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I'm 24 years old, welding since 06. I'm a full time tig welder.Is 14.50 under paid??
Reply:couldbe , by some locals but is better than places hiring and paying 10 buck hri work for self so i get more per hr but have my over headi did a 2 week help. welding for a tank fab and got 10.50hr at night an props in day 60 hr a week wasn t bad nice break from propsidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tigidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tig #2 used for sticklincoln sp100hh125dual arbor grinder polisher30 yrs of hand tools52 pitch blocks 6p-26prake gauge -pitch gaugeG&D prop repair 918-207-6938Hulbert,okla 74441
Reply:Really depends on what you are welding, what certs you have if any, and how big is the shop. If you started there as an apprentice, you will likely always wind up on the low side. That is how it goes for apprentices, they are quick to take on responsibility, but you are pretty much seen as a 'helper' wage-wise. Often, you find you need to leave amicably on good terms, and get some different shop experience. You will likely be paid a good bit better than $15 an hr. if you can pass some tests. If you are working at a radiator shop, an exhaust building shop, chassis shop; you might find the pay grade is lower in certain parts of the country. But yes, you are likely a bit underpaid. If the boss is a nice guy, then talk it over with him. If he's a grump, I suggest you find another job, and give a 2 week notice. Do it all the right way, and move on with a good parting.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:No that is about right. But the work experience you are building up is VERY valuable.You are on the right track.Have you had any raises since 06?If you know the business is doing well (like you have lots of work), thenask for a raise each year.  Ask for one dollar more each year if the business is doing well.All that will happen is they could say no. So what. But the ball will be in their court.It just makes them have to think about how much they need you and appreciate you thats all.Try to get certified by the American Welding Society and put that certification up in your workspace to show your boss that you are getting more training.Sometimes you may qualify just from your experience.Join the American Welding Society. It only costs about $57 (check that price) butThen you could go to a AWS meeting in your area and meet other welders working in that area and find out about more opportunities.Last edited by Donald Branscom; 02-17-2011 at 01:04 AM.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:I weld for a company right now that puts parts out for GE. Lots of exotic stuff.. well atleast in my mind. Hastalloy, and inconel. High temp stuff. I started out making 10.00/hour. But started at this company for the 14.50. And that was last year. No raises since. This aws cert seems very interesting. Ill look in to it. Btw. I'm in a non union job. Never felt theneed to join any. Atleast not yet.Note. The current job I'm at now goes as far as tracking welding wire heat numbers, and yearly eye exams that have to be logged, and welders must stamp each job with a stamp so it can be tracked back to them.Last edited by anderdrome; 02-17-2011 at 01:44 AM.
Reply:Like Donald said, ask for a raise.... Especially if you feel your worth it, and you must because your doubting your pay. Maybe start looking elsewhere if you dont get it. Im not saying to up and quit, but the best time to find a good job is when you already have a job. But dont let anybody know your looking because then they might treat you like crap meanwhile, since they know your gunna leave. And always leave on good terms.Lincoln ac/dc 225/125Millermatic 211 w/ Spoolmatic 100Miller 330 a/bpDynasty 200 dx
Reply:Yes, $14.50 is a bit low for a 5 year welder in Mass IMO.   (But not super low though) How are the Bennies?  Do they provide training?sometimes a good benefit package can make up for low pay, & training is always a good thing.How is your work ethic? (On time, go to work every day?)Do you play well with others?All I can say is, try asking for a raise, and/or start applying elsewhere.One thing to keep in mind though, is that there are a lot of people out of work right now, & employers aren't paying any more than they need to.  (Even the very busy ones)Hang in there & learn everything that you canBuy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:I gotta agree that leaving on good terms is the absolute best way to go.  You never know when you might cross that bridge again or go to another place that has some of your former work associates.  A good reputation for timeliness, quality work and attention to detail will get you well known and fairly highly regarded in just a small effort.  Once you have a good rep, do whatever is needed to maintain that above anything.  I have been in the auto business for most of my carreer and with the exception of one dealership I could return to work with any of them  and generally pick back up where I left off with minimal disruption.  I always volunteered for any training or company sponsored functions and made sure I took notes, paid attention in class and applied myself diligently.  I managed to do pretty well through the years, Never got rich but had what ever I wanted whenever I decided I wanted it.  Never had a struggle if I left, usually had a  job lined up and just had the wrecker drop off my tool boxes at the next place I was gonna be.  Through the years I did all kinds of cool and fun stuff as far as learning new tools and procedures on some very high dollar stuff.  Did a fair bit of grunt work to get me there though, so FWIW, the sky is truly the limit if you are interested.BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:Originally Posted by WeldingMachineYes, $14.50 is a bit low for a 5 year welder in Mass IMO.   (But not super low though) How are the Bennies?  Do they provide training?sometimes a good benefit package can make up for low pay, & training is always a good thing.How is your work ethic? (On time, go to work every day?)Do you play well with others?All I can say is, try asking for a raise, and/or start applying elsewhere.One thing to keep in mind though, is that there are a lot of people out of work right now, & employers aren't paying any more than they need to.  (Even the very busy ones)Hang in there & learn everything that you can
Reply:Eastern Asia has a culture of "Make Due". I find it quite interesting. It may not do you a lot of good asking for a raise.If I might suggest a course, I would look into and become certified. I would then look around for a new place to work. See if there is something out there that looks interesting and as secure as the place you are currently employed. If you find a new place that has actually made you an offer, then if you think the pay is worth the move, then and only then approach your boss for a raise. If your boss is Laotian, he may take offense for asking for the raise. I am now speaking from my experience and have no idea how specifically your boss will react.Take into account the benefits of the new job. Does it really pay more than another dollar or 2 an hour? A 40 hour work week at a $2 an hour raise is only about $40 after taxes. That could get eaten up in gas to get to the new place, etc. Look at what the new place offers. Can it pay for your certs? Further education? Maybe a change is what you want in the first place.Just a few things to consider. Best of luck.Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:Im amazed at how low TIG welders are paid, anywhere... I make 28.00 an Hour, Welding is just one of many job titles...PipefitterBoilermakerCombustion TechnicianService TechnicianWelderIn no particular order, I mostly work with pipe, or build boilers. I also set-up the Burners. I know the skill required to use TIG, and still my jaw drops when I hear what they pay....Ex-Local 7 myself... Welders, Steamfitters, Plumbers.... Loooong story, but our shop was in a "gray area" Local 7 wanted us for "real"... I have a company truck, phone and gas card. The extra 5$ an hour isnt worth it to drive my VortecMax to work every day...Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP ( boat anchor )Lincoln Weld-Pac 100 HDHobart IronMan 230Cutmaster 42Jackson NexGenSumner Ultra ClampsDWM120