Retouching rates and work "real or not so much"

[Foga]

Hi all! I'm new around these parts but I was wondering if I could get some insights on this.
I know no one likes talking money, and always beat around the bush, it depends on where you live, cost of living, how you promote yourself, yadayada.
So here's what's on my mind, I currently come from 3d Fx business, working commercials and movies in Los Angeles, work hours in front of the computer screen are long, we're constantly learning new software(in depth 3D Apps)and pay is usually around 40 or 50 and hour, with work getting scarce about one or two months out of the year.
I enjoy doing photo retouching, and I like the idea of not having to be based out L.A, maybe this way I can afford to buy a house, one can dream right!.
So I've heard retouchers make around 80 and hour if not more,based on how high profile work you might be doing. Can anyone vouch for this, or is a complete dilution.
Any freelancers out there, is work steady enough for you these days?

For those wondering about my work, here's my 3D Stuff, I don't have something for retouching set up, and this is why I'm inquiring about it.

I don't expect many responses to this, but many thanks ahead of time for those that take a stab at it.

http://fredbytes.com/

[Quantum3]

Those numbers are correct.

[paulafrog]

I wish they were correct for me. I do have experience and it's hard to get those wages.

[zganie]

This Always depends where you are and what the market is like.There is no such thing as one price fits all
Also if the market is Down or low then prices change

[Foga]

Well, as I mentioned in my original post, I'm in Los Angeles, in today's market. just trying to get a feel for how people feel or know about wages in this area.

[creativeretouch]

Does anyone use a licensing model as photographers do? It could open new room for negotiating ...

You can set up a "basic" hourly rate and than charge next fee for a license to use your work for one year for example.

This is Stock Photo Price Calculator:

http://www.photographersindex.com/stockprice.htm

So you can have "a small client" as "a really big" one as well. At least you can try to negotiate

[Foga]

Great resource, thanks creativeretouch!

[zganie]

Hi Foga ,Yes I saw you live in Los Angeles.I was Generalizing since no one can really tell you The market there are so mny variables Besides what I mentioned
Also from what I have seen as far as money goes its anywhere from Zero up and thats everywhere

[zganie]

just to add a comment I posted making a living in Retouching asking how many work fulltime.
it got 2,346 hits and only 55 replys so that should tell you something

[czerwony]

Originally Posted by creativeretouch

This is Stock Photo Price Calculator:

http://www.photographersindex.com/stockprice.htm

Sorry if I'm missing something and my question will sound silly. May have had to many coffees today ;-)

Is this Price Calculator for photographers or retouchers or both?

[creativeretouch]

This calculator is for stock photographers only.

[Nanls]

When we get swamped, the company I work for hires contract retouchers and pay around $65 per hour. This can be a staffing agency or a self employed person.

As an employee I make less, but by the time I figure in benefits; med/dental insurance, Paid Time Off (17 days per year) Paid holidays (11 per year) matched 401K, flex spending account, and I pay less taxes then a self employed person it is pretty much a wash.

Hope this helps