[justgardens]

I have read in trade magazines the national averages for wages in our type of business. I'd be interested in knowing where I am compared to GTX members. What are your average wages for entry level and a skilled workers?

[outsideguy]

the closest company i have to competition pays rookies 6 an hr and bumps to 6.50 the second year if they retain them. i usually get their 2-3 year techs and i start them at 7. bump .50 about mid season. 3-5 yr keepers, earn their way to 8.5 an hr. and look to make 10 an hr by their 5 yr. mark. by this time they usually take on foreman responsibily, and maybe get assigned a truck. i buy lunches about once a week, and keep my guys in clean new shirts 2-3 x per season.

[treedoc1]

starting labor $10/hr up to $12 after 1 year
crew leader with driver license $15/hr
experienced stone mason $16-18/hr

we pay no additional benefits at this time.

crew leaders take company vehicles home at night to transport their crews to and from the job site.

I have had more than a few employees leave, but come back after a few months. The grass isn't always greener....