I have a high interest in where the industry is going due to the fact that I have three kids and numerous friends in the industry. I have been watching woodnet classifieds, area and out of state papers. I’m interested in what is (how much) “top pay” as advertised in your area and where are you.
There are four boxes to be used in defence of liberty: soap, ballot, jury and ammo. Please use in that order – Ed Howdershelt
Look high and low to find and plug air leaks that cost you money and comfort.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
what "industry" are you talking about?
AIn't this the board where all the surgeons meet. OR does this have to do with the HOUSING INDUSTRY SHeeshThere are four boxes to be used in defence of liberty: soap, ballot, jury and ammo. Please use in that order - Ed Howdershelt
look dude, there are many trades within the "housing industry"
Since you won't specify, I'll spell 'em out- plumbers, electricians, carpenters, cabinetmakers, carpet installers, cable guy, pizza man, roofers, painters, floor guy, trench digger, landscape architect, gc, guy who goofs off all day and wants a raise, interior designer, welder, and on and on and on.
So pick one. Get good at it and make some money.
How about everyone lays off this guy and just lists what they do and make! Jeez, dude just asked a question.Anyways, I'm a guy who goofs off all day and wants a raise. My wage is not enough.
No, no no no no no no no no. This is an internet discussion board. There are certain rules which must be obeyed. Ambiguity will be met with either laughter, derision, or an honest effort to unveil the actual meaning. Assuming things that might make sense is not allowed.
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
OK Now you know why I got out of construction after 40 years cause I couldn't find good help and most of you guys couldn't get good help. Seems every other board I asked this on understood and just answered the question. Maybe you just been reading to many contracts. OR maybe I should have asked how and what do i need to convey to get an answer to a question. If an ad says seeking (whatever,,,, in whatever area of the housing industry is appropriate to your situation) "top pay" for right individual. What is "top pay" Now could someone please aske that question for me in a manner that can be understood at the most basic levelThere are four boxes to be used in defence of liberty: soap, ballot, jury and ammo. Please use in that order - Ed Howdershelt
Edited 4/26/2005 7:47 pm ET by 8quarter
pizza man ???8 quarter: think that "top pay" is pretty much just standard issue. ahh....what was the question ?
I mentioned pizza man cuz some crews I've worked with will actually have a generous boss who'll spring for a pizza on a Friday after a big chunk of work has been finished.
So I figgur the pizza man is remotely connected to the "housing industry", as he benefits from our labor, and by the sheer fact that he shows up on the jobsite with hot food.
sounds like you and me are on the same page, 8. That's why they call me what they do, sometimes they're even nice about it.
Around here top pay workin' for someone is $8 to < $20/hr
If you're union and can swing a hammer start at $25 (you won't actually have to swing the hammer, you just have to know how.)
If you're working for yourself start at $20/hr
If you do work for the state $50/hr (I gotta have some way of getting a tax refund.)
The kicker is nobody minds paying a plumber or electrician $60/hr. But, if I tried to charge that as a carpenter/contractor they freak! They don't seem to understand that when I'm building their house not only do I have to know carpentry, but, I have to know electrical, plumbing, excavating, masonary, roofing, flooring, hvac, architecture (don't even get me started on architects!)......blah,blah..... really ticks me off.
'Round here you know you're working for a good boss when you see him handing one of the grunts cash to go bail some of the crew out of the tank. The better help just passes out at the site so someone will wake them up when it's time to go to work.
Good to meet someone who understands. But you seem to be a little luckier than me. They use to raise he** if I fired them while sleeping. Seems there only truly asleep if they have there shoes off. And most of the guys lookin for work needed two days or two weeks off and a weeks advance first to get ready. One guy I new use to have a regular line up on monday morning to give out advances and bail money.There are four boxes to be used in defence of liberty: soap, ballot, jury and ammo. Please use in that order - Ed Howdershelt
In PNW, the best specialty is the guys who can fix the major screw ups of others in a few hours to days.
Probably $50 hr and up to start for that type, and, as other have said, if company owner, CEO, et al., in the millions.
OK Lessee...
I am a Lead Carpenter in the remodeling biz.
I have my own 6x12 trailer full of tools.
I can do ANY aspect of homebuliding/ remodeling.
I have 20+ years experience.
I am great with customers.
I drive a reliable vehicle
I am known by most local suppliers
I have customers that only want ME to work on thier house.
I live and work in Elmira NY
I make.....
.....
...
...
I'm not tellin!!!!!!!!
:P
We always get it right!!!
the third time....
<!----><!---->
"Almost certain death, small chance of success.... What are we waiting for???"
Oh you dirty rat.
sobriety is the root cause of dementia.
hey!!!
he admitted to living in Elmira ....
that's the reformatory center of the world...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
it is amazing how believable a "person" one can conjur up when you got 23 hours a day in a cell with a laptop!!
