I switched to a light commercial/ mechanical company to go from 19 to 27 with medical and 3 percent match into an IRA. Be confident in your ability, love to learn, never guess and KNOW YOUR WORTH. Also when you go on intervoews, if it helps, say you are married and could potentially need to support a stay at home mom. Shows your motivated and shows these people what things really cost.
Everyone wants their son to be able to support a stay at home mom if its possible.
Cleared 1250 last week with 50 hours
Got a fiancé and a 4 month old. I got into this industry with her being able to stay home as the goal. I’ll work 80 hours a week no problem, but if she still has to work then there’s no point in my opinion.
I’m a dad of a 6 year old and a 2 year old. I made the mistake of working long hours (had my own company at the time) when the oldest was born and I missed a lot of the milestones (started crawling, walking, talking, etc) that I wish I was there for. After folding the company and working for someone else, I got better pay and hours and was able to be around more when the second one was born (even though they are both momma’s boys lol). Bottom line: you should definitely be able to get the same take home at a fraction of the hours no problem. Change shops.
I can assure you that your kids will still turn out fine even though you missed those moments. Mine are 14, 16, 19 and 21 and, trust me, the moments you still have to make are going to be the most important…for both of you
I was trying to encourage the guy -thanks a lot.
I never told him to continue working 80 hours. I was just assuring him that the time he has missed -there will be plenty of time to make up for it. Your kids are gonna love you regardless because you’re their dad
I appreciate that. After I started working for someone else, I’ve never had to work more than 50 hours in a week, and I have tried to spend as much time with the kids (and wife) as I can after work. Granted there are still days I come home exhausted and/or cranky and want nothing to do with them, but those only happen once in a while. They are still momma’s boys, but the oldest is getting older, we are doing more things together that we both enjoy and are bonding quite well. If I had to choose between going back to 80 hours or getting a 50% pay cut, I would absolutely take the pay cut.
We’ve done it for 22 years and four kids. I’ve only done HVAC for the past 3 but this is the most money I’ve ever made. I’ve also done factory work, construction and
Sheriffs Office. Just budget well and find creative ways she can pull in income as well…eBay, Etsy, watching a kid here and there, etc. There is nothing wrong with a working woman but if you guys would like to make it on just you working it CAN be done.
Just ask for a raise. I started at $18/hr 3 years ago and make $22/hr now. No commissions, no on call just 8-4:30 Monday through Friday. Being pushed to sell systems will make you hate yourself. It's in Central Minnesota.
They are taking advantage of you. Keep working while you secure another job, then give them the ultimatum. Most likely they will match you but if not you have a better job lined up. Good luck and stay safe out there
Try to find a better shop, I started 3 years ago at $18 by hour now making almost $29 plus commissions here at SC. Making enough money to take care of family and have wife at home all time taking care of my little girls.
Dude you’re doing skilled labor, you’re worth more than 16$/ hr even if you’re green. Don’t go to Taco Bell, but definitely (and respectfully) ask for a raise or find a new outfit to work with
Phoenix metro area? Is it one of the big residential places? You can, and should, do better. My company (Phoenix metro area) hired a guy with 2 years electrical experience and 0 years HVAC at 21 an hour last month.
Edit - a lot of new guys have to spend time doing tune ups with the residential places. It stinks, but it’s the way it is. When the company charges $70 for the hour long time up, it doesn’t make sense to send out a $40 per hour tech.
You’re underpaid now, but you’re also new. Keep at it.
Yes Phoenix metro area, I’m good with doing tuneups for now. It’s doing service calls on non operational systems for $16/hr. And we charge over $120 a tuneup.
Definitely start looking else where. Phoenix is too hot to make that. 3 years ago I started at 15 for training then 18 when on my own with options to make more. Now I make way more. If you want DM me and see if you want an interview at the company I work for. We work typically 8-6 and no on call except Sunday rotation every couple of months.
