Asked by benplumb79 · Sep 23
Two years in at a non-union shop near Manville. Service and some remodel work. I'm at $21/hr, no overtime most weeks, I drive my own car to jobs. A guy I went to school with says I'm getting robbed, another says that's normal. Not trying to start a fight, just want to know if I should ask for a raise and what's reasonable to ask for.
Rates swing a lot by shop and trade, so look at the whole package, not just the hourly: - Do they pay for school or your license prep? - Overtime: how often, and is it paid at time and a half? - Mileage or a van: you driving your own car is a real cost - Health insurance, PTO, tools $21 with your own car and no benefits is on the low side for 2 years in, from what I see around here. Ask for a review, come with what you've learned to do on your own.
Careful with whatever number your school friend is comparing you to. If he's heard of a 2nd-year non-union helper making $40 an hour in Central Jersey, that isn't typical. Either that guy's in the union and you're hearing the total package, or he's on a prevailing-wage job, or it's a story. Comparing a cash rate to a union package isn't apples to apples.
He's right. The locals usually publish their wage and benefit package, so look that up on the local's site if you want a real comparison, and remember the benefits are a big piece of the number.
Thanks. Going to ask for a review next month and bring up mileage. Will report back.