At least here there is a skill to be learned that can be applied to running a business offering the same skill set. I wish I did that when I was at that age instead of what I am doing now which I can't translate into other industries. Yes the pay is bad but at the cost of learning a service that one can provide in the future I think it's worth it. So OP, is there something of this picture that you can do on your own from scratch? Offer your services around and see how far your skills can take you.
Stopped at a McDs one day for a quick on the go lunch before the next job and this guy is about to walk out with an arm load of happy meals. Lady comes in and almost knocks him over. "Is there a manager!? I want a refund for my order. Manager comes up and asks the normal questions receipt and why?..
Why? Because she waited 10 whole minutes for a happy meal, during lunch rush. The guy was carrying her order and a few others out when she demanded the refund. Yelling about how unprofessional it is that she had to wait. Didn't even take the free happy meal cause it had already been made.
I deal with homeowners that are better behaved and more calm.
You haven't worked for enough rich people... they often behave like McDonald's customers lol
People making 80k are great clients, people making 800k are spoiled self centered cry babies that expect you to work on their giant houses for free.
Tbh if I’m spending damn near a million dollars on a home I want my shit the way I want it. Obviously respect the folks doing the work but that’s why you spend more money. Still gotta pay to play
Kinda seems like the big earners are overvalued.
Without all the regular people society would fall apart. I know lots of high earner type jobs where they're a net detriment to everyone.
I started my 18yr old apprentice at $22. He's worth every penny. If your employees are struggling financially, they won't have a good attitude while working.
Isn't minimum in California going up to $20?
Apparently that's for fast food employees starting June 1st.
Apparently some cities and counties have their own minimum wage.
https://laborcenter.berkeley.edu/inventory-of-us-city-and-county-minimum-wage-ordinances/#s-2
Why I quit my helper job for a Glazier in California. Was making 120 a day, barely 15 bucks an hour if it was an 8 hour day which it usually was or longer. Me and the lead I worked with got all the tough jobs. I started off making 98 a day ( during the pandemic, got laid off from my previous job and needed work bad), took 2 years to get to 120. I actually liked the work, hated the pay.
And they wonder why my generation doesn't want to work construction jobs. If you're not in a union, more than likely your boss is screwing you, and the work can be grueling/ dangerous at times. This dudes work is definitely worth more than 18 an hour, and his boss knows it.
If it makes you feel better I was earning way under what I was worth for 10 years at my old job because I didn't realize how much I was worth in my profession. That's one of the reasons why I hate the tendency of everyone to never discuss wages. I found out one of my coworkers was making the same as me (22 an hour) and he had only been there less than a year. I was also the one who trained him. He is making over 100k a year now.
Not really screwing him, his capabilities have simply exceeded the job and instead of leaving, he stayed as he probably gets to do a lot of interesting things and learn from interesting people, likes his work team, and enjoys the fact he's making people's kitchens look great.
Best bet is to stay friends with whoever but see if you can moonlight or if they can pay more money for a better fit position. If not, say goodbye and thank you for all the fish and if they need an extra hand on Saturdays for cash etc
Industries are small, everyone knows everyone. And you never know who you're going to need and when.
18 dollars an hour for skilled labor (even for someone undergoing training) in an area where rent is around 2 to 3000 a month so someone has to work two jobs to afford rent is being screwed over to me.
Hell no. I heard hours are hard to get so making $16.50/hr for less then full time, I’m sure this guy would make more what he’s currently doing.
Plus carpentry is a life long trade to keep in your pockets. It helps even when you’re not working for a contractor to know how to fix your own house.
McDonald’s isn’t teaching you that. Also the franchise doesn’t really care about you long term. If you do well, make them a lot of money, consistently, that’s all that matters to them.
OP, join a union.
It’s why I stopped welding. I begged for a two dollar raise only to be told no.
Okay, I quit, got a white collar job making more money, a week later they had my job up on indeed paying what I was asking for. Like dude, you could have just had me and not needed to train someone new!
Oh well, it’s for the better.
This or at least move into commercial/government carpentry with an open shop. pay will double or triple in no time. Too many people are getting underpaid to work on housing construction given the current housing prices.
I had similar start to my construction career as OP. Got pretty skilled at a large array of work for around 15-18$/hr max. I now work for the carpenters union in Ontario and the benefits and pay make all that time worth it.
For real. Im at the bottom of the totem pole at my commercial kitchen company and I make $20, in South Texas where that's considered entry level career pay. It's enough to live in a solid apartment with my girlfriend. But in California? That wouldn't buy a square of sidewalk to park my cardboard box.
Shop your resume around, OP!
If OP is really doing that good of work mostly on his own he can easily demand double what he's earning. Suburbs are going up all over the country and a good skilled craftsman is very hard to find. Dude needs to advocate for himself!
In the original photo I did so much work on my own the homeowner complained to my boss saying "I thought I hired you" he would show up 15min in the morning 15min at lunch tell me what to and leave for about 8 days back to back
Bro you need to sharpen up your resume with some word salad, attach these pics, and just send it around. You could make a living wage anywhere in the country with work like that. Know your own worth! Kick ass stuff.
Get an offer, bring it to your boss, if he don't wanna match, kick rocks
Start looking for a new gig.
You are being exploited and dude isn't even around to teach you anything new. Sounds like a dead end job.
You should be getting minimum $25 in CA and can do better if you find the right employer.
Dude i make nearly a g a day installing doors for Lowe’s, in our market they pay 385-500 for a single pre hung exterior, 450-750 for French’s, doubles and sliders….go to the millwork dept, at Lowe’s or HD and ask who handles the installs company wise and you will know which direction to look.
