How much are we worth?

I would think that if you pay a guy $15.00 or more per hour, he should know what to do without you having to explain every little detail, maybe just tell him where to start and what you want him to do, no explaining to him every 20 minutes or so. Laredo Striping had some awesome helpers that helped me with a job last year and they knew what to do without being told, that is what I am looking for.

Thanks Chris, those type of guys are rare....to find a young energetic worker that wont show up hungover and knows what to do just by FEELING what you want done is rare.

I used to pay everyone $20 because I just couldn't imagine anyone living on less (even though I did for many years). Then I lowered it to $17 for newbies, but now I am going to $15 for newbies, The time spent the first few days going over everything is just too costly. The more important factor though, after they have the basics, is how quickly do they begin to pick things up on their own and take the initiative. My pet peeve is making sure the stencils are always laid out ahead of the painters. Some people can never get past the level of putting the stencils where you tell them and then staring all glassy eyed at the paint fan. Also they should be able to pick up the basics of the paint gun fairly quickly. I also tend to quickly reward the ones that meet the above criteria. Don't fool around with a good worker, pay then. Labor is far and away the highest expense for me but with a good helper or painter they are worth every penny.

I've been reading this forum for the last couple of months, and this topic really hit a nerve. I have over 5 years of striping experience with a break in the middle to join the U.S. Army. I started at this company not making what I am worth and I also feel that my talents are not utilized. My question to all of you is should I try to start my own striping company or should I try to find a different company to work for that will pay me for my talents and knowledge?

Everyone dumb kid that comes through my door thinks they are worth more than they are. If they can show up sober and work for 8-10 hours without pissing me off, they get $14 per hr. If they stick around to the point where I don't have to hold their hand every minute of every day they can make up to $20. Both wages include IRA and benefits. If I were to go to work for someone else I would have to get atleast $250-300 a day (regardless of how many hours worked) plus benefits, retirement, vehicle and bonuses. But I get stuff done, thats how I was raised, go to work and do your job. Don't complain about doing something. Just do it. thats the problem with people now. In the amount of time that they spend complaining about doing a job, the job could have been finished. PS. Urgent x Fury 5 years of experience is nothing. I have been doing this for 21 yrs since I was 9 yrs old and I still have stuff to learn. Like I said everyone thinks they are worth more than they are. (with the very rare exception)

Trust me I know I am worth more than what I am getting paid. The bad part is that I know a lot more about striping then my supervisor. This is the frustrating part, I have showed him so many tricks to make the job go faster without losing the quality of work. I can layout roadways and parking lots without anyone holding my hand. Stephan I do like constructive criticism so please don't take this as me being cocky.

I know I am not worth what I get paid but I am working on it.