I may have some opportunities to do some independent consulting (in addition to my regular job) . Part time stuff but may require some travel. Do any of you have experience with what are normal billing rates for CHP level consulting?
A lot depends on if you are newly certified with very little practical experience or have heavy practical experience (in the area of the contract requirements). In either case you need to look at what you are willing to accept to take on additional work.
If you have the required CHP and are short on experience, $50 to $70 (plus travel expences) might help to gain additional experience plus provide income. Keep in mind as a consultant all of the tax burden is on you. My first swing at it 20+ years ago was more than that.
If you have the experience and credentials, you are selling yourself short at that rate.
In either case a frank discussion with the potential customer would not hurt, i.e., what your services are worth to them and what their budget will stand.