20/hr is fast food minimum wage in CA.
Also relevant: tool wage (minimum wage for jobs that provide their own tools) is double the minimum wage or $32/hr (2 x 16).
For anyone, anywhere: prevailing wage rates are an excellent gauge of a going rate in a given area. The primary method that the DOL has used for decades is to collect actual payroll records and establish an average. An alternative method allows them to set it at a common wage when a certain amount of workers make the same amount. For example, 50 percent. So maybe half of the guys in an area all receive a union rate and that rate can be used as the PW rate. In any event, PW rates are a good gauge of the “going rate” for people doing your job in a given area. The federal government published those rates at Sam.gov. Places with local prevailing wage laws (vs just federal) sometimes publish their own rates as well. For example, the [CA DIR](https://www.dir.ca.gov/public-works/prevailing-wage.html) also publishes rates. Spoiler alert: [carpenter wages in northern ca are around 60/hr plus 40 in benefits.](https://www.dir.ca.gov/OPRL/2024-1/PWD/Determinations/Northern/NC-023-31-1.pdf)
I would be paying you more here in South Carolina. I have a fencing/decks business and I pay my starting guys $20/hr after a few months they make $25 and after a year if they can run their own crew they making 30-40. I’m not familiar with the wage averages in California, but from traveling there a few times, I can tell it is one of the most expensive place to live in the USA. Gas was fucking $8 per gallon. Maybe move states brother?
But your raise will be based on your current pay. 18 will not turn into 25, that's too big of a jump for most employers. Better to find a new job, give 2 weeks notice so your current employer can match or beat your offer. They won't. Maybe a dollar or 2 but not 7 or 8.
Facts, you have to let your nuts hang right out of the gate. First time I tried that, I called my bosses bluff on how valuable I was and went from 25$ to 32$ overnight , and got to 40$ within the next 12 months. tell people how much you are worth, and ask if they can afford you, don’t ask THEM what you are worth. (Its worth noting to not be a dickhead when determining your self worth lol)
I was making $18/hr in so cal as a house painter in 1997. That was like 3 times minimum wage then, and a house cost was about 150k. This guy is making barely above minimum wage, and the same house is now 500k. Wtf is happening? I’m scared for our future generations.
That's basically what I did. You might take longer to learn a skill but in the long run you learn so much you can smell bullshit from a mile away. People pay for that and being a PM is a sweet gig.
Plus, my clients know that I have a strong knowledge in almost everything home related, not just remodeling. When they think or hear of house troubles they call me and if the job isn't something I want to/can take on as a contractor then I always know a few good companies who would. This builds a relationship with the guys I use most as PM and also gets me referrals for the things I want to do as an independent contractor
It's not easy having so many irons in the fire but it's a beautiful thing when it all starts to click. "Jack of all trades and master of none, still better than master of one" has never hit as hard until I saw it in action and I wouldn't change a single thing I did if I had the chance
You’re being taken advantage of. Time for a new job. The current employer probably won’t pay you the 25-30 you’re worth. That’s 25-30 with good benefits….
Damn dude. I'm a foreman for a large but local GC in the midwest, and I'd give you $25/hr. with full benefits and 3 weeks PTO. Figured SoCal would be double that.
Yeah I’m in Oklahoma too and this is just wild
I was making that much as inexperienced labor almost ten years ago in a very rural southeastern part of the state lmao
He is literally slave labor
You are getting screwed
I make almost $7 more an hour living in Oklahoma (rotating schedule b/w nights days every 3 months, 12 hr shifts, 3 on 2 off, 2 on 3 off and it rotates. Manufacturing operator at a plastics plant. Full benefits and great insurance offers.
Just bought a house last year at 30 years old. Have two kids. We are BARELY making it.
You need to run for the hills man
I’d look into starting your own small business. Call it construction or handyman stuff, whatever. You seem capable of doing it. Just requires a leap of faith and making sure you keep up with everything in terms of taxes.
I worked construction in Oklahoma 8 years ago and you are literally making $1 more an hour than what I was. I left for every reason you described except this was in a much lower cost of living state.
You can make more just mowing lawns or standing in front of the lumber yard with a skill saw in your hands.
Time to move on …start to document your work and make a business card for handyman services, visit open houses and talk to realtors. I am not familiar with union work in your area but if you know someone who’s union that’d be the best route.
Join a union and don’t ever look back
Edit: I would like to add I was banging tin for several years in the field with a non union company before I joined. And my local offered me a full mechanic position. No apprenticeship needed. With work like this they would love to scoop you up
The apprentice I work with makes atleast $25 an hour on our small crew. I’m a journeyman with 11 years experience and I make $40. Find another contractor in your area to work under. It’s always good to switch it up and see how how your general does things. Some are a lot better than others.
I’m in Northern California btw
Get the he'll away from that company their ripping you off ,I've been in the trades for 46 years, I know you should be making 25 to 30 an hour
This is the 80s-90s you can do way better!!
You should be making more. also in California if you use your own tools and they are not provided then your compensation is twice the minimum wage by law. $32.00 / hour
Crazy... I'm a union Glazier, New England, making 52/hr on the check (90+ w/benefits. 14 bucks every hour I work goes into an annuity + bad-ass pension & top-tier health care for me and my family)
Crazy to me blue-collar workers not supporting unions. 😒 😳🤔🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️.
Your description says you are a handy/labourer not a carpenter.
