Fees & Conditions

Transparent Pricing

No hidden costs. No effort without prior agreement.
All contractually fixed prices are final prices (no VAT according to §19 UStG).

How much does an hour cost?

The hourly rate depends on various metrics such as project type, complexity, and customer group; accordingly, the figures are target prices. I strive to always offer you a fair proposal within your means. Final prices are of course contractually fixed.

Standard Rate Industry & Business

Professional Development Projects

95 € / hr.

Range: 70–120 €/hr. depending on requirements

For companies and industrial clients with demands for documentation, reproducibility, and standard compliance. Projects with strong standard requirements are billed at the upper end of the range.

  • Complete hardware development (Schematic, PCB, BOM, manufacturing data)
  • Firmware & Embedded Software on demand
  • Standard-compliant development according to your requirements
  • Technical documentation
  • Obsolescence & Supply Chain Management
  • Review and audit of existing designs

For longer-term collaboration (>3 months, >10 h/month) reduced framework rates can be negotiated.

Private & Hobby

Hobby Projects & Private Development

40 € / hr.

Range: 20–60 €/hr. depending on effort

I am happy to assist you with the realization of your private hobby projects. Important: The reduced price applies only without commercial exploitation, no transfer of rights. No formalities, no certifications, no project management - pragmatic and direct.

  • Schematic & simple PCB layout (1–4 layers)
  • Simple firmware (ESP32, Arduino,..)
  • Short consultation via email / video call
  • Support with component procurement
  • Troubleshooting & Consulting

Small orders under 2 h are billed at a flat rate of 2 h. Material and manufacturing costs (PCB, components) are billed separately.

Students & Trainees

Studies & Education

30 € / hr.

Range: 15–45 €/hr. depending on effort

Those who want to learn and show initiative will preferentially receive support for theses, educational projects, journeyman's pieces, and much more. Personal development is a matter close to my heart, which I gladly support.

  • Project support & Review
  • Embedded topics, sensors, PCB basics
  • Explanation & joint debugging
  • University and Bachelor's/Master's projects
  • Flexible time allocation by arrangement

Proof of university affiliation or comparable context required. An inquiry with a brief project outline is sufficient.

Startups & Equity

An Engineer for Your Team?

.. On Request

Participation or hybrid models possible

For startups or projects with a convincing concept and limited budget. With a genuine participation perspective (Equity, Revenue Share), the possibility of a reduced hourly rate or participation is possible.

  • Complete hardware development
  • Project planning & Prototyping
  • Long-term partnership possible
  • Milestone-based billing
  • NDA & Participation agreement in advance

Requires a complete business plan as well as clear participation conditions. No free upfront work.

Typical Fixed-Price Packages

Electrical engineering is an extremely extensive field of activity with many variables. Accordingly, giving flat-rate prices is difficult, as some areas require more work than others. However, for clearly defined services, a fixed price can be offered. You can find some examples below.

Design Review
Schematic and PCB analysis of an existing design with a written findings report. Typical: up to 4 h.
from 200 €
Simple PCB Project
Implementation of a very simple project without documentation. Simple schematic. Under 30 parts. Maximum 4 layers. No firmware.
150-300 €
More Extensive?
Projects that go beyond these simple cases can seriously only be offered on a project-specific basis. Please make a concrete inquiry.

Standard Market Rates in Comparison

For understanding: Where do PDI.Engineering's prices stand in the international context? All values refer to Embedded / Electronics Engineering, as of 2025/2026.