$10.00 Dollars an Hour After 6 months?

[hvac122386]

Fellow HVAC Workers i am 20 years old currently employed by a company. i do understand when startin at a young age $10.00 is what u get however i have heard people that after 90 days they get 12.00 or little more? i been with this company since April 1 2007 and its not Oct 14 2007 today i am drivin a van and i am still a helper should i be gettin paid a little more by now? Your Thoughts

[swellmel]

Fellow HVAC Workers i am 20 years old currently employed by a company. i do understand when startin at a young age $10.00 is what u get however i have heard people that after 90 days they get 12.00 or little more? i been with this company since April 1 2007 and its not Oct 14 2007 today i am drivin a van and i am still a helper should i be gettin paid a little more by now? Your Thoughts

What state are you in?
Where I live you'd be lucky if you got $8hr.:o

[hvac122386]

I am Currently IN NJ what state r u in?

[markettech]

I started in the trade back in '89 at $5/hr.

I worked at that rate for over 1 year. No health insurance, no raise, no nuthin

My suggestion is to have a sit down with the boss and you will have a much better feeling of where you future income will be than asking us here what we think.;)

[maxster]

if your company is busy with the heating season coming up maybe but if this is considered the slow down season i would wait.do you drive the truck home?consider that if you do in gas saved.i would be patientwith the money maybe focus on learniing as much as you can fall/winter and talk to your boss that your goal is to be out on your own in 2008.you have to show your value before they ever reward you for the simple things being on time,working along with others.if you work with lead techs they will send the message to the owner on your working attitude...he is never going to walk up and hand you a $3 hr raise,but you will have your sellf set for more money and getting out doing even PMs and work into service breakdowns.

[nickpt828]

u cant expect much til u get out on your own, they are basically paying you to learn so you arent really making them much money right now. once they send you out on your own then i think they should pay you more. well thats my opinion

[berg2666]

Fellow HVAC Workers i am 20 years old currently employed by a company. i do understand when startin at a young age $10.00 is what u get however i have heard people that after 90 days they get 12.00 or little more? i been with this company since April 1 2007 and its not Oct 14 2007 today i am drivin a van and i am still a helper should i be gettin paid a little more by now? Your Thoughts



PLease update your profile with an email address for contact....

[Joe Cool]

The best way that I have found to get a raise is to find another job and then put in your notice. Most employers will only pay the minimum necessary to keep you there. That is if you are worth keeping. You have to remember that they are in business to make money and any raise that they give you is going to come directly out of their profits. This is especially true if it is a small mom and pop operation.

I find it amazing how many times I have heard of a company saying it couldn't afford to pay more to somebody only to find out that all of a sudden they could cough up a little more once they thought you were leaving.

[markettech]

The best way that I have found to get a raise is to find another job and then put in your notice. Most employers will only pay the minimum necessary to keep you there. That is if you are worth keeping. You have to remember that they are in business to make money and any raise that they give you is going to come directly out of their profits. This is especially true if it is a small mom and pop operation.

I find it amazing how many times I have heard of a company saying it couldn't afford to pay more to somebody only to find out that all of a sudden they could cough up a little more once they thought you were leaving.


Yep - may be good for a raise............ONCE

The second time - don't be surprised if you are escorted to the door.

[snowderandsons]

If you can survive on $10, maybe perhaps this is a time for you to invest hour upon hour learning. If you have space, like a work bench, I suggest (as was suggested in a similar thread) that you do autopsy's on all parts and equipment that you can get your hands on. If you have the ability to handle and dispose of, call the crane company and ask them to bring old change out units. Spend a bit of money and Frankenstein equipment. Read the website an hour a day, every day! I still like picture learning, so the "walls" are my favorite source of learning. Press on in your attempts to understand how things work. Go to classes whenever possible.

[Bones74]

u cant expect much til u get out on your own, they are basically paying you to learn so you arent really making them much money right now. once they send you out on your own then i think they should pay you more. well thats my opinion
I agree. In refrigeration, you would be lucky to make a dollar for your company in the first two years, Insurance, Comp, Truck etc are costs you don't see. If a company hires you, they are looking at future profits. You will be a loss for a long time. Hang in there!
:D

[BigJon3475]

It can't hurt to ask. Like it was said above you'll find out real fast what kinda environment your in and if there is a chance for earning some more money. I haven't ever heard of anyone getting fired for asking for a raise. Then if they aren't willing to give you anything or throw something like .25 @ you....either look for another job or see what they are willing to offer in paying for advancement or certifications. The more certifications and achievements you have the more comfortable you will be and the valuable to a employer.

[Bones74]

If you can survive on $10, maybe perhaps this is a time for you to invest hour upon hour learning. If you have space, like a work bench, I suggest (as was suggested in a similar thread) that you do autopsy's on all parts and equipment that you can get your hands on. If you have the ability to handle and dispose of, call the crane company and ask them to bring old change out units. Spend a bit of money and Frankenstein equipment. Read the website an hour a day, every day! I still like picture learning, so the "walls" are my favorite source of learning. Press on in your attempts to understand how things work. Go to classes whenever possible.
And don't let anyone tell you this is rocket science. It's not that difficult. Older techs seems to want to make guys believe that, in my opinion they are worried about job security.
:D

[Milk man]

And don't let anyone tell you this is rocket science. It's not that difficult. Older techs seems to want to make guys believe that, in my opinion they are worried about job security.
:D


I fix a lot of mistakes by people with this attitude.:rolleyes:

It's not rocket science, but one still needs skill and education to be a top shelf tech. I find a lot of people with the above attitude not to be top shelf.

[Milk man]

In this industry you have to pay for:
Yourself:
Your wage.
The "employers" share of FICA
Your truck including all expenses like gas, insurance, depreciation, and all up keep.
Your uniforms
Your vacation
Your retirement

Your Share of:
The office staff. Wages, vacations, health insurance, ect.
The office/shop building.
The Bosses truck and all related expenses.
Your bosses wage.
Your bosses retirement
Your bosses vacation.

The last part is what counts. When the end of the year comes and the boss has put money in his pocket, he will most likely put some back in yours.

Also make yourself hard to replace. Work what OT is needed to be done. Start early when needed. Be nice to the office staff. Turn over the side work that comes your way.