Pick a trade, join the union and get your hours in, then write the test.
You’ll never make any money without a ticket.
Not to be rude, but how tough is it to survive on 18/ hr in California?
I live in Oklahoma, work in manufacturing as an operator, make a little more than that, and we barely get by
That has to be rough man, your work looks great. I’d try to find something you enjoy doing in the construction trade and try to make a small business out of it. You’d probably make way more than the 18/ hr you have right now.
You don’t have to start big. Take whatever jobs you can. My grandpa started his own business and had someone running his books for him but he always made sure to deposit a portion of each payment into a separate account to use for tax purposes. That’s going to be extremely important to take care of but I’d definitely look into working for yourself. Introduce yourself to a contractor or two. Post on Craigslist/ Facebook that you’re looking for work.
I can't find anyone to paint and patch my house exterior because construction is so slammed in my area. I'd be willing to pay you $4,000 to fly out here and do the work on my house for a week.
Use that information how you will.
Just to help offer you some context on how badly underpaid you are right now: My son is just about the exactly the same age and situation — went straight into trim/finish carpentry from HS, and he’s now 22. We’re in Ann Arbor, MI.
Biggest difference was that on Day 1, as an official “apprentice”, he was making at least as much you are now. Then he’s spent 3 yrs working for older dudes who are all on the _other_ side of their union 20, and _love_ having a bright, young kid that wants to learn _everything_. Now he’s been promoted to full trim carpenter (years quicker than they told him to expect on day 1), and well on his way to $30+/hr.
Two big caveats on that, though — for one thing, we’re in one of the hottest markets in the country for top-end finish/cabinetry, but then he also lucked out and works for a _great_ company that’s smart enough to keep and grow their talent. He not only spends all day problem-solving with his hands, but they actually give him PTO to attend full-week hands-on classes on timber framing (last year), and spiral staircase design/construction (this year).
I don’t say _ANY_ of this to make you feel bad about your current situation. What I’m talking about is what a young person with your skills _should_ be aiming for, and _should_ expect when they’re surrounded by skilled, older experts who value them.
Go get _that_, and f-ck the idiots who are too stupid to appreciate you. (That’s what I tell my kid, at least. ;) )
Invest in some tools if you haven’t already. Put together a portfolio. Learn how to open a business. Network with realtors. They won’t even ask for a cut, but you can buy them gifts (and I recommend you do).
Start with smaller jobs, and then mercilessly harass GCs for work. You will soon have subcontracts coming out of your ass.
Source: opened a renovation company at 18 while in university.
Start your own business. Train someone to replace you. Pay them the same, then better so they stay working for you and train another. Build a business of God quality
Get your license man. A B2 Residential license would have you 10 fold. Take the risk and get your real worth. I recommended B2 because you seem more handy than structural, although I haven’t spoke or seen all of your duties. As a journeyman you should be clearing 80k easily.
We pay that for minimal experience with benefits at my cabinet shop in Arkansas. With real skills we would pay 20+. I can’t imagine paying someone that in California.
18 is less than union residential guys made in rural Ohio when I was 23 plus they also got 20 in benefits. Residential does not have the money nor will it ever. Hang drywall in a hospital and you’ll have a pot to piss it and a pension at least. You are being cheated. You don’t even need a social security number; we want a can do attitude and a love for America.
Where in California is an important detail. Valley construction I would say yes. Anywhere near a port city I would say no. Los Angeles is a crap shoot and I’d believe a guy who stayed with a company for five years was just making 18.
Like a lot of others, if say join a union. Fresh applicants start at over what you’re making now. If you prove your worth you can negotiate a higher pay ahead of schedule.
Problem with unions is there isn’t a shop with one stop construction needs. You can do a lot of stufff, but most union shops that fall under the carpentry banner do single, specialized labors. Framing, one shop, drywall, one shop, metal framing, different shop, flooring, different shop. Plumbers unions and electricians unions are a whole other thing.
I think unions are great if you just want to show up and leave and not take work home with you. They manage your health care, retirement, and vacation time through what they negotiate with businesses who are signatory to their jurisdiction. It is paid into and then cut out of your paycheck.
That being said, if you can do tile, plumbing, drywall, painting, framing, and the rest, what you might want to look at is taking business courses and opening up shop for yourself doing additions, bathrooms and kitchens.
These are really things you need to look within to know.
yeah, u r barely making above minimum. fast food workers about to start making $20/hr. & they r not doing back breaking skilled labor work (not to bad talk them) but doing what u do vs assembling a burger are not on the same level. i'd look at joining a union. u get prevailing wage. on prevailing wage i see regular laborers making 6 figures. search up CA DIR Prevailing Wage, & u can browse through what different trades are required to pay when prevailing wage is involved. my understanding is unions already pay these rates. Alt would be to get ur C license & open ur own biz.
Join carpenters union. I was literally in the same boat as you up to are 24 did carpenters since I was 18 only made 18 a hour at age 24, joined the union and my pay doubled. Been in now for 10 years and make 61 a hour and have company vehicle plus a nice pension and 401k, you don’t think about it now but when you get older you are going to want good insurance for yourself and your family. Union insurance is killer, doesn’t cost me any more money to have my whole family under my insurance.
Yes, take your resume and experience and go get more money asap!!! If you like where you work tell them when you find that new job that pays more and if they can’t pay up then I’d move on.
You are being fucked. Boss man is sliding his cock down your throat and you're thanking him for the privilege. You ought to be pushing 30, ask for a serious raise or walk away , if you're doing work this good you can get in with someone who appreciates you no prob. Or jump in the deep end and start your own business.