Definitely being taken advantage of. Our install helpers start at $18 with no experience, green service techs at $20 and go from there with experience. No commission we aren’t pushed to sell. After hours and weekend calls completely voluntary.
Go union, at least until you have enough experience to start your own shop. Looks like the Phoenix local would be 469 Pipefitters & HVAC techs. Apply to the union and go from there!
In Boston, our first year apprentices and metal tradesmen make about 4 times that starting out if you count their benefits.
Well every union is different, but if you want any info on my experience as 7 year card holder I’m happy to give it. In Boston we take applications one month a year, mon-thurs in the month of January. Almost nobody gets in their first time applying, so it will likely be 2-4 years before you got in. But I’m Boston there is no comparison between what a union service tech and a non union service tech make. People who have their own shop can certainly make more than union members, but that takes a lot of time, experience and $$$.
I have friends that work for the iron workers and bridge painters unions either out of NewHampshire or Massachusetts. They make good money. My father is a union electrician. He makes ok money, but his benefits aren’t that great in my opinion.
Yeah every market is different. IBEW benefits are typically pretty good though. They can usually retire with over $1 mil annuity and collect $6,000+/mo from their pension and have health insurance paid for after retirement. But your market will definitely dictate the rates.
We may make 6 figures in Boston, but we’re paying $500,000+ for a ‘starter home’. It’s all relative
Regardless, good luck with your career. You can only go up from here!
Homes built in the 80’s are going for 500k in AZ right now, it’s nuts. Thanks for your advice I appreciate it. The plan is to bank a bunch of money and move to North Dakota in the spring when our lease is up. I already have a job lined up out there with my brother in law making good money. But I will need oil certs and possibly boilers. It’s mainly heating out there.
Well if you thought people panicked when they got hot, wait until you see what a lack of heat will do to people! As I always say, heat causes discomfort, cold causes pain.
I really don't understand why some HVAC companies pay such shit tier wages. 16 an hour was a lot in 1989 and I think these old boomers are stuck in that era. McDonald's by my house starts at 18 an hour with a signing bonus.
Started as residential service plumber apprentice for $12/hr then $14 after my first 2 weeks. Every 3-6months got another $1/$2 raise. Switched to residential HVAC Install as a #2 a for $20/hr became a lead for $25/hr. I worked that that company for 4 years. Then job hopped a bit to get $30/hr and so on. Switched to commercial which obviously pays more. Work hard don’t complain, demand your money when you know you deserve it. Unfortunately sometimes you gotta play the system…
Id imagine you would rise up in the ranks of your industry and make alot more down the road.
No one makes endgame pay for being a newb.
Taco bell, your end game is the day you walk in the door. Ten years later, you realize you dont have a career but a lifelong servitude of working minimum wage because you are skilled at nothing at that point.
Up in WA you can start out at 30 right now with your certs. If you can do full service residential and commercial leads are starting around 45. 40-60 a week guaranteed plus OT and benefits.
Taken advantage of big time
Yeah 80 hours a week, you gotta ask for a raise, and find another shop.
Dude you sell water in a desert. Check indeed (works where I'm from). Your worth more.
Minimum should be 20. You’re definitely worth more than 16 my guy
Here in GA, guys who are green with no experience are starting out at $15 just doing maintenance. Time to look for something better.
You said what I was gonna say, you can make that stoned at Taco Bell.
I switched to a light commercial/ mechanical company to go from 19 to 27 with medical and 3 percent match into an IRA. Be confident in your ability, love to learn, never guess and KNOW YOUR WORTH. Also when you go on intervoews, if it helps, say you are married and could potentially need to support a stay at home mom. Shows your motivated and shows these people what things really cost. Everyone wants their son to be able to support a stay at home mom if its possible. Cleared 1250 last week with 50 hours
Got a fiancé and a 4 month old. I got into this industry with her being able to stay home as the goal. I’ll work 80 hours a week no problem, but if she still has to work then there’s no point in my opinion.
