With the market continuing to grow, many professionals we speak with are wondering, “Am I being paid what I should be?
If you are considering that question, here are seven…yep, seven quick hints and tips to ensure you are being looked after, along with some industry standards.
Every sector and area are slightly different, so the below can vary. But a good rule of thumb is to know that typically Pipe professionals are paid slightly higher than Grade professionals. So if you have a Structures background that can increase your pay and an Estimator with a big solid log and track record, you should be paid over six figures.
1 – Tenure matters.
Employers will reward longevity with a company. Conversely, leaving a company every few months is a sure-fire way to make it challenging to obtain a high-paying role in the future.
2 – Hands-on roles typically pay more.
If you work in the field, such as a Pipe Superintendent managing multiple crews, a Grade Foreman, or even an overall Project Superintendent, you will be paid higher than a standard office role. Why? Good question! It’s harder to find good people for the field, and whether the business is successful is down to your expertise.
3 – Bringing crews always pays.
Simply put, if you can bring a crew or 2 with you, you will get paid more. This is due to your employer not having to find a whole team for you. It also shows that you’re a great Superintendent or Foreman, and your team likes you.
4 – Depth of experience helps.
The more sectors you have worked in, the better. Some larger companies cover multiple areas such as major highways, commercial, residential, or industrial. Having a broader experience will make you invaluable to your employer – so make sure it’s on your resume!
5 – Truck Allowance is important.
Whether you use a personal truck or a work truck is entirely up to you, but here are some guidelines if you use your personal truck.
$0-500 per month = below industry standard
$500 – $650 per month = Industry average
$650 + = above industry standard
6 – PTO.
Paid time off can vary between employers, and the below doesn’t include public holidays, so to give you a benchmark, here are the guidelines.
Two weeks PTO = average
Three weeks PTO = Above average
Four weeks PTO = Top end of the market
7 – Bonuses.
Bonuses are great, and we encourage all of our clients to offer them, but many are on a discretionary bonus and aren’t typically discussed within the company.
During your annual report, appraisal meeting, or during your contract negotiation, we suggest raising the topic of bonuses.
If you have an option, and you believe in your value, and so does your employer, then always look to negotiate a personal performance rather than a company performance.
Why? Simply put, you want to be bonused on what you can control.