We always get it right!!!
the third time....
<!----><!---->
"Almost certain death, small chance of success.... What are we waiting for???"
and I didnt say anything about Samual over at Woodlawn either...
you didn't see this comment here..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
How much does he have to smooze you to find out?
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
right.
Folks will always accurately tell what others make, but not so accurately what they make.
there aint enuf smooze out there!!
I'm embarrassed how little I make...
We always get it right!!!
the third time....
<!----><!---->
"Almost certain death, small chance of success.... What are we waiting for???"
OK A little coming clean here. I didn't qualify the post because I figured most of you would lie :) But thought you might give the amount for those you hate or admire in your trade.:) figured the part about the "industry would be easy to figure out. My mistake. And I didn't want qualifiers to skew the answers. To those who did figure it out and replied I thank you. If you read my profile I been hanging around in this industry for over 40 years and I'm over it. trouble is I have friends and kids who with all good intentions want to get in. I ALWAYS advise them to forget it. The wages haven't moved since the late 70's. I think I was making 15 an hour or close when I went in business for myself in 77. Except for a few its a dinosaur industry. For the person that wants to be a craftsman he'll end up disappointed and broke. How long does it take to figure out plastic,termite barf and caulk. and since most wont live in a house with 40 others wages will continue to go nowhere. I see ads all over that want carpenters that can read prints, cut rafters (rarely done)or generally come to work on time. There wiling to give "top pay" which as you can see by the post on here is 20,000.00 under the median wage in almost any part of the country. AS I said before there will always be a few who get lucky. To bad, it use to be a good occupation. An electrician probably has the best chances but how long will that last. And they always get what they want :) By the way I never hired guys from the NE your to "pinionated :)There are four boxes to be used in defence of liberty: soap, ballot, jury and ammo. Please use in that order - Ed Howdershelt
Edited 4/28/2005 7:10 pm ET by 8quarter
Well, for me, it is the opposite. Keeps getting better and better.
There are advantages too that offset some of your listed disadvantages.Dinosaur industry? For three or four years bnow, it is the industry that has been keeping the economy simmmering along, and most of the jobs in it cannot be exportedI think your comments tell a little about why you are discouraged and down in the mouth about this industry. "I think I was making 15 an hour or close when I went in business for myself in 77." So - are you talking earend wages or top pay for artisans and contractors? This has never been an industry where you made top pay by working for the other guy. You have to learn to be a businessman."How long does it take to figure out plastic,termite barf and caulk."
Quite a while. There are several different skill sets there. And quite a high level of satisfaction form doing it.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Jobs can't be exported!! Are ya kiddin me. The illegals are takin them so fast it makes your head spin.
I quit last year. iwas a road warrior for Talbots, Coach, Pinera Bread and the like. to hard on an old man but 50.00 and hour was good pay but its on its way out to. I'm glad your one of the lucky ones and hope it continues. I think you'll be finding out before long about the housing bubble. That thing has been underpinned by the goverment for the last four years. Ask some of the old guys about the 80's Especially in the midwest and Denver areas. i think it wasn't to long ago Las Vegas got a taste of it. Kinda made the news for a while. there back on there feet and repeating the whole thing. I love the industry I just don't like whats happening to it.There are four boxes to be used in defence of liberty: soap, ballot, jury and ammo. Please use in that order - Ed Howdershelt
8,Firstly, could you break up your posts into a few paragraphs please?Secondly, like Mike Smith says about Willie Sutton, "Go where the money is". I'm guessing from your comments it's not in your niche in Crossville.
Jon Blakemore
Hey Jon
I'm 58 I'm out of it! unless you know where theres a job with soft shoesThere are four boxes to be used in defence of liberty: soap, ballot, jury and ammo. Please use in that order - Ed Howdershelt
I lived in Cookeville, TN for about a year. The top pay there was anywhere from $12.50 - $15.00/ hr. That was as a sub, providing all my tools, a reliable PU, tool trailer, having a drivers license, all my own teeth, 20 yrs. experiance, and being able to get along with customers.
Around Nashville it was $17.00 - $22.50.
I left and moved back to the coast of GA. I charge $30.00 - $40.00/hr. Stay covered up with work, and am able to say that I look forward to going to work every day. Most of what I do now is high end remodels or custom cabinetry and fireplace mantles.TCW Specialists in Custom Remodeling.
Are you one of the founding fathers of Pessimistic Pissants ? This forum is not a meeting of PeePee anonymouths.Few housing industry jobs can be exported. Importing immigrants is not exporting jobs. The job, the incometax, the FICA tax and the resulting growth in GNP and side benfits to the ecomonomy stay here within the borders.you are asking mew to talk to the old guys about the eighties?I was working thru the Nixon times long before the problems of the eighties. Then I got to suffer under the Carter admninistration too. I am one of the old guys, you cantancerous geezer
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
hitting the merlot tonight again?