GO TO EVERY TRANING CLASS THAT IS OFFERED TO YOU.

Your 20. do what you are supposed to do and the money will come. But you may have to leave your present employer down the road.

And if your driving a truck home make sure it's fully stocked. Nothing pisses me off more than the guys that show up at a job without material and tools. I've had installer helpers show up with not even a nipple tray.

[Milk man]

I would like to recomend all, especially new techs, to read Tech to Tech by Chris Reak.

Reak was/is a member of this board. The book is a little dated, but the core subjects are as current as when they where written.

[wolfstrike]

i think you should stay with the job and try to get in a few years.

i earn 10 per hour plus a small commision, i'm a new tech in my 30's


a lot of full techs are commision only and when things get slow they get nothing.

a lot of companies are refusing to pay decent wages, and regular pay means a lot these days.

don't get greedy until you have some experience under your belt.




another option is to apply for the union, they start off at much more usually, but they'll make ou put in 5 years at apprentice level.

[The Penguin]

Wow wolfe - a co herrent lucid post conveying good infomation

thats great




Milkman Whats a nipple tray?

[Joe Cool]

Yep - may be good for a raise............ONCE

The second time - don't be surprised if you are escorted to the door.

You are right. There is a certain amount of risk doing that and if they call your bluff, you must be prepared to take the other job. But the way I see it, if you have to resort to doing this for a raise, maybe you would be better off anyway. After all, it's just a 10 dollar an hour job.

[craig1]

Whats a nipple tray?

it holds black or galvanized pipe nipples in an orderly fashion

http://www.hatcreekoutfit.com/xcart/customer/home.php?cat=379

[absrbrtek]

Join the UA of NJ. Starting pay for a filter changer/helper is about $15 an hour. Don't waste your time dealing with idiots and bargaining for 25 cent pay increases. JMHO
I am Currently IN NJ what state r u in?

[mgramazio]

what is your expieriance?

[berg2666]

Join the UA of NJ. Starting pay for a filter changer/helper is about $15 an hour. Don't waste your time dealing with idiots and bargaining for 25 cent pay increases. JMHO

I was going to recomend him the same thing but in an email...

I am a union member in Louisiana that was in his same shoes when I first started, when I was introduced to the apprenticeship program I learned way more then any non union shop could ever provide. And the wife loves the money now that I have turned out.

And since I have been in this union I know for a fact that I have a $2.00 dollar an hour increase every October 1st...

[Milk man]

it holds black or galvanized pipe nipples in an orderly fashion

http://www.hatcreekoutfit.com/xcart/customer/home.php?cat=379

I think he was pulling my leg. He knows what a nipple tray is:)

[markettech]

I think he was pulling my leg. He knows what a nipple tray is:)


Until now I though it was a woman's accessory..........:D

[refer guy]

I was started at 13 and hour at a commercial air conditioning company, I very quickly realized that I had to become profitable, if i wanted to make more money. I started by being real neat with my paperwork and organized. The accounting department said all kinds of good comments about me because my paper work went through billing fast, the company would get their money fast from any PMs that i was given, as soon as that happened they saw potential in me and had me working with their best journeymen who taught me how to find easy repairs i could sell at every PM, I also treated eveyr journeyman with respect wether they were a grouch or not, sometimes i would buy them lunch after all 6 dollars was nothing compared to a wealth of knowledge they had taught me. After three months i got a dollar fifty raise, on my yearly i got another dollar fifty, I think that its about the paperwork when you are fresh out of school. I also attended every class they offered at the shop even if the class was too advanced for me, I cleaned my van every week and organized it, i saw that they really liked that, I pressed my shirts instead of looking like a bag with my shirt untucked, if i made a mistake on a repair that took me five hours instead of the four it should of taken then i would eat the hour,(i dont think its fair that the custome or company should pay for your mistakes) and on my last job at the end of the day after i was done i would study that unit for an hour on my own time.

[aruddick]

sounds like you got it goin on.The key is to be profitable. as serv mngr and part ownr of a 2.5 ml/yr service company it is all about profit. If the boss isnt making money, nobody is making anymore money.second is to be the guy that is not replacable. does your boss know how much time you donate? I dont let my guys do that. Part of learning is blowning things up, I had my fair share

[refer guy]

at the time when i was new to the trade i did "donate" or as i prefer to say I invested my personal time and yes my service mgr knew about that, i told him it was my time, i was not creating a loss of profit by doing this, it was the last job of the day, i would take the units manual and study the unit, its like reading a book at home except with hands on. Ofcuorse that was when i first got into the field, now that i am pretty descent with trouble shooting skills, i dont give anything, what i did was a sacrifice that payed off. Some of these new techs fresh out of school need to stop whining about making more money before realizing what this business is about wich is generating profit. if you have passed your six month probationary period and all you are doing is assistant and pm work then that is because you have not pushed your self, and you are problaly one of those that waits for things to come to you.

[aruddick]

Couldn't agree more. They owe this industry the dedication and disciplene it desreves! If we could get more techs with your attitude and understanding that the only reason we do this is to get paid. this PROFFESSION will only get better

[mike3]

I think he was pulling my leg. He knows what a nipple tray is:)


Lets go back a few years.........."bunny box"

[The Penguin]

years ago (remember the voice pager - it would transmit the office girls voice- she'd say call office about paper work or despatch a job or say call in)

One day I'm at the counter - friday morning doughnut and coffee day so its crowded my pager goes off - I had it up really loud the day before - I was in mech room starting up a clever brooks model 4.
Anyway the (relatively new)office girl saying for "F%$ks sake will you call me and tell me how much a 3 inch black nipple costs !!! Well about 20 guys hear this and they are falling around laughing. So I grab the customer phone at at the coffee station and get her on the speaker phone . I tell her it costs about the same as a white nipple then all the guys laugh their heads off.
she's really mad and embrassed too and slamms the phone down.

I get hauled into the mgrs office over that hell it was worth it though.

I was given shiatty jobs for a while women they have a mean streak in em

[bustawrench1]

I started out in '90 working for $50.00 a day, cash money and only on the days they needed me.took me 4 years and $10,000 worth of school (out of my pocket, paid on that loan for years) to make it up to a $10.00/hr , 40 hr per week job. Took another five years to get health insurance and a retirement plan and even then I had to join the UA to get it.