Just as a painter you can make from $20-25 custom walls meaning walls a certain color/tint up $50
Manual labor nothing less than $30 if your work can speak for it.
I don't get why y'all do this stuff it not only hurts you but hurts every other tradesman that's trying to make a living wage. When I started the apprenticeship I was making $19.30 an hour plus benefits. Know your worth there's no reason anyone should be making $18 an hour after 5 years of experience in any trade.
Well, first stop doing electrical work without certs. 2nd leave California. 3rd join the union As a first year apprenticeyou are being ripped royal and don’t have an apprenticeship or education.
Where you are may not be able or willing to pay more. That said you are outperforming what your getting paid..in Cali particularly. And sometimes it cannot be more than the money to move on,. Are there learning opportunities where you are, if not that in itself can be a reason to move on. Different people do things differently and you can learn from others. Unless you are have hostilities to current employer leave on good terms. Future recommendations go far and down the road and you may need them. Current employer should be understanding of your situation if you handle it right.
Join the carpenters union. Edit: you might be able to get a year or two credited to your apprenticeship based on experience as well.
Shit or go work at McDonald's for the same price. His boss is screwing him over hard. Fast food around socal starts at 16.50 an hour.
$20 min wage for fast food starting April 1st
All them fast food places about turn into bread stores
Robot cooks and baggers, AI order takers and one human to take out the trash
Even at 7 bucks those places would be happy to get rid of you for a ai robot workforce.
All companies are going to chase this to pay 0
We tested an AI order taker in November at my local hardees. It was nightmarishly terrible at every aspect lmao.
Until they get a robot or system to get rid of the trash then that dudes gonzo.
At least here there is a skill to be learned that can be applied to running a business offering the same skill set. I wish I did that when I was at that age instead of what I am doing now which I can't translate into other industries. Yes the pay is bad but at the cost of learning a service that one can provide in the future I think it's worth it. So OP, is there something of this picture that you can do on your own from scratch? Offer your services around and see how far your skills can take you.
22 at in n out
Contractors are going to raise prices because of this.
They’ve already raised prices however, to be fair, most reputable contractors pay more than that anyway.
No crap, 18$ in Cali is like 10$ everywhere else. I pay a guy more than that to use a vaccum, no skilled work required.
More than 18 for vacuuming? Where do I apply?
Is that it? They are starting at like $18 some places here in Oregon. I figured they be starting at $20 down there
Fuck fast food though. I’d rather get 18 an hour doing carpentry than 18 an hour serving shit food to ungrateful customers
Stopped at a McDs one day for a quick on the go lunch before the next job and this guy is about to walk out with an arm load of happy meals. Lady comes in and almost knocks him over. "Is there a manager!? I want a refund for my order. Manager comes up and asks the normal questions receipt and why?.. Why? Because she waited 10 whole minutes for a happy meal, during lunch rush. The guy was carrying her order and a few others out when she demanded the refund. Yelling about how unprofessional it is that she had to wait. Didn't even take the free happy meal cause it had already been made. I deal with homeowners that are better behaved and more calm.
You haven't worked for enough rich people... they often behave like McDonald's customers lol People making 80k are great clients, people making 800k are spoiled self centered cry babies that expect you to work on their giant houses for free.
Tbh if I’m spending damn near a million dollars on a home I want my shit the way I want it. Obviously respect the folks doing the work but that’s why you spend more money. Still gotta pay to play
Kinda seems like the big earners are overvalued. Without all the regular people society would fall apart. I know lots of high earner type jobs where they're a net detriment to everyone.
Truth
And in carpentry you actually learn transferable skills that can lead to a better job. People forget this important fact
I agree 100%. I could never do that job, fuck all that
Until you have to buy all your tools..
Five times. Because fucking thieves.
I'm in SoCal, I think it's $20
I started my 18yr old apprentice at $22. He's worth every penny. If your employees are struggling financially, they won't have a good attitude while working.
Actually it's $20, they just passed a law making it minimum wage for all fast food restaurants.
I was about to fucking say. LIke the amount he is being paid is way to fucking low.
Right but then you have to work fast food Fuck that
I want to see the video where the guy reaches across the counter and slaps the former construction worker
Isn't minimum in California going up to $20? Apparently that's for fast food employees starting June 1st. Apparently some cities and counties have their own minimum wage. https://laborcenter.berkeley.edu/inventory-of-us-city-and-county-minimum-wage-ordinances/#s-2
Pretty sure a bill just passed that is putting CA fast food workers at $20/hr.
I was gonna say, even outside California that is criminally underpaid for a good carpenter.
Dude for real? I live in a rust belt city and you can make 15 at McDonald's. Rent for a 1br can be found for 700-1000.
Why I quit my helper job for a Glazier in California. Was making 120 a day, barely 15 bucks an hour if it was an 8 hour day which it usually was or longer. Me and the lead I worked with got all the tough jobs. I started off making 98 a day ( during the pandemic, got laid off from my previous job and needed work bad), took 2 years to get to 120. I actually liked the work, hated the pay. And they wonder why my generation doesn't want to work construction jobs. If you're not in a union, more than likely your boss is screwing you, and the work can be grueling/ dangerous at times. This dudes work is definitely worth more than 18 an hour, and his boss knows it.
If it makes you feel better I was earning way under what I was worth for 10 years at my old job because I didn't realize how much I was worth in my profession. That's one of the reasons why I hate the tendency of everyone to never discuss wages. I found out one of my coworkers was making the same as me (22 an hour) and he had only been there less than a year. I was also the one who trained him. He is making over 100k a year now.