;) liked the post
man, you guys crack me up
carpenter in transition
I'm self employed in the wash dc area. I charge 45-50/hr and 15% markup on material for t&m work and I dont make enough money ,I think.
What kind of work do you do? I am closer to Baltimore, my own boss and charge around the same for handyman stuff, a little less when I bid on bigger jobs - baths, basements, decks...
Let’s see:P
Self employed, so pay oneself $35/hrAdd to that about 42% for labor burden means another $15 Total now is $50.Labor burden: You are entitled to holidays, vacations, personal time off, recapture taxes, workers comp, or at least a disability policy, etc., aren’t you? Add to that $50 about 25% mark up (gives you a 20% margin) -just to cover overhead, and that comes to an additional $12. New total of $50 plus $12 comes to $62 without a net profit.Mmmmm. Some people here are really working for zilch, as in losing money with every minute. That’s every minute!This is 2005, not 1950.
Edited 5/1/2005 6:59 pm ET by Sonny Lykos
Right on Sonny.
I got educated quick on this forum and have raised my prices from $35. to $50. per hour.
I am trying to position myself as a high end problem solver/specialist and am trying to figure out how to charge more...every minute...after all time is what I have to sell.
I have increased my prices on handrails by over 30% and people still sign on the bottom line.
As you pointed out to me once, someone is always buying Caddies and BMWs in any economy-it's our job to figure out how to get top dollar for what we do...I'm still learning...
A buddy of a buddy charges out to lawyers who owns apartments at $100.00/hr. for repairs where he does everything...to them it's a bargain and a problem solved.
best regards,
silver
just a note on your prices. I like to make the number a diffrent amount. Instead of $50.00 it's $52.35. I believe that it's an easier sell because buyers think that you didn't just round off a number. At least it looks like you put some thought into it. (even if you didn't)
Scrapr and Silver, I never tell people waht my labor rate is, but be that as it may, good for you Silver.Last week my son Tom hired another GC who is a remodeler here who also got the award from the CBIA (our local association) as Remodeler of the Year, for 2004. Anyway, Tom hired him to make an inspection on a sagging roof structure. Tom got his bill that stated: "Special expertise for roof structure inspection, "X" number of hours at $165/hr plus 30% mark up." That came to $215/hr.You can give it away, or you can charge for what you have to sell, as Scrapr stated: Time, but not really time - "expertise." I get a customer say to me occasionally something like: "Well it will only take you a couple of hours." to which I reply: "Well, if you feel you are only hirinig a "COUPLE OF HOURS" here's the phone number of our local Manpower Company. They will only charge you about $14/hr including workers comp. You can imagine the replies I get.
we're too opinionated here in the NE ?
at least we're not too ironic.
carpenter in transition
But we can be pair a ducks icle - and them good old southern boys likes to hunt them ducks down
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Yeah, but the bennies...You get to make fun of the bosses mistakes.
All I get to do is make them.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I'm about the same as your description of yourself. I have all my own tools, drive the reliable vehicle, have 20 plus years experience,can do any aspect of remodeling or new construction, have experience in both commercial new/renovations and residential, ditto. If I'm doing the work for myself, that being going out, bidding the job, organizing the job from the ground up, etc, I can get 20 to 30 plus dollars an hour around here, "Top Pay" from a standpoint of being hired by a company is somewhat of a joke, most of them around here want a Cadillac carpenter for Hyundai pay. I've been offered 10 bucks an hour to bring that 20 plus years experience to a job site, fix a bunch of lackey's screw up's and generally unscrew a job, but to talk about 20-25 an hour when I know the y're getting big bucks for their company is a waste of time. I'll sit home and drink coffee before I waste my experience for 9-10 an hour, especially when I know the contract is high dollar to begin with.Right now I'm working on a big Govt contract here in OKC, supervising 4 different job sites that need my attention daily, and making 18. I was making more north of Watertown 4 years ago than I am here and the cost of living is about double here what it was in Gouverneur.....If you aren't one of the one's I'm talking about,you shouldn't have any complaints....
Now could someone please aske that question for me in a manner that can be understood at the most basic level
Find Bridge
Ensure shallow water at bottom
Desend at 9.8 Meters/second Sq.
here's our chance to chance professions and demand raises at the same time...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Around here it is usually a lot less than what I'm getting now (which ain't enough).
People's dreams are made out of what they do all day. The same way a dog that runs rabbits will dream of rabbits. It's what you do that makes your soul, not the other way around.
