what woudl you pay

[Thillmaine1]

Just wanted to make something clear. I am very happy with my wage. My boss I am not sure is so happy about paying me this much because I am not that much younger then him and he remebers the days when he didnt even make half of what i make. John464 pay scale is pretty much where I am at, and I think its fair statement. I just started there in August and wont be asking for any raise, if I get one then sweet but I wont be asking. Thanks for everyones input, I think where I am at financially is fair to me and the boss. I know what I bring in daily, and I know most of it isnt profit, just overhead. I am happy to have work, and a bunch of cool dudes to work with/for. Cant really ask for anythign else.Thanks for everyones replies, keep em comin if you got more to add.

 

[treesandsurf]

I'm in somewhat of a similar condition. I'm starting to realize I will probably always believe I deserve more money than I'm making. Right now I'm on the books for 20/hr. I get called to do all the big nasty jobs; removals, pruning, anything out of reach for the bucket or too tricky for the rest of the guys in the company. Also have a BS and Cert Arb.

Being over qualified has its downsides because you always think you should make more money. I'd be completely content at this wage if the atmosphere was more pleasant; the culture of the company makes all the difference in the world. I work with a lot of really 'tough' tree guys who came from the utility industry and do military contracting. Funny thing is, as tough as they act I get the call for the bigger stuff.

But it's work for now and I am thankful for that!

jp

 

[Tree Pig]

I am a 23. Been in the tree business since I was 16. Climbing since i was 18. I can do it all, degree or none. Great attitude, always willing to go the etra mile. Saturday, sunday, worked 19 days striaght in december. I go out with 2 guys who have never used a chainsaw before and bring in 2 grand a day. Hang off the hook if needed. Feller, climber, stumper, firewod #####, whatever needs to be done. Never had any major property damage (maybe a shrub or two), show up on time.
Not looking for a million here, just wondering where I stand amongst others in this business.

Just say yes sir to your boss and thank you for the job. Keep doing the best job you can for him. Save your money pinch pennies until you have enough to go out on your own with sufficient equipment, license and insurance and make the money for yourself. But before you do it be a man tell your boss what you are doing and thank him for the training and experience. Offer him to at least finish out whatever work is needed until he can replace you (he may tell you to go get farked and toss you out right there). Dont burn bridges in life you never know when you need to cross them again. You may find that 6 months later he is calling you and sub contracting you for jobs.

Karma is huge

 

[capetrees]

It's been touched upon in here from post to post but the qualifications you have need to be something the employer needs for him make more money, something gained from your knowledge. I have licenses and certs in all kinds of areas and as a result, the guy I work with benifits from it and he takes on jobs as a result. In respect to that, he pays me well because he gains well. If I had a teachers certification for instance, what does he care? He makes nothing off of it. But a class A CDL makes his life easier in that I can drive instead of him or we both can drive and make even more money. If your licenses and certs are such that the boss's business hinges on them, you should make the comparable wage. And if not, maybe your certs and licenses can get you a business of your own.

 

[TreEmergencyB]

it really doesnt matter what certs and degrees you have untill your in the tree doing your thing, i made 14hr as a ground guy at 20yo now i am making that a different company climbing not everyday but im still learning im not that fast rigging down removals i can prune like a mofo though. My last company paid me 16hr to climb everyday but they didnt have work everyday so i needed to find other, so at 23 with only monthes of climbing experince im making 14-16hr climbing, i know one guy who will give me 15 for ground work only and i have no CDL no spray liscences, not cert arborist, never been to college, but i work my butt off you can be qualified to do anything but till someone sees you do it your not worth a penny, that peice of paper dont make it you do!

and all i bring is my own climbing belt and flipline they dont pay for me to run my $600 chain saw or wear out my ropes

 

[jefflovstrom]

Thanks to you

Just wanted to make something clear. I am very happy with my wage. My boss I am not sure is so happy about paying me this much because I am not that much younger then him and he remebers the days when he didnt even make half of what i make. John464 pay scale is pretty much where I am at, and I think its fair statement. I just started there in August and wont be asking for any raise, if I get one then sweet but I wont be asking. Thanks for everyones input, I think where I am at financially is fair to me and the boss. I know what I bring in daily, and I know most of it isnt profit, just overhead. I am happy to have work, and a bunch of cool dudes to work with/for. Cant really ask for anythign else.Thanks for everyones replies, keep em comin if you got more to add.

No, thanks to you, you started it.
Jeff

 

[jefflovstrom]

I'm in somewhat of a similar condition. I'm starting to realize I will probably always believe I deserve more money than I'm making. Right now I'm on the books for 20/hr. I get called to do all the big nasty jobs; removals, pruning, anything out of reach for the bucket or too tricky for the rest of the guys in the company. Also have a BS and Cert Arb.

Being over qualified has its downsides because you always think you should make more money. I'd be completely content at this wage if the atmosphere was more pleasant; the culture of the company makes all the difference in the world. I work with a lot of really 'tough' tree guys who came from the utility industry and do military contracting. Funny thing is, as tough as they act I get the call for the bigger stuff.

But it's work for now and I am thankful for that!

jp

You should further south like San Diego area.
Jeff

 

[conlan]

Depends where you are working

In Vancouver, BC, Canada, probably between $20-$25/hr. But not much more than that.

 

[lxt]

I agree with john! I would have to question your certs though...... why? CDL class A with all endorsements...MMmmm your 23 I know that most trucking companies dont want any one driving under the age of 25, a good company wont even consider a 21 year old & most schools will bring in recruiters to tell you the same! Im sure you have a cdl but not enough experience to flaunt it!

your Cert. Arborist credential.... 23 is pretty young to have & is excellent, however the "time in grade" factor is not there, In my book you are not a good knowledgeable "tree guy" untill you have 10yrs in & even then you will still not know it all.

what you have...... most on here have!!! this industry is hard work & not the greatest pay, you see $2k a day...... where I see a solid 1/3 for taxes, fuel expenses, w. comp, insurance, maintenance, etc... some days the owner gets the bear no doubt, but right now during these times....owners are being had by the bear!!

good luck in what you chose & be safe!

LXT............