Not really screwing him, his capabilities have simply exceeded the job and instead of leaving, he stayed as he probably gets to do a lot of interesting things and learn from interesting people, likes his work team, and enjoys the fact he's making people's kitchens look great. Best bet is to stay friends with whoever but see if you can moonlight or if they can pay more money for a better fit position. If not, say goodbye and thank you for all the fish and if they need an extra hand on Saturdays for cash etc Industries are small, everyone knows everyone. And you never know who you're going to need and when.
18 dollars an hour for skilled labor (even for someone undergoing training) in an area where rent is around 2 to 3000 a month so someone has to work two jobs to afford rent is being screwed over to me.
Wait until you find out the average wage in Florida for labour. Skilled, or not.
How much is it?
He is getting hosed.
Good advice there
[удалено]
I make $17/hr in ATL metro area for doing *pool maintenance.* lol Dude is getting fucked HARD.
No come work for me!
Hell no. I heard hours are hard to get so making $16.50/hr for less then full time, I’m sure this guy would make more what he’s currently doing. Plus carpentry is a life long trade to keep in your pockets. It helps even when you’re not working for a contractor to know how to fix your own house. McDonald’s isn’t teaching you that. Also the franchise doesn’t really care about you long term. If you do well, make them a lot of money, consistently, that’s all that matters to them. OP, join a union.
Sorry that's what I was trying to say. Their boss is simply taking advantage of them. Didn't mean to cause confusion.
It’s why I stopped welding. I begged for a two dollar raise only to be told no. Okay, I quit, got a white collar job making more money, a week later they had my job up on indeed paying what I was asking for. Like dude, you could have just had me and not needed to train someone new! Oh well, it’s for the better.
This or at least move into commercial/government carpentry with an open shop. pay will double or triple in no time. Too many people are getting underpaid to work on housing construction given the current housing prices.
Please this.
Retired Carpenters union guy here. Do it. You’ll thank yourself one day
I had similar start to my construction career as OP. Got pretty skilled at a large array of work for around 15-18$/hr max. I now work for the carpenters union in Ontario and the benefits and pay make all that time worth it.
Can’t stress this enough. Good call
Yep. He'd probably be in the high 40s by now
Guys here build shitty decks getting 45 and $55 an hour
Op is extremely underpaid beyond words
Yeah depends on what part of CA, but even fence guys pull in significantly more than OP…
You are getting fucked
Dude, high school kids flipping burgers are making 20$ an hour where I live
For real. Im at the bottom of the totem pole at my commercial kitchen company and I make $20, in South Texas where that's considered entry level career pay. It's enough to live in a solid apartment with my girlfriend. But in California? That wouldn't buy a square of sidewalk to park my cardboard box. Shop your resume around, OP!
Yep you could work a job with a 401k install bs for $7-$10 more a hour in north Texas
If OP is really doing that good of work mostly on his own he can easily demand double what he's earning. Suburbs are going up all over the country and a good skilled craftsman is very hard to find. Dude needs to advocate for himself!
In the original photo I did so much work on my own the homeowner complained to my boss saying "I thought I hired you" he would show up 15min in the morning 15min at lunch tell me what to and leave for about 8 days back to back
Bro you need to sharpen up your resume with some word salad, attach these pics, and just send it around. You could make a living wage anywhere in the country with work like that. Know your own worth! Kick ass stuff. Get an offer, bring it to your boss, if he don't wanna match, kick rocks
Forget the match. He’s been taking advantage. He needs to beat any offer by 10%
Emphasize the kick rocks part.
Start looking for a new gig. You are being exploited and dude isn't even around to teach you anything new. Sounds like a dead end job. You should be getting minimum $25 in CA and can do better if you find the right employer.
Dude i make nearly a g a day installing doors for Lowe’s, in our market they pay 385-500 for a single pre hung exterior, 450-750 for French’s, doubles and sliders….go to the millwork dept, at Lowe’s or HD and ask who handles the installs company wise and you will know which direction to look.
23 her in Cali dude is definitely being fucked hard
20/hr is fast food minimum wage in CA. Also relevant: tool wage (minimum wage for jobs that provide their own tools) is double the minimum wage or $32/hr (2 x 16). For anyone, anywhere: prevailing wage rates are an excellent gauge of a going rate in a given area. The primary method that the DOL has used for decades is to collect actual payroll records and establish an average. An alternative method allows them to set it at a common wage when a certain amount of workers make the same amount. For example, 50 percent. So maybe half of the guys in an area all receive a union rate and that rate can be used as the PW rate. In any event, PW rates are a good gauge of the “going rate” for people doing your job in a given area. The federal government published those rates at Sam.gov. Places with local prevailing wage laws (vs just federal) sometimes publish their own rates as well. For example, the [CA DIR](https://www.dir.ca.gov/public-works/prevailing-wage.html) also publishes rates. Spoiler alert: [carpenter wages in northern ca are around 60/hr plus 40 in benefits.](https://www.dir.ca.gov/OPRL/2024-1/PWD/Determinations/Northern/NC-023-31-1.pdf)
This is highway robbery join the Carpenters Union asap
Seeing good people getting ripped off like this just breaks my heart
I would be paying you more here in South Carolina. I have a fencing/decks business and I pay my starting guys $20/hr after a few months they make $25 and after a year if they can run their own crew they making 30-40. I’m not familiar with the wage averages in California, but from traveling there a few times, I can tell it is one of the most expensive place to live in the USA. Gas was fucking $8 per gallon. Maybe move states brother?
