difficult. Now I sometimes look after my friends kids and I get $50 a day for that, as it is a 'mates rates' deal. If you are unhappy with your pay perhaps you should have a chat with your friend. Maybe she see's it more as a favour.

Answer 3

OMGoodness! First of all, you need to find some "bugs" and "glitches" in your program (or work them in) until you can find some good advice. Then, talk to someone at your college who works with computers for a living. If you're in computer science, then your profs should be able to help you with no problem.

Second, think about how badly you need the job. Can you quit? Do you want to give it up in December?

Personally, I think they are screwing you around, and you certainly shouldn't be writing programs for them for 12.50 an hour (Canadian!!!). But I don't think you can exactly afford to make them mad, since you may need their recommendation for future jobs.

You might consider developing a slight case of the "stupids" so that you can get off the programming hook, but still be smart enough to get a good rec. If possible.

You should definitely be looking for a better job for after December.

Good luck!

Answer 4

..as a software developer myself. You might want to compare the wage with others in your region before consulting people on the internet. For example, I know the average salary in my city for developers is slightly lower than the average of the city about 100KM away.

for a freelancer, $12.50 does sound a little below average especially if you are skilled with PHP, MYSql and AJAX. (Well, I'm assuming you are skilled). You might want to ask yourself if they could find another person who could do your job for that price.

keep in mind, however, that you are still a student. unless you have a shining portfolio, you have to expect to be paid lower than someone with a degree.

as for the licensing agreement, check your contract. if you've signed it that they own all your work, tough sheeet for you. read before you sign.

one more thing, Canadian$ is par with US$ now.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Most likely, from what you describe, no. But realize this: if you develop this program for them, it will be considered a work for hire. They will own it and could even sell it to others, and you would not be entitled to anything.

Answer 6

were you agree to do this job with this payment ?

Answer 7

no u r not i think