They would have to just hang out and not really be able to leave for 5-6 hours while our other friend is working, but could do their own thing. Basically they are just there for safety reasons if anything happens to our friend doing the work who we have a fair price established. First friend has a lot of sedentary hobbies so boredom isn't a risk but I want to treat them fairly.
Are they intended to be an actual safety, like eyes on me while im doing some dangerous shit or just to make sure if they get cut or something falls and knocks them down someone is there to assist and maybe occasionally snag a tool for them? if the former, maybe 25-30 an hour? Thats about what a 4-5 year plumber here makes. Maybe 20 an hour if the latter? Thats apprentice plumber wages here.
Are those too high? Too low? Im not sure what would be appropriate..Are they expecting compensation, or were you just trying to do them a solid? Have you considered telling them you’d like to give them something fair for their time but you’re having a hard time coming up with something realistic to give them? Maybe their input will give you somewhere to go from there? My answer probably isnt much help, so, sorry.
That was sort of my assessment too. Thanks for the sanity check. I just didn't want to throw out a number and seem like a scrooge.