Do yourself a favor, either go get a job with a big, corporate run company that can afford bennies, training and regular reviews/merit raises, or join the union.

Latest rate info is here:
http://www.ua322.org/HVAC2007.htm

Good luck.

[aruddick]

I started also in '90 5 bucks an hour.. I now own part of a 2.5 ml/yr company and my service techs can make 45k per year within 5 yrs.. plus benifits the union doesn't offer like paid holidays,, paid vacations, but sadly not as good of health care! Was in the union not a good fit for me.. There are companies that are not part of the big guys that can treat you well, The problem is most companies are afraid to charge what it is worth and actually costs

[mackinaw]

Ten bucks an hour is fine for entry level the first 90 days. After the evaluation time you deserve a living wage. Prove yourself, learn as much as you can and take your knowledge somewhere else. It's 2007 guys, McDonalds supervisors get 10 bucks an hour. I've put in plenty of investment time learning my job while earning a "nice" living. It's a two way street....both parties must invest or someone is being taken advantage of.

[hvacrjones]

well my company with a 2 year degree you would be looking at 14-15 hr and for the first 2 years you would still be considerd in training. after that it all depends on what you can do for the company.

and by the way there is only one responce to a employee who turns in his notice becuse he found more money elsware and that is enjoy your new company as I walk them to the door.

call me a ass but anything else ends up costing me more in the end.

[aruddick]

The money is all relative.. If you are new you have to prove yourself. That takes more thann 90 days.. Usually the guy that will job hop for a buck an hour is causing you more problems in the first place. Then he does it to a few others and nobody wants him. Hey its 2007, We own the place if you don't like it , Be your own boss and quote against me!!

[mackinaw]

Hey its 2007, We own the place if you don't like it , Be your own boss and quote against me!!


This is the type of attitude you should run from as fast as you can...one way road to proverty.

You should be able to gage anyone in 90 days...if your paying attention.

Someone who make 10/hour and leaves for 11 just got a 10% raise and was being underpaid.;)

[HeyBob]

The best way that I have found to get a raise is to find another job and then put in your notice. Most employers will only pay the minimum necessary to keep you there. That is if you are worth keeping. You have to remember that they are in business to make money and any raise that they give you is going to come directly out of their profits. This is especially true if it is a small mom and pop operation.

I find it amazing how many times I have heard of a company saying it couldn't afford to pay more to somebody only to find out that all of a sudden they could cough up a little more once they thought you were leaving.


That is bad advice. If you worked for me and thought you would hold me hostage for $X per hour by giving notice, you would find yourself w/o a job working for me.

[mackinaw]

That is bad advice. If you worked for me and thought you would hold me hostage for $X per hour by giving notice, you would find yourself w/o a job working for me.

I agree; don't bluff. I also feel you are not going to get someone with any talent to stick around for 10 bucks an hour...any state.

[Joe Cool]

That is bad advice. If you worked for me and thought you would hold me hostage for $X per hour by giving notice, you would find yourself w/o a job working for me.


If I was only getting 10 dollars an hour, I really don't think that I would give a damn.

Just my 2 cents

[HeyBob]

I agree; don't bluff. I also feel you are not going to get someone with any talent to stick around for 10 bucks an hour...any state.

I agree, it did take me a long time as an employer to realize the value of giving a man a raise. I originally had the propensity to be a cheap..........yea you know.

Well compensated employees stick around......................

[HeyBob]

If I was only getting 10 dollars an hour, I really don't think that I would give a damn.

Just my 2 cents


It's all in how you look at it. If you were 20, just bbreaking into the field, 10 bucks is not bad money. You do however need a raise after 90 days if you have met the goals set forth by your employer.

The guy needs to have a heart to heart with his boss, set goals etc, so he can advance.

[aruddick]

I've put in plenty of investment time learning my job while earning a "nice" living. It's a two way street....both parties must invest or someone is being taken advantage of.[/QUOTE]

This is the key.. If you put in the time then money will not be an issue. An entry level helper is about the only $10 pr/hr job in this industry and they are usually not profitable to a company inn 90 days so why should we pay them as if they were. By the way none of my 17 employs make $10 dollars an hour and most have worked here for 3 or more years and earn a nice living, but understand it is my company

[Joe Cool]

It's all in how you look at it. If you were 20, just bbreaking into the field, 10 bucks is not bad money. You do however need a raise after 90 days if you have met the goals set forth by your employer.

The guy needs to have a heart to heart with his boss, set goals etc, so he can advance.

No argument there. But I do think that after 90 days or so anybody worth keeping is worth more than that and if they're not, get rid of them. It seems too many employers will wait as long as possible to give a raise that it leaves you no choice but to look for a better job elsewhere. To me that is just taking advantage of someone. Also, I think at that wage scale he shouldn't be expected to buy all his own tools.

[HeyBob]

No argument there. But I do think that after 90 days or so anybody worth keeping is worth more than that and if they're not, get rid of them. It seems too many employers will wait as long as possible to give a raise that it leaves you no choice but to look for a better job elsewhere. To me that is just taking advantage of someone. Also, I think at that wage scale he shouldn't be expected to buy all his own tools.

I agree with that...........

[mackinaw]

An entry level helper is about the only $10 pr/hr job in this industry and they are usually not profitable to a company inn 90 days so why should we pay them as if they were.

When you hire someone you are investing in your company. If you train, promote and mentor the young ones, you will reap profit and loyalty.:confused:

[Joe Cool]

When you hire someone you are investing in your company. If you train, promote and mentor the young ones, you will reap profit and loyalty.:confused:

They know that they are not investing in their company. They know that when they pay cheap wages and refuse to give raises that eventually you are going to leave them.

[aruddick]

I couldnn't agree more.. I am just not sold on the idea of the magic 90. We do all of our raises based on goals and preformance. A $10 green helper makes a lot of mistakes that I pay for. I'm not some cheap dictator, When he proves himself I'm not going to give him 25 cennts, he will be rewarded well!

