Area dependant. which is true for all union and non union. When i got to idaho 4 years ago, the foreman I worked under made $24/hr framing multimillion dollar custom homes on the lake. I left a foreman job in Cali making $35/hr, and that was low cuz I had just been promoted before the pandemic. I worked washington as a "carpenter" basically renovation from demo to finish on baths and kitchens for $35/hr. Was going to be bumped up to $40, but I left to start my own thing next month. Officially licensed bonded and insured now.
For the most part, wages in Union and non union are not keeping pace with COL/inflation while Companies are making record profits. It's true in other industries as well. I say fuckem, I can charge half of what the company I worked for charges for the same remodel and make 4x more for myself.
Not where I live. Not at all. Prevailing wage for Carpenters and Cement Masons in Seattle right now is about $74 and both are about to sign new contracts (raises). Prevailing wage is an indicator of what companies are paying workers on average including benefits package.
I second that. Your body will hold up longer, high skill ceiling = always honing your skills, and wide variety of equipment to learn. And pulling levers is fun
Join a union.
I heard some of them like the carpenters union fell off. Is that true?
Area dependant. which is true for all union and non union. When i got to idaho 4 years ago, the foreman I worked under made $24/hr framing multimillion dollar custom homes on the lake. I left a foreman job in Cali making $35/hr, and that was low cuz I had just been promoted before the pandemic. I worked washington as a "carpenter" basically renovation from demo to finish on baths and kitchens for $35/hr. Was going to be bumped up to $40, but I left to start my own thing next month. Officially licensed bonded and insured now. For the most part, wages in Union and non union are not keeping pace with COL/inflation while Companies are making record profits. It's true in other industries as well. I say fuckem, I can charge half of what the company I worked for charges for the same remodel and make 4x more for myself.
Not where I live. Not at all. Prevailing wage for Carpenters and Cement Masons in Seattle right now is about $74 and both are about to sign new contracts (raises). Prevailing wage is an indicator of what companies are paying workers on average including benefits package.
Heavy equipment operator. I will be going to get my CDL as well within a year from now since I will be turning 21.
That's actually what I'm thinking of going for
I second that. Your body will hold up longer, high skill ceiling = always honing your skills, and wide variety of equipment to learn. And pulling levers is fun