[jwholden]

Julie,

A laborer in my parts starts around 10 an hour and goes up a dollar or two more an hour if they are worth it, IE show up for work, keep working without the boss standing over them, know 'how' to perfrom physical labor.

Skilled labor; knowing how to use a lawn mower, mulch, or plant a tree would start around 12 dollars an hour. However, I have yet to hire skilled labor but train entry level to perform skilled labor. I prefer to train because I don't want to inherit some other contractors bad habits. Hire on attitude and train skills, this statement is so true.

I have never hired a skilled labor or foreman, but this is my take on the matter.

A guy with a drivers license should get around 14 or 15 an hour.

A foreman who can keep the crew motivated and make correct decisions without calling the boss every 10 minutes should get around 16 to 19 an hour.

Final disclaimer, it depends who you talk to about wages. A bigger company can get laborers cheaper and in volume by using the local unemployment office or hiring H2B laborers. A smaller more efficient company may pay a laborer more and get more production, with less headaches.

If I have guys who come to work, do their job without complaining, and have a positive attidute I will do everything I can to keep them around. This includes rounding up hours on early days and spontaneous bonuses of 50 or 100 dollars in addition to Gatorade and an occasional pizza.

This year I am considering a bonus equal to two to three weeks pay with a penalty involved for the guy who has missed way to many days this year. I'm hoping this will ensure I have 'Skilled' labor next year as well.