[refer guy]

It has to be equally beneficial for the employer as it is for the employee, I have seen some young guys come into this field fresh out of trade school with that mentality that just because they have been around for six months that they are intitled to a chunky raise, ofcourse they dont think of all the mistakes theyve made, all the parts theyve blown up, the piss poor attitude they had,techs who did not put forward enough effort and now they wait for a big raise to come to them just because they have a hvac certificate.:eek:

[mackinaw]

It has to be equally beneficial for the employer as it is for the employee, I have seen some young guys come into this field fresh out of trade school with that mentality that just because they have been around for six months that they are intitled to a chunky raise, ofcourse they dont think of all the mistakes theyve made, all the parts theyve blown up, the piss poor attitude they had,techs who did not put forward enough effort and now they wait for a big raise to come to them just because they have a hvac certificate.:eek:

This is the reason for 10 bucks/hour entry.....it didn't work out sorry, good luck. Pay the good ones, dump the bad.

[oloenneker]

If you can survive on $10, maybe perhaps this is a time for you to invest hour upon hour learning. If you have space, like a work bench, I suggest (as was suggested in a similar thread) that you do autopsy's on all parts and equipment that you can get your hands on. If you have the ability to handle and dispose of, call the crane company and ask them to bring old change out units. Spend a bit of money and Frankenstein equipment. Read the website an hour a day, every day! I still like picture learning, so the "walls" are my favorite source of learning. Press on in your attempts to understand how things work. Go to classes whenever possible.


This is similar to what I did. I started out as an installer, and would take home furnaces I ripped out and mess around with them. I even piped a gas line to the outside of my garage so I could "fire" the units etc. My wife still *****es me out when I bring home a "oddball" oil burner from the junk pile that the installers bring back to the shop. I would read every manual I could find from these furnaces I ripped out. Take them apart, and look at each part, and then put it all back together again. This taught me so much valuable stuff. I even really screwed up my dads furnace when I was "green" about this guys age (19) but, I learned how to fix it. I had to mess around with the wiring!:rolleyes::rolleyes:

I learned alot from those "sessions"... But reading alot also helped. Actually, this young man is very lucky to have something like HVAC-Talk and the other sites out there that he can read from. I wished I had that back in the day. All I remember seeing around was USENET, and that just seemed like one big Homeowner versus Tech flame war.


Good luck, there is a lot of valuable information on these here boards....

Just stay out of ARP, and you will be fine.

[bustawrench1]

I started also in '90 5 bucks an hour.. I now own part of a 2.5 ml/yr company and my service techs can make 45k per year within 5 yrs.. plus benifits the union doesn't offer like paid holidays,, paid vacations, but sadly not as good of health care! Was in the union not a good fit for me.. There are companies that are not part of the big guys that can treat you well, The problem is most companies are afraid to charge what it is worth and actually costs

I agree, the union is not for everyone, but lets be honest, each one of us has to do what is best for us and our families, weather its joining a union, starting a company or even being a "helper for life" making ten bucks an hour.

I'm at the point in my career where being an owner is starting to look attractive, but I have a good health care plan, ten paid holidays, two weeks vacation and a good retirement plan where I'm at now, so why should I move? That's the beauty of having well compensated employees..........they think twice before jumping over the fence to get some of that "greener" grass.

[Milk man]

My two largest raises came when I've had another job lined up. I was headed for the door when my employers pay my true worth. I've never told anyone to give me a raise or I'll leave. But it does make me wonder why if I'm worth X and was being paid a very lower Y, why did it take finding another job to get X. My skill level didn't increase when I got a new job the day before.

[Joe Cool]

My two largest raises came when I've had another job lined up. I was headed for the door when my employers pay my true worth. I've never told anyone to give me a raise or I'll leave. But it does make me wonder why if I'm worth X and was being paid a very lower Y, why did it take finding another job to get X. My skill level didn't increase when I got a new job the day before.


Because like I said earlier, they are only willing to pay you the minimum necessary to keep you there and if you are willing to stay there for 10 bucks an hour, so be it.

[Milk man]

I read something in Reader's Digest once about asking for a raise. It was at the bottom of the page, like a reader sent it in. It listed several things to talk about, but the last line was something about having another job lined up.

[CommtechinVA]

I fix a lot of mistakes by people with this attitude.:rolleyes:

It's not rocket science, but one still needs skill and education to be a top shelf tech. I find a lot of people with the above attitude not to be top shelf.

I couldn't agree more, Milkman. I've found that Owners/ Service managers have no idea what their techs are capable of. The Bosses need to rely on the input from their service techs in order to gauge a helper's progress. I believe that the helper needs to do all he can to learn, but I also believe that the senior techs need to be willing to train helpers and mentor them. Most guys are not thrilled about carrying our tools around for us. I, personally love having helpers who are eager to learn. I really enjoy teaching and helping others to achieve success. But, I hate working with helpers who don't give a crap about learning and are just collecting a paycheck. Just my humble opinion.

Bill

[maxpower]

I would like to recomend all, especially new techs, to read Tech to Tech by Chris Reak.

Reak was/is a member of this board. The book is a little dated, but the core subjects are as current as when they where written.

I would like to read this book. Where could I find it?

[Milk man]

I would like to read this book. Where could I find it?

Do a Google search. Put in Tect to Tech Chris Reak

[slimwoodie]

find it amazing how many times I have heard of a company saying it couldn't afford to pay more to somebody only to find out that all of a sudden they could cough up a little more once they thought you were leaving.




Jeeezzzzzz ...

do you think they will give a Crap about a 6 month Apprentice leaving ...????

Bwaaaahahahahah .....:rolleyes:

[Joe Cool]

Jeeezzzzzz ...

do you think they will give a Crap about a 6 month Apprentice leaving ...????

Bwaaaahahahahah .....:rolleyes:

No, most probably don't. But if this was to keep happening time and time again with every new guy that they hired, yes I think they would.

I have read more than once that you are losing money on a new guy with no experience, even at 10 bucks an hour. If this is true, why would you want to keep running them off because you were too cheap to give them a raise? An extra dollar an hour isn't going to break the company and it would be a hell of a moral booster to the employee. Either that or you could just hire another new guy and start from scratch again.

