How much should a PHP Programmer earn

[robodesignsolutions]

Hi there PHP'ers

Here's a question, I hope you don't mind answering.

I wondered how much a PHP programmer should be paid while contracting full time. The reason I ask this that I believe I was severely underpaid on a contract job of 5 months, two years ago. We were paid $NZ17 ph in New Zealand, which would be about $US14 ph. Its about the same rate as a bus driver earns per hour, yet I was debugging a complex web hosting billing software program. Other jobs to clients were billed out the client at $NZ90 for most and $70 for others. I left in disgust, and was told that's all the company would pay, as they could hire a programmer from India at $14ph. But hey, I live in New Zealand, and expect to be paid New Zealand remuneration.

Was I ripped off, or should I have been a bus driver instead??

Can anyone divulge what a programmer should earn, obviously stating your country and if possible a bus driver's wage?

Thanks in advance

PR