I'm not an expert, but from what I've seen in my years of working, fringe benefits total between 20 and 30% of your hourly rate (depending on how good the benefits are). Beyond that you need to consider that the money he makes will be taxed at your regular tax rate plus 15%. I just started doing some freelance work and learned this one the hard way.

How much above salary would you negotiate for? DH is considering taking a long term independent contract job as the VP of Operations for a public works job. Type of thing that when a city or town wants to build something like a road or wind turbine for instance they hire the company to do feasibility studies, submit proposals for everything, and eventually negotiate the buy out of necessary residents. He has always had a salaried position and we are trying to determine how much over a traditional salary we need to pad in for taxes, private 401k, and insurance for our family. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.