As far as getting a raise, it does work. I know from experience. I had 4 months on one job when I put in my notice and I was offered a extra dollar and a half to stay.

[snowderandsons]

OK, I'll go for my 2nd attempt at putting my foot in my mouth. This is thinking out loud and mostly rambling. Just for an example, let me use mid-summer for my thoughts. If I have a helper with any experience that can return to previous calls and install new parts that we did not have in the van or that we had to order, that would be very helpful to me. Last year my partner hired such a helper from mid July through Sept. That kid picked up stuff so fast that he was sent back to jobs to reinstall condenser fan motors and blower motors. BTW, our preferred method is to pull condenser assemblies and blower assemblies and rebuild in the shop, then return to re-install. This kid would do the rebuilding and go out first thing the next day and complete the job. He was also sharp at removing failed compressors and piping in the replacement. My partner would just go out weld, evac and charge. If this guy hadn't already signed up for the Marines, there is little doubt that he would have been one of the highest paid 18 year old in the neighborhood.

[crackertech]

If I (we)want a raise we now have to go to corp office and take a test it does not matter how well you do your job with on call backs ect you must
take the test it's written,oral&some hands on must score 80% the kicker is
even after takeing the test it dose not mean you'll get a raise.:confused::mad:

[gan]

For a raise I have to hit my indicators i.e service calls per day, ammount of repeat calls, fixed right first visit. According to my boss it doesnt matter how long you have been here if your hitting the numbers you will get paid according.

[Tech Rob]

I worked almost two years at one company before I even saw a .50 raise. I kept thinking "they'll eventually come around"... Well, they didn't, but I did.

As a new guy you have to recognize when you've gone as far as you can with some shops, and then know how to sell what you've learned to your next employer so that you move forward in your career. Just don't b.s. anybody.

To paraphrase another poster; "Under-promise and over-deliver". I don't think better advice could be given.

[jeremy-lvhm]

I agree. It is tough when your starting out and not out on your own doing calls or even maintenance. We all went through it. But when you get out in a truck and start making the company money they might be more prone to give you more than if your just a helper. I started at almost half of that in 94 and when i left in 97 I still wasn't up to 10 an hour. Then the next place I went I made over 12. And more ever step since. It all takes time and dedication.
I tell my help all the time that I Can afford to pay them more (their part time mind you) but I wont until they start to learn and or make me money. Its tough for any company small or large with premiums the way they are. But I think if you show your an asset to them they should offer you something. It's a tough field. Good luck.:cool:

[idontgetit]

This thread as most of the threads related to pay are incredibly telling.

1 the guys age had NOTHING to do with it and when folks say he is only 20 he only needs so much, they have given a clear indication that they will pay no more than they decide someone "needs" by their own standards. Pretty poor way to evaluate employee performance, and definatly strong caution needs to be taken when negociating with such types.

2 Some folks feel there is merit in the threat to leave. I do not buy into that. There are some national statistics on such things and when an employee resigns, but is saved by an offer of more money, over 90% (dont rember the actual but was in the 90's) of the time, they leave anyway within a year.

3 ten bucks an hour is way too light for an employee in this trade. Day labor cost that much or more. The problem is, work ethic of a LOT of todays workers dictate that you may well get a bad employee and it sux to waste a lot of money on some idiot who has not figured out they need to show up on time.

At 10 bucks an hour, you are $3.60 a week above the poverty line for the average family. I find myself unimpressed with employers who maintain a workforce in poverty, in fact I find it pathetic.

In a merit shop, your employer is not going to pay you anymore than they think it takes to keep you. This does not mean that it is bad pay, it means that is the merit system, you earn what they think you are worth. If you think you are worth more, you have to say so and negociate for yourself.

If you are happy there, then say so and request more money so you can afford to stay there. If the money is hard comming in the beginning you can figure it pretty much always will be, excluding the 10 buck an hour entry period.

Lots of folks say "there ain't any 15 dollar an hour jobs out there" and that is untrue, they however are fewer and harder to find as folks do not quit working for those companies as often. You must increase your own net worth and have strong negociating skills or you will not reach your goal with a merit shop.

[jeremy-lvhm]

This thread as most of the threads related to pay are incredibly telling.

1 the guys age had NOTHING to do with it and when folks say he is only 20 he only needs so much, they have given a clear indication that they will pay no more than they decide someone "needs" by their own standards. Pretty poor way to evaluate employee performance, and defiantly strong caution needs to be taken when negotiating with such types.
I agree 100% with that


2 Some folks feel there is merit in the threat to leave. I do not buy into that. There are some national statistics on such things and when an employee resigns, but is saved by an offer of more money, over 90% (dont rember the actual but was in the 90's) of the time, they leave anyway within a year.
Usually the truth


3 ten bucks an hour is way too light for an employee in this trade. Day labor cost that much or more. The problem is, work ethic of a LOT of todays workers dictate that you may well get a bad employee and it sux to waste a lot of money on some idiot who has not figured out they need to show up on time.
Day labor doesn't need alot of training to become profitable so I don't think thats a fair comparison. The fact is when we have helpers it is usually someone that is unable to do anything to make us money until they have had enough training to do things right. If a person is willing to learn and try I think they should be compensated, but I don't think just because they are in this trade or have been in it for a few months they deserve any more than day laborers or much more. They are training into a field where if they prove good can make ALOT more money so they should work more on learning and less on griping.

[Chillpro]

You are making your boss about 50.00 and hour on you. We start our guys out at no less than 15.00/hr and if you can learn fast and perform well 20.00/hr after the first year.

So. Cal.

[JBM1000]

If your lucky enough to get in the union, then keep your trap shut and enjoy the higher pay, benefits, and work steady and you will be fine with contracted raises figured, and after 5 yrs take your journeyman test. Pass it and get top pay!

[brando44mag]

I agree that if the money is your issue try getting into the union. Also, when I was a helper I started at $7.50. I was 17 at the time but age does not matter. The money will depend on your progression in the field. I also did not get a company truck until my third year of apprenticeship. I also had 2 years of vocational training prior to employment. So maybe you should look at the savings from not using your personal vehicle. I bet that equals that extra 2 dollars an hour.

