I've been welding for 10 years. Started TIG welding bicycle frames then got into custom pieces of furniture and other work in the off season of bikes. Now I'm into the rig welding routine here in Colorado. The two main reasons I'm into it is that it's rewarding work and also the pay is good IF you have the right contacts. I have a family to support so the money is a big draw.
What we need is a pay scale forum in the form of a web site. So my concept for now is a "Rig Welders Group". (This is NOT a union, no money is involved) Basically it would be a simple web site where you could go and anonymously (no names) enter in such things as type of welding, location/city, hourly rate, per diem, travel pay rate and years of experience. Most people have access to the web, either at home or on the road via internet cafes. A website is the easiest way for people to share information that benefits every one involved. The pay scale needs to be discussed and reviewed over and over because it is always changing. If every one is informed and on the same page then your pay negotiation hand just got a lot better. All I read about is the shortage of welders out there. Here are a few stories.
http://files.aws.org/pr/shortagefactsheet.pdfhttp://www.datakey.org/gawdajournal/1q07/weldershortage.php3http://www.thefabricator.com/ShopManagement/ShopManagement_Article.cfm?ID=177So here are the basics to keep in mind and why we should do this:
Cost of living is going up every year. There is a serious welder shortage. We are highly skilled workers. We deserve fair pay.
It's time to bring this together in our information age and look out for one another. Give me your input, good or bad, if you're intrested, additional ideas. I can get the web site put together and give it a home, just let me know if there is interest. Please pass along this discussion thread for everyone to read. Thanks for your time.