C# Contracting

What is C#?

Made by Microsoft, C# is a computer programming language that is both object-oriented and type safe.

It enables developers to build applications, which are secure and robust, that run in .NET – a cross-platform, open source developer platform used to build various types of applications, such as mobile apps, games and cloud services.

Take a look at our Becoming a .Net Contractor for more information on this.

C# contractor rates of pay

There are a few different roles that you can get into with C#, some of which include:

• C# developer
• C# architect
• C# software developer
• C# software engineer

As a contractor working in this field, you’ll need to ensure that you are constantly keeping yourself up-to-date, especially if you wish to command higher rates of pay.

When it comes to setting your rates, it’s best to do your research and look into what other contractors charge for similar skills. As an example, currently (2023) the median daily rate for a C# developer in the UK is £625.

You’ll also need to look at whether you want to charge a daily, hourly or fixed rate.

This could change with each project or client, or your client might have a preference.

Daily rate

A daily rate can be the easier option for both the contractor and the client – the contractor will have a better idea of how much they’ll be earning for a project and the client will also know how much they’ll be spending, which will help them from a budgeting point of view.

A contractor can often charge more with a daily rate compared to an hourly one, however, there’s the chance that a contractor could miss out financially should the client ask for additional work to be done within those days.

Hourly rate

An hourly rate can benefit a contractor if a project takes longer than expected, but a client could choose to limit the number of hours that a contractor works on a project in order to cut their costs.

Fixed rate

A fixed rate means that you know exactly how much you’ll be earning for a project, however, when setting this rate, you have to really think about how long a project will take, as you could find it takes longer than expected meaning you’re potentially being underpaid.

Benefits of becoming a C# contractor

There are so many benefits that come with working for yourself.

Financially, there’s the fact that contractors can often charge much higher rates of pay compared to permanent workers in the same role. They’re also able to take advantage of claiming back on expenses made for the running of their business, which will in turn reduce their tax bill at the end of each year.

Read our Sole Trader Expenses and Subsistence Expenses pages for more information on this.

Another huge benefit of being your own boss is being able to create a better work/life balance for yourself – you can choose the clients you want to work with, as well as pick the hours and days that you want to work.

Read our Benefits of Contracting page for more info.

We hope you found this page helpful. If you have any further questions, our team of experts are available to answer any queries, so give us a call on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com. Alternatively, contact us via live chat.