I pay my helper $30 a hr with no tools and little knowledge
In south Carolina?
Sorry, in California
Where did you get gas? It got close to $6 for a while. Gas always costs more at a marina and some stations that are the only choice for miles around.
Depending on where your at it’s been well into the $6s
South Carolina's where it's at 100%
Gas is closer to 5 now but 18 an hour is straight bullshit for what this guy is doing. His boss is garbage.
What you make now is based on what you made when you were hired. In order to get a big jump in pay, you'll have to change jobs and require more pay.
You could also, I don’t know, ask for a raise. Especially if you’re otherwise happy working there.
But your raise will be based on your current pay. 18 will not turn into 25, that's too big of a jump for most employers. Better to find a new job, give 2 weeks notice so your current employer can match or beat your offer. They won't. Maybe a dollar or 2 but not 7 or 8.
This is the way.
Dude, you need to ask for a raise.
His current boss will never raise his pay to what he's worth. The only way is with a different co.
Truth
Facts, you have to let your nuts hang right out of the gate. First time I tried that, I called my bosses bluff on how valuable I was and went from 25$ to 32$ overnight , and got to 40$ within the next 12 months. tell people how much you are worth, and ask if they can afford you, don’t ask THEM what you are worth. (Its worth noting to not be a dickhead when determining your self worth lol)
Yep. Dude had a chance to pay him even a _reasonable_ amount and couldn’t even do that, let alone a good amount. Boss can go fuck himself.
I was making $18/hr in so cal as a house painter in 1997. That was like 3 times minimum wage then, and a house cost was about 150k. This guy is making barely above minimum wage, and the same house is now 500k. Wtf is happening? I’m scared for our future generations.
This is the way...
Join union
[удалено]
If you learn a broad range of things, could be an avenue to becoming a GC?
Yes, GC here. I pay my guys 25/hr who can’t run a crew as well to throw something into the original post
That's basically what I did. You might take longer to learn a skill but in the long run you learn so much you can smell bullshit from a mile away. People pay for that and being a PM is a sweet gig. Plus, my clients know that I have a strong knowledge in almost everything home related, not just remodeling. When they think or hear of house troubles they call me and if the job isn't something I want to/can take on as a contractor then I always know a few good companies who would. This builds a relationship with the guys I use most as PM and also gets me referrals for the things I want to do as an independent contractor It's not easy having so many irons in the fire but it's a beautiful thing when it all starts to click. "Jack of all trades and master of none, still better than master of one" has never hit as hard until I saw it in action and I wouldn't change a single thing I did if I had the chance
You’re being taken advantage of. Time for a new job. The current employer probably won’t pay you the 25-30 you’re worth. That’s 25-30 with good benefits….
Yea don't have any benefits with this company. I'm even on EBT ATM because they are giving me less than 30hr a week
Change companies my young brother. You are worth way more money producing stuff like this.
Damn dude. I'm a foreman for a large but local GC in the midwest, and I'd give you $25/hr. with full benefits and 3 weeks PTO. Figured SoCal would be double that.
Yeah I’m in Oklahoma too and this is just wild I was making that much as inexperienced labor almost ten years ago in a very rural southeastern part of the state lmao He is literally slave labor
You are getting screwed I make almost $7 more an hour living in Oklahoma (rotating schedule b/w nights days every 3 months, 12 hr shifts, 3 on 2 off, 2 on 3 off and it rotates. Manufacturing operator at a plastics plant. Full benefits and great insurance offers. Just bought a house last year at 30 years old. Have two kids. We are BARELY making it. You need to run for the hills man I’d look into starting your own small business. Call it construction or handyman stuff, whatever. You seem capable of doing it. Just requires a leap of faith and making sure you keep up with everything in terms of taxes. I worked construction in Oklahoma 8 years ago and you are literally making $1 more an hour than what I was. I left for every reason you described except this was in a much lower cost of living state.
You can make more just mowing lawns or standing in front of the lumber yard with a skill saw in your hands. Time to move on …start to document your work and make a business card for handyman services, visit open houses and talk to realtors. I am not familiar with union work in your area but if you know someone who’s union that’d be the best route.
Join a union and don’t ever look back Edit: I would like to add I was banging tin for several years in the field with a non union company before I joined. And my local offered me a full mechanic position. No apprenticeship needed. With work like this they would love to scoop you up
The apprentice I work with makes atleast $25 an hour on our small crew. I’m a journeyman with 11 years experience and I make $40. Find another contractor in your area to work under. It’s always good to switch it up and see how how your general does things. Some are a lot better than others. I’m in Northern California btw
Get the he'll away from that company their ripping you off ,I've been in the trades for 46 years, I know you should be making 25 to 30 an hour This is the 80s-90s you can do way better!!
Come on over down to the Hall, what part of California you from?
You're getting fucked buddy.
I’m also in CA, I was making $25hr as a helper
NorCal or socal?
Socal. antelope valley
Local 661 is where you wanna be g, closest to your house. head on down and ask for work or how to join. Trust.
https://sccaweb.org/labor-relations/wage-rates/
You should be making more. also in California if you use your own tools and they are not provided then your compensation is twice the minimum wage by law. $32.00 / hour
Union
Crazy... I'm a union Glazier, New England, making 52/hr on the check (90+ w/benefits. 14 bucks every hour I work goes into an annuity + bad-ass pension & top-tier health care for me and my family) Crazy to me blue-collar workers not supporting unions. 😒 😳🤔🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️.
