Starting Wages For Helper

KellyPainting

Whats everyones starting wages for helpers.....And then new painters
ya, I know it will decide on location... just wondering?

ProWallGuy

Complete novice, no skills whatsoever, $8 per hour.

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KellyPainting

Ya I've been hearing that... I think I've been paying 2 much
$10 for novice/ no experience sometimes more $100 day.

Richard

$10/hr to start...

I honestly can care less about speed, I look for quality so I dont have to waste my time and money to fix everything. Once they are producing well and consistant, they make more

MakDeco

I have a 16 yr looking to start with me this summer, I was going to say 7.50$. Min wage in IL now is somehwere close to that.I would like to start him lower but can I ? Its hard to find kids that want to do trades for a job. Most want to do something that requires no labor what so ever!
Other helpers for the summer that have worked with me in the past are at 12$-14$ but this will be there 4th summer. They will be out of college and need to make up there minds if they are going to paint or move to there fields they have been studing up. I may only get one this summer as one might do somekind of internship.

My main guys is at 22 hr and been with me for 6 yrs as well. I am consider giving him a raise soon.

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MAK Deco

lpp

Wow, we must be behind times here. Min wage is $5.15/hr and I pay 7 for no experience with a quick raise if they catch on quickly.

MakDeco

Yeah IL has created there own Min wage on top of the federal one. There's a lot going on in Chicago about living wages, the city of Chicago is trying to get big box retailers to pay there employees 9-11hr w/ benefits. Go figure Walmart is the biggest one against it.

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MAK Deco

4thGeneration

When I first stepped on the painting scene in 1991 I was 19 years old in my Grandpas company I knew only a little bit and had limited experience. I would say I had no experience, but I actually worked in summers here and there as a putty, sanding and staining fool. Anyhow, my Grandpa said he was not concerned about speed, but wanted top notch quality. After repetition doing it right the speed would come. I started out then at about $5.50 per hour. Now I would say I would start off a guy at like $9-$10 per hour, but just choose wisely. Make sure they are responsible for their age. I rather find a willing responsible young man that "I" can train up the right way than a painter of 25 years experience in crap work. The best thing you can say to the new employee is quality first, speed second, if you do not make me any money do not cost me any money. Thats what my Papa told me and it was a load off my shoulders because I knew that even if I was slower I could make up for it with a job that did not have to be revisited.

DelW

Quote of the day

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farrellpainting

min wage seems a lil low for even a novice/apprentice painter, you decide on what he's worth to ya: is he/she a kid going off to college that youll have to keep your profit gouging eye on just for him to take off?, or is he/she someone that has potential to be an attribute to your company in the future? i do agree with 4th gen about teaching quality first and speed second, kinda sounds like my first boss, other than; eventhough, i worked my way up to the third best man on the crew out of 10-12 seasonals, in 2 summers, it still wasnt enough for this guy, and he never said thanks not even once to me, so i left and started my own biz! it all depends on how you treat your employee's overall to get the work out of them that you expect!!! if you dont give them the $$$ and respect that they deserve youll lose them!!!

i should add that this does not mean buying them lunch everyday, or even paid lunch breaks, or 2 15mins in the middle of the @#$%^&* day either! just pay them what they deserve(bonuses for foreman) and treat everybody with common everyday respect!



scrooge painter, out!

Workaholic

That is what i think as well, had to many idoits that did not listen to prep tech, instead just wanted to go fast. I tell them the same, only a few can listen.
We would start a helper with no experience out a 8$. Real painters make about 15-18hr, Top guys make more, but also have to do management and pr work.

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Sean

MakDeco

This is the quote of the day for sure!

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MAK Deco

MakDeco

I agree with you post for the most part, but respect is a two way street. I give respect with its due, but I have had guys that don't respect the owners etc.. There are a lot guys out there that are working for a check to blow every week at the bar. We have all seen them.
Also I figure most college or summer helpers aren't worth what an average full time painter helpers pay should be. If I see one that is going to stay with painting and he's good then yes, he is worth more. Most summer helper are doing for the job also.

And actually buying lunch and paid breaks are a perk not a right. But I do agree with a bonus and such.

Farrell sounds like you a little bitter towards your old boss? But take that experience and improve upon in your own business, maybe the fact that you learned to be a better boss is your bonus from your old boss, just a thought

I am off to Michigan for the weekend, to all have a great weekend also!

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MAK Deco

slickshift

Helpers $11 - $13
Painters start at $15

For a little perspective, $11 not a real livable wage out here
The supermarkets advertise baggers to start at $11
And a crappy one-room apt. over the liquor store, would be around $900 a month

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Originally Posted by ModernStyle I have never used this crap before and I pray to the paint gods that I never have to use it again, I would rather use Behr

MakDeco

ok so 8$-10$ is the same for helpers here in IL that is what a bagger would make.

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MAK Deco

vwovw

$10 is what i start them out at. sometimes 8 if they live at home and just got off the diapers. I also 1099 them.
Sackers won't learn any real skills. just how to bs and watch the ladies in the frozen food eiles.

Mike Finley

Very similiar for me $12-$15 an hour if you know which end of the hammer to hit your thumb with.

John S

$12.00/hr to start, minimun wage is $8.00/hour although there is talk of it going to $10.00 soon.

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JNLP

No Experience: $8
Some Experience: $10
Experienced To Start: $12.50
Experienced Who Proved Themselves: $15+

premierpainter

[quote=vwovw;207990]$10 is what i start them out at. sometimes 8 if they live at home and just got off the diapers. I also 1099 them.
How are you getting away with that? I guess that they are not employees if you are 1099 them. No insurance I am assuming as well?