[mkramlich]

It can take 5 minutes to explain a recommended solution to some technical problem.

But it can take anywhere from 5 hours to 5 weeks or even 5+ years (depending on the thing in question) to reach the point where you would know which solution to recommend and with confidence.

That differential is what should, in part, drive higher pay rates. In addition to the impact of the scarcity of raw talent, independent of education and experience levels.

[megablast]

The problem is when you get people who don't understand the issue, hiring people who do. And setting the price.

Also, the problem with these jobs boards is that you are competing with people in poorer countries, where wages are not as high in developing countries. There is no way you can do the same work at their price.

On top of all this, the hirer might be starting out at an incredibly low price, since it is not a huge priority, then increasing the price, although even for a low price this seems very low.