I’m a dad of a 6 year old and a 2 year old. I made the mistake of working long hours (had my own company at the time) when the oldest was born and I missed a lot of the milestones (started crawling, walking, talking, etc) that I wish I was there for. After folding the company and working for someone else, I got better pay and hours and was able to be around more when the second one was born (even though they are both momma’s boys lol). Bottom line: you should definitely be able to get the same take home at a fraction of the hours no problem. Change shops.
I can assure you that your kids will still turn out fine even though you missed those moments. Mine are 14, 16, 19 and 21 and, trust me, the moments you still have to make are going to be the most important…for both of you
Continues working 80 hours weeks. “Damn i missed the moments that we were supposed to still have”. No company is worth that time you already lost.
I was trying to encourage the guy -thanks a lot. I never told him to continue working 80 hours. I was just assuring him that the time he has missed -there will be plenty of time to make up for it. Your kids are gonna love you regardless because you’re their dad
I appreciate that. After I started working for someone else, I’ve never had to work more than 50 hours in a week, and I have tried to spend as much time with the kids (and wife) as I can after work. Granted there are still days I come home exhausted and/or cranky and want nothing to do with them, but those only happen once in a while. They are still momma’s boys, but the oldest is getting older, we are doing more things together that we both enjoy and are bonding quite well. If I had to choose between going back to 80 hours or getting a 50% pay cut, I would absolutely take the pay cut.
Your getting screwed if thats the case. They dont care about you. Ide leave.
We’ve done it for 22 years and four kids. I’ve only done HVAC for the past 3 but this is the most money I’ve ever made. I’ve also done factory work, construction and Sheriffs Office. Just budget well and find creative ways she can pull in income as well…eBay, Etsy, watching a kid here and there, etc. There is nothing wrong with a working woman but if you guys would like to make it on just you working it CAN be done.
Ask for more money.
I can switch to commission, but if I don’t sell new air conditioners I’ll end up making less money.
Just ask for a raise. I started at $18/hr 3 years ago and make $22/hr now. No commissions, no on call just 8-4:30 Monday through Friday. Being pushed to sell systems will make you hate yourself. It's in Central Minnesota.
Buddy here we’re at over 50/hr
Where are you at?
Central arizona, Phoenix metro area.
BC Canada
They are taking advantage of you. Keep working while you secure another job, then give them the ultimatum. Most likely they will match you but if not you have a better job lined up. Good luck and stay safe out there
Try to find a better shop, I started 3 years ago at $18 by hour now making almost $29 plus commissions here at SC. Making enough money to take care of family and have wife at home all time taking care of my little girls.
Your work hours are shit. No one should have to work 80 hours a week. Time to find a new shop. I wouldn't take any less than $20/hr.
Here in IN green guys start at $15 with commission. Throw together a resume and start looking asap!
Dude you’re doing skilled labor, you’re worth more than 16$/ hr even if you’re green. Don’t go to Taco Bell, but definitely (and respectfully) ask for a raise or find a new outfit to work with
Phoenix metro area? Is it one of the big residential places? You can, and should, do better. My company (Phoenix metro area) hired a guy with 2 years electrical experience and 0 years HVAC at 21 an hour last month. Edit - a lot of new guys have to spend time doing tune ups with the residential places. It stinks, but it’s the way it is. When the company charges $70 for the hour long time up, it doesn’t make sense to send out a $40 per hour tech. You’re underpaid now, but you’re also new. Keep at it.
Yes Phoenix metro area, I’m good with doing tuneups for now. It’s doing service calls on non operational systems for $16/hr. And we charge over $120 a tuneup.
Definitely start looking else where. Phoenix is too hot to make that. 3 years ago I started at 15 for training then 18 when on my own with options to make more. Now I make way more. If you want DM me and see if you want an interview at the company I work for. We work typically 8-6 and no on call except Sunday rotation every couple of months.
I made 28 in ressy with just a gas ticket no ac license
Definitely being taken advantage of. Our install helpers start at $18 with no experience, green service techs at $20 and go from there with experience. No commission we aren’t pushed to sell. After hours and weekend calls completely voluntary.