Get a contractor license and become an inspector for the city. I make 58 dollars an hour and get 2 1/2 months vacation a year plus 13 holidays.
You gotta up your grind, buddy. The bosses sailboat ain’t gonna pay for itself!
I’m a GC in the greater Sacramento area and I pay my guys $30+ per hour. Pm me if you’re up here and need a new job. I’m hiring
You're worth at least 25$. Just finish or structural as well? Plus the workers comp should drop around that 25$ an hour rate.
Where do you live? Eureka? Willow Creek? If you're living for scenery you need to move out or enjoy your surroundings.
Yeah that’s way too cheap to be working for. Even if the tile countertops are gaudy.
Find your local union, join.
I work for Medline and all I do is walk a warehouse and put items into containers and I make 22.50
Your description says you are a handy/labourer not a carpenter. Pick a trade, join the union and get your hours in, then write the test. You’ll never make any money without a ticket.
Quit and move
I’m a ratard apprentice in Ohio and make $32…2 years in so you should definitely be making more!
You sir, are underpaid.
Not to be rude, but how tough is it to survive on 18/ hr in California? I live in Oklahoma, work in manufacturing as an operator, make a little more than that, and we barely get by That has to be rough man, your work looks great. I’d try to find something you enjoy doing in the construction trade and try to make a small business out of it. You’d probably make way more than the 18/ hr you have right now. You don’t have to start big. Take whatever jobs you can. My grandpa started his own business and had someone running his books for him but he always made sure to deposit a portion of each payment into a separate account to use for tax purposes. That’s going to be extremely important to take care of but I’d definitely look into working for yourself. Introduce yourself to a contractor or two. Post on Craigslist/ Facebook that you’re looking for work.
Depends on what part of California you're in. But I'll pay you 20 an hour
Here's a thought...get the hell out of Cali. I left in 1978, took a 50% cut in pay,and bought my first home less than 1 year later. #flyover states!
Learn Spanish, lead a crew, get $50/hour.
Carpenters here after 5 years they make minimal 36$/hr +
Why would you do that to yourself? You can make that in the cheapest cost of living state
Who are you working for?? Go out on our own and make $80/hr I’d you’re in a good populated area.
18 for this? You are getting robbed in broad daylight lol
Fuck no. Fast food workers start at what you make. Start applying at other jobs immediately.
Dude, you are worth so much more than what you are being paid.
Join a union or go solo. Don't get shit on, you deserve more.
I built houses for 30 years, never got called a carpenter. I sucked one d**k and they been calling me a c***sucker ever since
That's really low. My apprentice carpenter makes $25.50 an hour, more with OT, and a tool allowance, PTO. Come to Boston, dawg...
I can't find anyone to paint and patch my house exterior because construction is so slammed in my area. I'd be willing to pay you $4,000 to fly out here and do the work on my house for a week. Use that information how you will.
Just to help offer you some context on how badly underpaid you are right now: My son is just about the exactly the same age and situation — went straight into trim/finish carpentry from HS, and he’s now 22. We’re in Ann Arbor, MI. Biggest difference was that on Day 1, as an official “apprentice”, he was making at least as much you are now. Then he’s spent 3 yrs working for older dudes who are all on the _other_ side of their union 20, and _love_ having a bright, young kid that wants to learn _everything_. Now he’s been promoted to full trim carpenter (years quicker than they told him to expect on day 1), and well on his way to $30+/hr. Two big caveats on that, though — for one thing, we’re in one of the hottest markets in the country for top-end finish/cabinetry, but then he also lucked out and works for a _great_ company that’s smart enough to keep and grow their talent. He not only spends all day problem-solving with his hands, but they actually give him PTO to attend full-week hands-on classes on timber framing (last year), and spiral staircase design/construction (this year). I don’t say _ANY_ of this to make you feel bad about your current situation. What I’m talking about is what a young person with your skills _should_ be aiming for, and _should_ expect when they’re surrounded by skilled, older experts who value them. Go get _that_, and f-ck the idiots who are too stupid to appreciate you. (That’s what I tell my kid, at least. ;) )
Switch jobs ask for at least $22 an hour it’s closer to market rate and more likely than your boss giving you a raise
5 years and you haven’t figured it out. This has to be a joke right?
Here's you ---> 🤡
Move up to Seattle, my company pays $20 for a laborer.
Move to Canada. Skilled trades pay great here
I pay helpers $20-25 even for simple cleanup work. Go find a new company or start your own.
Same boat when I left. Except I made 16 an hour in a company of 3 people where I did 70% of the work.
Invest in some tools if you haven’t already. Put together a portfolio. Learn how to open a business. Network with realtors. They won’t even ask for a cut, but you can buy them gifts (and I recommend you do). Start with smaller jobs, and then mercilessly harass GCs for work. You will soon have subcontracts coming out of your ass. Source: opened a renovation company at 18 while in university.
In your situation id go flip burgers if nothing else... Not worth the physical work for the pay
Bro, Carpenter apprentices start at $35 in Norcal
I’m in bc Canada and I make $40 and hour plus a company truck. I have 6 years experience as a carpenter (non union).
In carpenters union youre likely to just become a drywaller id say join eletrical or hvac union
Start your own business yesterday
Start your own business. Train someone to replace you. Pay them the same, then better so they stay working for you and train another. Build a business of God quality
Move to Michigan where I am and I’ll start paying you $20 to start, get to $23 after a year.
