"Smitty Two" wrote in message
75 to 100 might be expected for a minimum one hour or less service call,
but my electrician charges 30/hr, and I live in one of the most
expensive places in the country.

Keep him. He can't make a very good living at that rate. That is not to
bad as a salary plus benefits, but for self employment, double that is
closer to fair, IMO. Off the top is the 15% self employment tax. In
addition to his "living wage", he has to pay insurance, truck, fuel, etc.