In Microsoft Project you can have a single resource with multiple pay rates. You could use Microsoft Project to simulate a resource that wears multiple hats, i.e. a resource that has more than one role. Each role can have a different pay rate. Or, you may have a situation where a single resource has differing pay rates over time.
When defining the resource in Microsoft project, you may have to set up five cost rate tables. Cost rate table A is the default. Use a resource note to help document each role’s pay rate.
This article demonstrates a quick tip to assign a single resource multiple pay rates.
In Figure 1 we have the resource sheet including our demonstration work resource, Tim.
Figure 1
Tim has a standard pay rate of $80/hr. We want to define an additional pay rate for Tim. We proceed and select the resource tab and information icon, Figure 2.
Figure 2
In the resource information dialog, Figure 3, we choose the cost tab and default cost rate table A.
Figure 3
Again, we note our standard rate, $80/hr. This default cost rate, A, is the cost when our resource is working as a master plumber. In Figure 4 we choose the cost rate table B, and enter a standard rate, $75/hr, for our resource’s pipe fitter role.
Figure 4
Choose the notes tab, Figure 5, to document the pay rate of each role, plumber and pipe fitter.
Figure 5
In Figure 6 we view the resource sheet and Tim’s resource note.
Figure 6
In Figure 7 we have our Gantt chart displaying two tasks and a Tim resource assignment to each.
Figure 7
Note that the cost of each task is the same; Tim is assigned the default plumber pay rate for each task. We want to assign Tim to the pipe repair task at the pipe fitter’s pay rate. We proceed and select the view tab and resource usage icon, Figure 8.
Figure 8
Note the cost rate table for each of Tim’s task resource assignment’s is table A, Figure 9.
Figure 9
In Figure 10 we change the cost rate table for the pipe repair task to table B.
Figure 10
Finally, in Figure 11 we view our Gantt chart and updated pay rate (role) assignments.
Figure 11
Note the updated cost of the pipe repair task.
Summary
Microsoft Project mimics the situation when a single resource has multiple roles by allotting this resource multiple pay rates from different cost rate tables. You will want to document each role’s pay rate in resource notes. View the cost rate tables (or role assignments) A through E for each resource and task assignment in the resource usage sheet, where you also may change the resource and task associated cost rate table.