A Perl hacker is worth next to nothing.
The code you write is worth something, but what it's worth varies on the context. (the same program may be worth more to one person or company than another).
Don't focus on writing code -- a coder can be replaced with someone who's willing to take less money for the job. I'm an analyst, and a programmer, and Perl is just one of the tools that I have to build solutions, and to get jobs done. You shouldn't think of it as any more than that. (Yes, it might be nice language to work in, but odds are, you could accomplish the same solution in any number of other languages as well ... or well, someone could, at least).
As for how much to charge -- I seem to come back to this on a whole lot of my answers -- it depends. There are a whole lot of variables. (If they're in a rush, or pushy, or rude, you charge more. I try not to turn down work, unless I think it's immoral, but I'll make sure they'll pay more for it.) My brother calls this the 'annoyance factor' of his fee... although, he's a carpenter, not a programmer. NateTut isn't far off the mark -- you're worth whatever someone is willing to pay you. If they're willing to pay you a lot, take it, and save it for a rainy day.
Contracting rates are also much different from salaried work -- you have to charge more per hour, because you don't work as many billable hours total. Salaried work is going to be influenced more by the location, but per hour it's typically only ~1/6 to 1/3 the pay rate. (skill and reputation affect the scales quite a bit). Also, this doesn't take into effect benefits that a salaried person might get, or factor in the insurance and other costs that a contractor might have.
For some assorted reading:
In reply to Re: How much is a Perl hacker worth?
by jhourcle
in thread How much is a Perl hacker worth?
by Anonymous Monk
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