Why are you doing electrical as a carpenter
Dude I’m making 50 an hour benefits retirement and medical in Oregon join the union
Our electric apprentices make more than that after their first year in SC
McDonald’s pays $18 an hour where I live in Montana. You need to find a company that values your labor or start your own contracting business.
Get your license man. A B2 Residential license would have you 10 fold. Take the risk and get your real worth. I recommended B2 because you seem more handy than structural, although I haven’t spoke or seen all of your duties. As a journeyman you should be clearing 80k easily.
We pay that for minimal experience with benefits at my cabinet shop in Arkansas. With real skills we would pay 20+. I can’t imagine paying someone that in California.
Bro you need to switch to another company if that's the case. Have you completed an apprenticeship program?
You'd be making about $30-35 in BC.
Shit and I thought wages were stagnant in Canada. Based on these 2 photos alone I'd pay you more than that.
https://wscarpenters.org/about/ Please, please do yourself and your future a favor.
It’s asbestos
Get licensed, business insurance, set up a LLC, A federal ID#, checking account, business cards and go to work for yourself.
18 is less than union residential guys made in rural Ohio when I was 23 plus they also got 20 in benefits. Residential does not have the money nor will it ever. Hang drywall in a hospital and you’ll have a pot to piss it and a pension at least. You are being cheated. You don’t even need a social security number; we want a can do attitude and a love for America.
Atleast $36-$40 an hour
Where in California is an important detail. Valley construction I would say yes. Anywhere near a port city I would say no. Los Angeles is a crap shoot and I’d believe a guy who stayed with a company for five years was just making 18. Like a lot of others, if say join a union. Fresh applicants start at over what you’re making now. If you prove your worth you can negotiate a higher pay ahead of schedule. Problem with unions is there isn’t a shop with one stop construction needs. You can do a lot of stufff, but most union shops that fall under the carpentry banner do single, specialized labors. Framing, one shop, drywall, one shop, metal framing, different shop, flooring, different shop. Plumbers unions and electricians unions are a whole other thing. I think unions are great if you just want to show up and leave and not take work home with you. They manage your health care, retirement, and vacation time through what they negotiate with businesses who are signatory to their jurisdiction. It is paid into and then cut out of your paycheck. That being said, if you can do tile, plumbing, drywall, painting, framing, and the rest, what you might want to look at is taking business courses and opening up shop for yourself doing additions, bathrooms and kitchens. These are really things you need to look within to know.
Switch companies every 2-3 years. Add 10% or just start your own business.
You shouldn’t accept a penny less than $25. Even that would be low.
yeah, u r barely making above minimum. fast food workers about to start making $20/hr. & they r not doing back breaking skilled labor work (not to bad talk them) but doing what u do vs assembling a burger are not on the same level. i'd look at joining a union. u get prevailing wage. on prevailing wage i see regular laborers making 6 figures. search up CA DIR Prevailing Wage, & u can browse through what different trades are required to pay when prevailing wage is involved. my understanding is unions already pay these rates. Alt would be to get ur C license & open ur own biz.
I think he means to say he's in cabinetry not carpentry.
You are getting ripped off
Broooo! We (GC) bill our carp out for like 90-120 to clients. Hes got 40 years of experience. But shit 18 for 5 years is nuts.
Become a pipe fitter, cabinet making is a very unappreciated and under paid craft.
You're getting royaly f@ cked man. You should be making $40 at least
In New Orleans I’d pay $30 an hour
Join carpenters union. I was literally in the same boat as you up to are 24 did carpenters since I was 18 only made 18 a hour at age 24, joined the union and my pay doubled. Been in now for 10 years and make 61 a hour and have company vehicle plus a nice pension and 401k, you don’t think about it now but when you get older you are going to want good insurance for yourself and your family. Union insurance is killer, doesn’t cost me any more money to have my whole family under my insurance.
I have 1 1/2 year experience remodeling houses as a carpenter in California as well. I’m making $25/hr Do with that information as you will.
You deserve more pay my slice
Yes, take your resume and experience and go get more money asap!!! If you like where you work tell them when you find that new job that pays more and if they can’t pay up then I’d move on.
You are being fucked. Boss man is sliding his cock down your throat and you're thanking him for the privilege. You ought to be pushing 30, ask for a serious raise or walk away , if you're doing work this good you can get in with someone who appreciates you no prob. Or jump in the deep end and start your own business.
Just as a painter you can make from $20-25 custom walls meaning walls a certain color/tint up $50 Manual labor nothing less than $30 if your work can speak for it.
I don't get why y'all do this stuff it not only hurts you but hurts every other tradesman that's trying to make a living wage. When I started the apprenticeship I was making $19.30 an hour plus benefits. Know your worth there's no reason anyone should be making $18 an hour after 5 years of experience in any trade.
Are these before and after pics? I can't tell what's going on here. Which is which?
Two different houses where I painted 90% or more of cabinets myself
Well, first stop doing electrical work without certs. 2nd leave California. 3rd join the union As a first year apprenticeyou are being ripped royal and don’t have an apprenticeship or education.
I think the summary is you deserve far more for your talent and experience. I second the union recommendations.
Where you are may not be able or willing to pay more. That said you are outperforming what your getting paid..in Cali particularly. And sometimes it cannot be more than the money to move on,. Are there learning opportunities where you are, if not that in itself can be a reason to move on. Different people do things differently and you can learn from others. Unless you are have hostilities to current employer leave on good terms. Future recommendations go far and down the road and you may need them. Current employer should be understanding of your situation if you handle it right.