Is $25 and hour a good price?

Hi Everyone: I just started to work for someone who wants to pay me $25. an hour. I think the person makes about $75 an hour and I was told I would be making $75. only to be told a different price now.
Is $25. a reasonable price?? I've done a few gigs for free so far and I've already spent over $400. on facepainting stuff and I'm worried that it will take forever to recoup my expenses.
Thanks so much for replying.

I'm not that experienced (I've done a hand full of birthday parties), but I charge $50 an hour (and no one has complained about the price). But if you're working under another painter, then maybe $25 isn't too bad... just don't sell yourself short

I think is ok only if you are NOT using your kit.

I personally think that if you're using all your own supplies, you should be getting paid more. Especially if she already offered you a higher rate, then reduced it. If I was in your position, I'd (politely) ask how she calculates your pay. Are you covered under her insurance? Is the booth fee being considered?

Have you thought about just working on your own, building up your own business?

If you are using your own supplies, no.... If you are using theirs, yes.

Thanks for all your insightful responses, I really appreciate it!!
Nope, I'm using my own supplies....plus I bought my own insurance...oh well ....I guess I'll have to rethink this...
Thanks a bunch.

I agree with suzy,,if you are using your supplies and you have gotten insurance,, i would rethink...you need to recoupe your monies that you have spent...and it won't take long if you just get your self out there....

If you are just showing up to paint using their kit, under their insurance, on their job... then $25/hour is fine. That's what I pay my assistants.

But if you are using your own kit, and have to have your own insurance, then you should be getting your full rate - or whatever you negotiate.

I agree somewhat. It's an absolute no if you're using your own kit and have your own insurance (as stated). I'd actually still say it's not a great deal if you're using their kit.

The fact that she offered you $25 means one of two things
1. she expects you to bargain and have you counter with higher price OR
2. she has no respect for your time, skills, and materials...so do you really want to be working for a person like that?

Minimum wage is $8.55. I make $15 on MY dayjob. The gals I "hire" at $25 work their dayjobs for $14...

If you don't supply your own kit... sounds okay to me. If someone just wanted me to show up to paint using THEIR kit and didn't want me to provide anything other that my butt and hands... I'd ALMOST be willing for $25 But I'd ask for more, being an experienced and fast painter.

And you're charging ballpark $150/hr for the gig, right? Finder's fee and all that, but OP already stated she's using her own materials for this gig. Plus, the person apparently reneged on the original offer. It doesn't sound like a great deal to me.

In your case, let's assume avg business rates of 20-25% of business costs are employee salary, and $25 is still lower than that projection. That said, if you have people who will paint faces for you, at your skill level, using your materials at $25/hr, more kudos to your business!

p.s. What happened to your pink vampire poodle? I kind of miss it!

Oh no, they do not paint at my level... the reason they don't have kits is that they don't paint regularly. They are decent, good with kids and fun to work with.

When I had an experienced painter with her own kit to work with (once!) we split it equally... same rate.

Little Dog is taking a break... I use my dragon as my avatar everywhere else so was going for consistency... need to find a larger version I think.