[jnbiche]

If I could add something here, it's that the same applies not only within a particular country (say, the US), but also between countries.

If you're a highly skilled programmer in Eastern Europe or S. America (I mention those two for my example because I see a lot of very talented programmers coming out of those two regions), and you're working for $30/hr for a successful American company, I urge you to re-think your approach. Yes, maybe for your life situation and in your country, $30/hr is not a bad deal. But if you're a highly experienced developer, with relatively rare skills, you're still being significantly underpaid vis-a-vis your skills.

I worked on a project where I was the only American (and also probably the worst programmer on the team, btw) and was paid $100/hour when my colleagues were paid $20-30/hour. The company owner (an American company that could have afforded much more) literally laughed at how good of a deal he was getting, and thought the genius programmers from country X in E. Europe were pretty naive for not jacking up their rates. I feel pretty bad for not telling my co-workers back then (it was 5+ years ago), so I'm telling you now: value your labor properly, no matter where you are.

Charging a fair rate not only helps you, but it also helps your colleagues in more expensive countries, who cannot afford to work for $20/hr and pay rent.