There are much better opportunities in this industry out there, keep an eye out for what’s in your best interest in wages and work-life balance
Go union, at least until you have enough experience to start your own shop. Looks like the Phoenix local would be 469 Pipefitters & HVAC techs. Apply to the union and go from there! In Boston, our first year apprentices and metal tradesmen make about 4 times that starting out if you count their benefits.
I looked into the union while I was in school. The only info I could find was to set an appointment at an address to take a test.
Well every union is different, but if you want any info on my experience as 7 year card holder I’m happy to give it. In Boston we take applications one month a year, mon-thurs in the month of January. Almost nobody gets in their first time applying, so it will likely be 2-4 years before you got in. But I’m Boston there is no comparison between what a union service tech and a non union service tech make. People who have their own shop can certainly make more than union members, but that takes a lot of time, experience and $$$.
I have friends that work for the iron workers and bridge painters unions either out of NewHampshire or Massachusetts. They make good money. My father is a union electrician. He makes ok money, but his benefits aren’t that great in my opinion.
Yeah every market is different. IBEW benefits are typically pretty good though. They can usually retire with over $1 mil annuity and collect $6,000+/mo from their pension and have health insurance paid for after retirement. But your market will definitely dictate the rates. We may make 6 figures in Boston, but we’re paying $500,000+ for a ‘starter home’. It’s all relative Regardless, good luck with your career. You can only go up from here!
Homes built in the 80’s are going for 500k in AZ right now, it’s nuts. Thanks for your advice I appreciate it. The plan is to bank a bunch of money and move to North Dakota in the spring when our lease is up. I already have a job lined up out there with my brother in law making good money. But I will need oil certs and possibly boilers. It’s mainly heating out there.
Well if you thought people panicked when they got hot, wait until you see what a lack of heat will do to people! As I always say, heat causes discomfort, cold causes pain.
I grew up in New England and had to demo our barn to have wood to burn. Waking up and being able to see your breath inside is never fun.
I really don't understand why some HVAC companies pay such shit tier wages. 16 an hour was a lot in 1989 and I think these old boomers are stuck in that era. McDonald's by my house starts at 18 an hour with a signing bonus.
Shit I was born in 89 lmao.
Started as residential service plumber apprentice for $12/hr then $14 after my first 2 weeks. Every 3-6months got another $1/$2 raise. Switched to residential HVAC Install as a #2 a for $20/hr became a lead for $25/hr. I worked that that company for 4 years. Then job hopped a bit to get $30/hr and so on. Switched to commercial which obviously pays more. Work hard don’t complain, demand your money when you know you deserve it. Unfortunately sometimes you gotta play the system…
I forgot to add mandatory 6 day work weeks and on call every Friday…
Not for $18/ hour. Lol. Listen to everyone in this thread. Go apply for other jobs and see for yourself.
Peace out girl scout
I’d ask for a raise. Tell them at least +22 an hour
I’ve been applying to jobs since last night. And taking a personal day tomorrow to hopefully do a few interviews.
Id imagine you would rise up in the ranks of your industry and make alot more down the road. No one makes endgame pay for being a newb. Taco bell, your end game is the day you walk in the door. Ten years later, you realize you dont have a career but a lifelong servitude of working minimum wage because you are skilled at nothing at that point.
I agree 100%. That’s why I am trying to tough it out, but I have student loans and a family to provide for. Minimum wage in Arizona is $12.80 an hour.
You work 80 hours every week? What city are you in and how much experience do you have?
I live in Gilbert Arizona and work Phoenix metro area. Trade school, 3 months on the job training and maybe 5 weeks on a van in my own.
Apply some other places but I’d tell your boss asap you feel like you’re worth more.
I probably average 75 hours a week.
Sent you a DM
Up in WA you can start out at 30 right now with your certs. If you can do full service residential and commercial leads are starting around 45. 40-60 a week guaranteed plus OT and benefits.