[Energizer]

This business i is all about knowing the right people because there is people out there hate you because you are young and they would dog you out due to the fact that you are young and they are going stay on top of you pulling out there whips and whip you to put you on line. Therefore stop complaining and do your job, don't like it quit find something better. All it comes back to is good positive people that is willing to teach you how to fish not just killing you like a fish.

[bustawrench1]

This business i is all about knowing the right people because there is people out there hate you because you are young and they would dog you out due to the fact that you are young and they are going stay on top of you pulling out there whips and whip you to put you on line. Therefore stop complaining and do your job, don't like it quit find something better. All it comes back to is good positive people that is willing to teach you how to fish not just killing you like a fish.

LOL!

[m-cooling]

Fellow HVAC Workers i am 20 years old currently employed by a company. i do understand when startin at a young age $10.00 is what u get however i have heard people that after 90 days they get 12.00 or little more? i been with this company since April 1 2007 and its not Oct 14 2007 today i am drivin a van and i am still a helper should i be gettin paid a little more by now? Your Thoughts

your getting $3 more an hour than you would here . How many of your own tools do you own?be very happy with 10 dollars sometimes the grass isnt greener on the other side

[btcstudenthvacr]

Learn more, prove it and earn it. I would be hard pressed to say what a 20 yr old is worth only this kid can determine that for himself. Reality is some people at 20 are more mature than guys I know at 40 and have much better ability to learn. My education totals to about $7,000 with tuition and books not to even mention two years lost wages during school hours. You can not raise a family let alone support your self on $10.00 bucks an hour. The math doesn't add up rent or mortgage,food,utilities,insurance,some sort budget for leisure cheap vacation once a year.
10*160hrs mo=1600-30%taxes=$480 $1220 rent 700-800 near where I live for one bedroom or small cheap house, leaves $520, (hope that car your driving when the company can is parked is paid for)car insurance a mo. at age 20 $120mo $400 utilities easy $150-$200, $200 left to eat with...You cant eat well off of 200 month...let alone money left in the bank for the what ifs in life.

[y7turbo]

your getting $3 more an hour than you would here . How many of your own tools do you own?be very happy with 10 dollars sometimes the grass isnt greener on the other side


that sucks! i would never start in this trade for that little. i guess i got lucky or something, i started out alot higher than that.

[m-cooling]

you must work for a family member or something turbo. Thats the way wages are in Tennessee. I always had to prove myself to get any raises.

[bustawrench1]

your getting $3 more an hour than you would here . How many of your own tools do you own?be very happy with 10 dollars sometimes the grass isnt greener on the other side

$7.00/hr????

That's not even minimum wage here in NJ. A kid can pump gas or sit on his a** working at the 7-11 for more than that.

[mackinaw]

you must work for a family member or something turbo. Thats the way wages are in Tennessee. I always had to prove myself to get any raises.

You must be living in the dark.....7 bucks an hour, who could afford electricity?:rolleyes:

[m-cooling]

Whatever Im just saying it takes longer than 6 months for the kid to prove anything to me. He sounds too impatient. why dont he just quit instead of complaining.mabey he can get 12 an hour with 6 months exp. Mabey Im an ass but if my crew starts wining eithier take your lunch break or go home .

[John confield]

You should be getting paid by your preformance take a look in side yourself have you done every thing like you are supposed to are you always willing to go the extra mile for your boss the customer and your co workers are you able to do things the right way If you are you are priceless to your employer
And you should be getting paid more I think just being willing to try the HVAC industry is worth 15$ an hour We are a non union company and we pay our
journymen/wemen over 28$ per hour you can get there but you must take some crap along the way you will make mistakes you will get fired and layed off you will get hurt you might even end up divorced your life as a hvac professional will not be easy but there is alot of fun along the way you will be happier than some jerk that spends his life in an office his working life

[guitarman747]

With no school, or HVAC/R experience I got a job as a helper making $14/hr...The union around here starts 1st years at $15 and change an hour.

[Wild]

Whatever Im just saying it takes longer than 6 months for the kid to prove anything to me. He sounds too impatient. why dont he just quit instead of complaining.mabey he can get 12 an hour with 6 months exp. Mabey Im an ass but if my crew starts wining eithier take your lunch break or go home .
Sounds like a nice place to work for $7 an hour. :D

I don't think the young man sounds impatient or like he's whining. He was just asking a question.

[John confield]

Learn more, prove it and earn it. I would be hard pressed to say what a 20 yr old is worth only this kid can determine that for himself. Reality is some people at 20 are more mature than guys I know at 40 and have much better ability to learn. My education totals to about $7,000 with tuition and books not to even mention two years lost wages during school hours. You can not raise a family let alone support your self on $10.00 bucks an hour. The math doesn't add up rent or mortgage,food,utilities,insurance,some sort budget for leisure cheap vacation once a year.
10*160hrs mo=1600-30%taxes=$480 $1220 rent 700-800 near where I live for one bedroom or small cheap house, leaves $520, (hope that car your driving when the company can is parked is paid for)car insurance a mo. at age 20 $120mo $400 utilities easy $150-$200, $200 left to eat with...You cant eat well off of 200 month...let alone money left in the bank for the what ifs in life.
If we want more&smarter people to get in to it we will have to pay better And charge more and also getrid of the fly by niters that give us all a bad name

[m-cooling]

You must be living in the dark.....7 bucks an hour, who could afford electricity?:rolleyes:

I wonder if the guy who asked the original question was on call and worked all day Thanksgiving like I did. I dont believe he would be asking why am I not getting a raise do you???

[beenthere]

If we want more&smarter people to get in to it we will have to pay better And charge more and also getrid of the fly by niters that give us all a bad name
The Op is 20, and hopefully doesn't have a family to support yet.

He might be a quick learner, or a slow learner. If he wants a raise, he should simply ask for one, and give his reasons why he thinks he's worth a raise.

[otto]

you need at least 15 years in this trade to get a journeyman's check
I am in a merit shop right now
597 rates dictate my scale
you need to learn a lot more afore you start aksin fo mo money
When I was 20 you could replace me with an oily rag.

[y7turbo]

you need at least 15 years in this trade to get a journeyman's check
I am in a merit shop right now
597 rates dictate my scale
you need to learn a lot more afore you start aksin fo mo money
When I was 20 you could replace me with an oily rag.


