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There are many opportunities out there for those with C# skills. Here we take a look at what you need to know about becoming a C# contractor, from self-employed benefits to rates of pay.

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.

Why Thousands of Contractors Choose Dolan Accountancy

With over 25 years experience in contractor accountancy helping thousands of contractors, freelancers and the self employed, Dolan Accountancy has the specialist skills, reputation and credibility you can trust.

Working closely with our sister company, Contractor Umbrella, it means we can offer one low cost, fixed fee package at £105 + VAT. This gives you the flexibility of using both our Limited Company Accountancy Services and our award winning Umbrella Service, for one inclusive cost.

If you’d like to find out more about how Dolan Accountancy can help you and your business, please give us a call on 01442 795 100 or email sophie.lewis@dolanaccountancy.com or jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.

We don’t believe in tiered packages or hidden extra fees, instead we aim to give you everything you need, including:

  • Free Company Formation – This is where it all begins. Once you have decided on an available name, we will form your company free of charge (if using our accountancy services) and it will be ready for you to use in as little as three hours
  • Free use of Contractor Umbrella – With IR35 Legislation changes we understand that sometimes you are required to contract via an umbrella company. We will keep your limited company ticking over, while you work margin free via our sister company, Contractor Umbrella
  • A Dedicated Accountant – Your accountant will be there for any company or personal tax advice that you require. We will never outsource work, even to internal teams
  • Free Access to FreeAgent – We offer all of our clients access to FreeAgent, free of charge
  • Free Business Banking – We have decided to waive our commission so our clients can use Tide free of charge for the first year
  • Unlimited IR35 Status Reviews – We will review all of your contracts for IR35 purposes and provide you with our professional opinion as to its status
  • Free Registered and Director’s Service Office Address – Sometimes you just don’t want your home address on display at Companies House. When you sign up to our accountancy services, we will offer the use of our address as an alternative
  • Your Business and Personal Taxation Needs – This includes Company Accounts, Director’s Personal Tax Return, VAT Returns, Payroll, Corporation Tax and Dividend advice, to name just a few
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