How much $ to ask for as a new apprentice out of trade school?

[CTnewbie]

Hey Everyone, I've been sending out resumes and answering online ads since I graduated trade school in Dec and finally got a response via email this morning. In their response, they asked me how much I was looking to make. I'm sure they know how much they are willing to pay, so I don't want to price myself too low because I've learned a lot in trade school with a ton of hands-on classroom experience including full installs, wiring and troubleshooting however I don't want to come in too high either since I'm anxious to find a job and getting some real world experience. Even though I excelled in class, I know there is so much to learn and I can only learn in the real world.

So, can anyone give me an idea of what the average pay for a first year, trade school graduate, non union apprentice would be? Although money is not as important to me as the experience at this point, I do have a family and would like to make a fair wage. Thanks!

[CTnewbie]

Forgot to mention that I'm in New York (Westchester County)

[2sac]

Let me ask you this. What do you think your worth? Then we can tell you what you really are worth.

[grkmano]

What kind of company is it that emailed you back.
What I would do is tell them test my skills and tell me what I'm worth to you. If you like there offer stay.
Any time I hire someone new I always have them out to work with me personally for a day or two and then sit them down and talk about pay. They also have to see if they like working within my company.

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[Carbon]

638 scale for a new employee is 11.18. It would probably be hard to get more than that from a legit contractor until you prove yourself.

[CTnewbie]

Let me ask you this. What do you think your worth? Then we can tell you what you really are worth.

I'd be okay with $15-$16 hr as long as there was an expectation to pay more was I proved myself, I think I'm worth $50hr since that's what I was earning at my last job, but work dried up so I gotta take what I can get right, lol. Realistically, I'd say $18-20 is fair for what I can do, and is what I'd like to get, but as I said, if $15 is what's common, I'd take it and take the opportunity to prove my value to the company.

[CTnewbie]

What kind of company is it that emailed you back.
What I would do is tell them test my skills and tell me what I'm worth to you. If you like there offer stay.
Any time I hire someone new I always have them out to work with me personally for a day or two and then sit them down and talk about pay. They also have to see if they like working within my company.

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It was a smaller plumbing and heating company not far from me. I would love the opportunity to work a few days with the owner or manager to show them what I know and the type of worker I am, hopefully I get the opportunity to do so.

[CTnewbie]

638 scale for a new employee is 11.18. It would probably be hard to get more than that from a legit contractor until you prove yourself.

Wow, I guess I can understand it being so low if it's a union job since your provided with union benefits, training, and set pay tiers but for non-union I can make more at walmart. I know I need to get my experience somewhere, but don't think I could do it for $11hr non-union, especially here in NY.

[2141]

Fresh out of school you probably about 12 bucks an hour give or take. Get your foot in the door and learn as much as you can no matter how little the pay is. After you prove yourself ask for more money and if they say no look for a new job. At least at that point you actually have field experience. You may think you are a good tech from what you learned at school but you haven't even begun and employers know that.

[2sac]

$12-$14 is all you're worth right now. Prove yourself and the rewards will follow

[fv_tom]

Wow, I guess I can understand it being so low if it's a union job since your provided with union benefits, training, and set pay tiers but for non-union I can make more at walmart. I know I need to get my experience somewhere, but don't think I could do it for $11hr non-union, especially here in NY.

How much will you be making at Walmart in 4 years?

Fresh out of trade school you aren't worth jack.

[CTnewbie]

Thanks for the help everyone. I ended up sending my reply yesterday, and asked for $17.00hr, the office manager called me this morning and offered $15.25 with a re-evaluation in 3 months. I accepted the offer, and will begin riding with one of their guys starting on the 30th. Wish me luck, I'm very excited to begin getting my feet wet in the real world!

[grkmano]

Good luck and always remember there are mechanics and there are part changers.. choose what you would to be and pursue it.

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