I disagree with the 15 years thing otto. I think it all depends on the company and the employee. If a company is willing to teach the younger guys by letting them tag along with the older ones working on large equipment, they will learn faster. if you just send them out coil cleaning for 3 years or doing P.M's they wont learn **** and then it actually takes them 15 years to be at that level.

[digital686]

That all depends on you. Are you willing to listen? Do you show up on time? Are you courteous to your customers? Are you spiffy looking or do you look like a slob? I think you get the point. I started in this trade as a technician straight out of school 3 years ago. I made 10 dollars an hour. This year I will gross 60,000.00.

[brettln]

What a bunch of cheap a--es. I finished school and went to a commercial HVAC company starting at 14.50....I now make 22.00 hr.(3yrs) Don't sell yourself short (new techs). Some of these guys, rather they don't want to admit it , probally have bad attitudes and won't work the over time that is required. Either that or they have no ambition to find a real company that actually cares what their techs are making. Our lowest paid tech is 12 bucks and top pay so far is aprox 40$ hr. That is for a commercial service tech. Nothing more, nothing less!
Its all about how bad you want it........look else where. My school told us we would make no more than 10.........B.S.

Anyway goodluck...........go get that money, plenty of it to go around!

[digital686]

What a bunch of cheap a--es. I finished school and went to a commercial HVAC company starting at 14.50....I now make 22.00 hr.(3yrs) Don't sell yourself short (new techs). Some of these guys, rather they don't want to admit it , probally have bad attitudes and won't work the over time that is required. Either that or they have no ambition to find a real company that actually cares what their techs are making. Our lowest paid tech is 12 bucks and top pay so far is aprox 40$ hr. That is for a commercial service tech. Nothing more, nothing less!
Its all about how bad you want it........look else where. My school told us we would make no more than 10.........B.S.

Anyway goodluck...........go get that money, plenty of it to go around!

I guess commercial work does not pay as well in your neck of the woods as it does out this way (California). I know several commercial techs with three to seven years experience and the lowest paid one makes 90,000.00 gross per year. As for me, you can have that commercial stuff. No way I am humping all that equipment on and off roofs all day.

[Tech Rob]

Commercial work isn't just about rooftops... There's also dank, musty, noisy, cluttered mechanical rooms :D

Unless you're one of the lucky few that works for a APC or Liebert service rep on comm/data centers...

[HVAC Student]

Originally posted by brettln
My school told us we would make no more than 10.........B.S.Two teachers at my school said not to accept less than $16 per hour. I wonder how they arrived at that conclusion.


Originally posted by otto
you need at least 15 years in this trade to get a journeyman's checkPlease elaborate on this.

[jlw1980]

Factor in INFLATION.

$15/hr is your $7/hr that you started with 25 years ago.

Why is it so crazy that us young guys expect to make about $12/hr to start?

[markj]

These "how much should I make"discussions always leave out the fact that the cost of living varies greatly from region to region. A few examples to consider. I live in rural NW Ohio. My $180,000 house would cost well over a millon in LA, NY City, Boston, DC. I would need to make over $200,000 in these areas to maintain my standard of living.
Example 2. My daughter used to live in S. Jersey. Very high cost of living. 2.5 times what mine is. She now lives in South Carolina. Housing is 1/2 the cost. Insurance, taxes, food all cost less.
Does her pay need to be the same as Jersey?
My point is this. As we add our comments we need to remember that my $10 will buy me a whole lot more than someone living elsewhere.

[high plains]

My latest new employee I started at 15/hr with 0 HVAC experience.

Let's face it, this stuff isn't rocket science, anyone with good mechanical aptitude can be taught this in a couple of years, after that they learn by repetition and experience to fine tune their skills.

My opinion as an owner is, I'd rather have a good person over an idiot that has gone to a tech school and thinks they know it all. Give me a good person that has went to tech school and wants to learn, and I'll pay them well.

[HVAC Student]

I wish you and I were in the same state. :D

[hvac45]

Tell us from a business point of view why you are worth more money, just facts no feelings.

[slimwoodie]

please show me how, you, with no experiece, are worth 60% of a Journeyman's pay .....

i just canned a f'up apprentice getting $10 ...

'cause i hired an experienced fitter for 15$

and ..

he don't need constant direction ...

like on how to properly use a hacksaw ...

[HVAC Student]

Just to clarify, I am not the original poster in this thread and will take whatever wage I can get in return for experience.

[idontgetit]

please show me how, you, with no experiece, are worth 60% of a Journeyman's pay .....

i just canned a f'up apprentice getting $10 ...

'cause i hired an experienced fitter for 15$

and ..

he don't need constant direction ...

like on how to properly use a hacksaw ...

IMHO there is a reason that "experienced" fitter agred to work for less than 50% of the wage they should be paid and odds are you are the one who will wind up paying for that reason.

I love these threads where folks show true colors.

[ColdairGuy]

Just to clarify, I am not the original poster in this thread and will take whatever wage I can get in return for experience.


If your in so. cal, my advice to you is to try to get into Source Refrig., they actually just opened up there on school, so there is plenty of training, free!

Decide what you'd like to get into, Market refrig., Air Conditoning, Controls etc.
I started here, it can be rough being on call here and there, but you'll learn ALOT! They'll pay you for what you know and learn!
The biggest thing to remember is that you know what your worth, and if you think your pay isn't fair, move on and prove it to the next company

[maxpower]

please show me how, you, with no experiece, are worth 60% of a Journeyman's pay .....

i just canned a f'up apprentice getting $10 ...

'cause i hired an experienced fitter for 15$

and ..

he don't need constant direction ...

like on how to properly use a hacksaw ...

are you saying experienced fitters make 15 bucks per hour? If so, that's really bad pay no matter where your from.

[y7turbo]

please show me how, you, with no experiece, are worth 60% of a Journeyman's pay .....

i just canned a f'up apprentice getting $10 ...

'cause i hired an experienced fitter for 15$

and ..

he don't need constant direction ...

like on how to properly use a hacksaw ...



do you do all resi work? that would explain the 15 an hour for an "experienced" fitter. coil washers get 15 an hour around this area.

