re: Hourly vs. Salary - IT Developer

If it's the same company signing the checks in both options, then they're probably bringing in freelancers all the time on jobs and it just comes down to the number of hours you want to work or be expected to work (assuming all that other benefit stuff is equal).

If the recruiter signs the hourly check but the actual company or state dept or whatever signs the salaried check, then that becomes a lifestyle and personality choice. Do you want to be a part of the team, or do you want to be a freelancer? And if it's this scenario, I would recommend asking if there's a Right to Hire clause in case you eventually want to move from contract to salaried.