- Barbara Kingsolver
AIn't this the board where all the surgeons meet. OR does this have to do with the HOUSING INDUSTRY SHeesh
YA Think So!! So don't just stand there with your teeth in your mouth and your knee halfway down your leg
After examining the Woodnet Classifieds myself, I have determined through serious research that the TOP pay in your industry can be found near Crossville, Tennessee. Why don't you continue your research there with the few remaining people that you haven't offended.
carpenter in transition
your right
you only get one chance to make a first impression. guess you made yours.There are four boxes to be used in defence of liberty: soap, ballot, jury and ammo. Please use in that order - Ed Howdershelt
maybe because im canadian i could understand your language easier.
around here im the contractor, trim carpenter, flooring dude, designer, tile setter, pizza dude, go getter, ect...
my tools, my company, my knowledge and my time = $50 hr.
lackies get 15 hr. if you have your own tools and have a bit of construction ability 20 bucks. if yor an idiot and cant understand simple questions or instructions (like a few of the previous posters) you dont get offered the job.
Tmaxxx
Urban Workshop Ltd
Vancouver B.C.
cheers. Ill buy.
I'm sure the pay is higher in NYC. I have driven through Crossville once upon a time - 'twaas long ago and far away - and i don't believe the buildins there are anywhere near as high as the ones in the big apple, so those yankee carpenters will always be loooking down on their southern saw-kin.It's been an entertaining thread. I clicked in thinking top pay for what before I ever read a word, but I could see what he meant right off, then figured, this thread ain't going' no-where's, 'cause nobody ever tells the truth in a poor boy discussion anyhow.Boy, was I wrong!?
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
OK....so now we've narrowed it down to "the housing industry".
What position are you looking for the "top pay" for?
Here in NJ, "top pay" for unskilled laborers is around $12/hour. "Top pay" for the CEO of a major homebuilding company is in the millions.
Maybe a little more specificity on your part can help us hone down the range a bit, no?
Bob
""Here in NJ, "top pay" for unskilled laborers is around $12/hour. "Top pay" for the CEO of a major homebuilding company is in the millions.""
Aw...when would we all be able to turn that around so we would be in the millionaire shoe's?
I think he's seeking a position in the communications industry?
Jon Blakemore
A whole heck of a lot more then I make
but then again , I’m self employed, make tons of money, take vacations when ever I want , set my own hours, only work about 20 hours week, or work when I want
Drive a pick up with the windows down and a dog with her nose to the wind
Money, like chicks, just throw themselves at me
Shoot its easy money
Easier then rock and roll musician
Top pay ????? Maybe I’ve hit it
*****************************************
I’m being real real sarcastic here folks
Oh yeah top pay, and your area ???????????
Top pay is any job that pays and any job that an unlicensed lowballer didn’t beat you too and run like mad as soon as the check cleared
Area.............dreamland
I am always amused when someone (like you) asks a vague question, and then gets ticked off when someone politely asks you to clarify what you want to know.
I'll take the time to tell you you're acting like a jerk, but why should I spend the time responding to what I think "might' be your question.
Like jackplane says, there are lots of different trades in the "industry," all of whom are on different pay scales.
"I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
-- Bertrand Russell
The expression "top pay" when seen in classified/help wanted ads, is similar to the expression "spacious and beautiful garden estate" as used in real estate ads.
It means absolutely nothing, and any applicant who acts based on seeing it, is naive.
Unless you're the lead dog, the view just never changes.
Ding, ding, ding, dingYou're the first contestant to ring the bell and have just won yerself a ceeeeegar. LOLKnowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
....its what I aint makin'...
"knowledge without experience is just information." Mark Twain
A canadian and I were talking, oh, several years ago and we agreed that a wage earner will always earn about 500 loaves of bread a week.
Today, that means that a lo paid earner will make roughly 500 x $.49-$.59 / week and a top paid earner will make about 500 x $2.49 / week. At least here in my area, your milage may vary.
The most common wage here is about $1.49 a loaf. According to the supermarket shelves.
Our servants (civil) double that.
SamT
I'm a home remodeler who does kitchens, baths, and finished basements. I've been self-employed for seven years. I've had hired helper's from time to time and this is what I've found:
The Catch 22: Work by yourself, the job is going to slow. You find yourself spending 20 minutes loosening that rusty screw, running back and forth to Home D., etc. (loose money). Hire a helper, job gets even slower do to the time it takes to train him and fix his mistakes (loose more money). So, you hire a skilled worker, but he wants high pay with benefits (Loose all your money).
The Solution: Specialize, specialize, specialize. Either strictly do General Contracting, or learn a specific trade and work under GCs. Then you can hire your crew, train them quickly, speed up the time of production, Refine your methods, fewer surprises, and make lots O' Money!
Or hire someone at $8-10 dollars an hour
Real tangible liberty is found only in Christ Jesus: Outside the BOX! ;-)
We pay our foreman of 8 years $24/hr., 60/40 split on health. 14 vacation days, 7 paid holidays and a bonus check that was 2.5k last December.
Metrowest Ma.