[HVAC Student]

Originally posted by ColdairGuy
If your in so. cal, my advice to you is to try to get into Source Refrig., they actually just opened up there on school, so there is plenty of training, free!I've already contacted them. They told me to call again next spring.

[ColdairGuy]

I've already contacted them. They told me to call again next spring.


-Bummer.......I think they may have just lost their 7-11 account, which is where all the entry level guys started out.
I heard TYLER may have gotten that account, and they are hiring.....they don't have enough people to cover the account, so try there

[HVAC Student]

Originally posted by ColdairGuy
-Bummer.......I think they may have just lost their 7-11 account, which is where all the entry level guys started out.
I heard TYLER may have gotten that account, and they are hiring.....they don't have enough people to cover the account, so try thereWhat's their contact information?

[ColdairGuy]

You'll have to look them up

[m-cooling]

Sounds like a nice place to work for $7 an hour. :D

I don't think the young man sounds impatient or like he's whining. He was just asking a question.

This guy (pro) ive known was suppose to work today (Sat.) .$20 hr cash .I asked what time and a half would be at his other job. Thats fat bank for 10 hrs!

He didnt come in ,call, nothing. Great place to work if you got your head in the game.

[sprskte]

I think a good pay should be earned! I am 25 and have been in the field for 11 years! i only make 20$ an hour, or 20% commission.. Plu truck etc.. But if you can find a company like that, you get paid as hard as you work.. I am grossing 150k.. with very little overtime..

[danielworkerbee]

buddy that post was from 2007.
Glad your doing so well. luck dan

[jrmech]

I started in this trade in 2005 and worked for free for the first 3 months, some long days as well.

sprskte - how are you grossing $150k on $20/h?? that's a mystery to me..you would need to be working almost 24hrs a day to achive that on $20/h..even with OT you would still need to work 16-20hrs daily

[pdrake65]

I think a good pay should be earned! I am 25 and have been in the field for 11 years! i only make 20$ an hour, or 20% commission.. Plu truck etc.. But if you can find a company like that, you get paid as hard as you work.. I am grossing 150k.. with very little overtime..

You started in the HVAC field when you were 14? Not sure where you live,but that is kinda young and not legal in most areas...have to be 18 where I am at to touch anything mechanical. 150K at 20$ an hour with very little overtime?
Doesn't add up.:det:

[daytonafan]

It adds up if he is at $20/hour base pay and selling systems like crazy.:rules:

[monkeyman#1]

I call BULL!!!

[chrldwlf]

I think a good pay should be earned! I am 25 and have been in the field for 11 years! i only make 20$ an hour, or 20% commission.. Plu truck etc.. But if you can find a company like that, you get paid as hard as you work.. I am grossing 150k.. with very little overtime..


FAKE!!!

[beenthere]

Maybe he meant $15,000.00 a year. :LOL:

[sprskte]

Haha very funny!! But what it is, is that I finally caught my break, I did start in the field when I was 14, well that was when I was put on the books... I worked for a family company. I wasent allowed on union jobs till I was 18! But my father and Uncle split the company up when I was 20. Dad went to the union and Uncle moved to FL. I went to work for TAC for 3 years, When I moved to NY they had no openings. But had to move for my daughter, I went to work for a small company for a little over a year, when I met the current owner of the company I work for now at a trade show. He said he had an up and coming company in the area that was small, we have 5 trucks on the road.. But he gave me a job offer, he seemed sincere so I took the risk.. And for all of you who feel the need to try and shoot people down on this site I will explain again!!! ( I make $20.00 an hour OR 20% commission on my sales!!) With all of the tax credits and rebates it is not very had to make sales over 20,000 a week! So I didnt mis-post or mis-spell.

But off that topic!! I had a few questions.. I am looking at going to Comfortech this year.. Has anyone been there? Is it worth going?

Also I am still trying to get a hang or the billing that my company uses.. They are a flat rate company. I never heard of that in this trade. Does anyone else work for a company like that? Is there any tips? Just ask because the pricing seems kind of high.

[beenthere]

After you have get pro membership.

You can ask about pricing in the pro forums.

[timebuilder]

I think a good pay should be earned! I am 25 and have been in the field for 11 years! i only make 20$ an hour, or 20% commission.. Plu truck etc.. But if you can find a company like that, you get paid as hard as you work.. I am grossing 150k.. with very little overtime..

I take it that means you are a "you need a whole new system" kind of tech, right?

[sprskte]

how do i get a pro membership?

[beenthere]

Get you post count up to 15.
Then fill out and follow the instruction of this link http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/showthread.php?threadid=116113

[Robert77]

I was going to recomend him the same thing but in an email...

I am a union member in Louisiana that was in his same shoes when I first started, when I was introduced to the apprenticeship program I learned way more then any non union shop could ever provide. And the wife loves the money now that I have turned out.

And since I have been in this union I know for a fact that I have a $2.00 dollar an hour increase every October 1st...
I agree. If you can't afford to get solid tech training at a local college, do go union. Paid for education is a win win for your career and your employers.

[timebuilder]

Maybe he meant $15,000.00 a year. :LOL:

Maybe that's it.

If he was making 150k I'd like to see what the heck he is billing.

It's much more likely that you are correct.

[dolphinfan2334]

I don't know where you work but 150k a year sounds a little unrealistic to me.

[Wild]

Maybe that's it.

If he was making 150k I'd like to see what the heck he is billing.

It's much more likely that you are correct.

Or he may have been referring to annual revenue he created for the company he works for.

[sprskte]

no my annual revenue for the company is around 900,000.

[Wild]

What are you selling as a service tech; system enhancements, duct cleaning, service agreements, equipment, etc.? And what do you get 20% commission on?

20% of 900k is 180k, plus your $20/hr wage. You should be grossing more than the 150k you previously stated.

[mcjo tech]

No one here really wants to call you out for the type of technician we all think you are. You're just another prime example of what can go wrong when you pay your technicians by commission. Your $150,000 pay per year will eventually catch up to you and the company you work for.

[pdrake65]

no my annual revenue for the company is around 900,000.

Do you actually SERVICE anything or do you just replace systems? It appears that you are nothing more than a salesman....or a politician! either way it is bullsh!