Chris, it is a worse time to be looking for work. (Unless that is what you meant when you said "look for help"). I'd rather be the guy trying to decide who to hire because I really needed someone, than the guy looking for that one job with 100 guys or more trying to get it.
I understand the sentiment of the others about the lowness of shop wages compared to field or working for yourself. But, who has more headaches and worries about keeping people busy so they can all (company and employees) pay their bills. Look at all the differences between what you must supply for yourself if self employed or in field jobs compared to walking in the door every morning with all your equipment needs supplied by the company.
Most shop guys get to see the family almost everyday. I know many who make $20-30 per hr, get schooling and new certs paid for, sometimes medical benefits, most all needed equipment provided, company vehicles for when travel is needed if they are a company that has field work as well, new code books everytime they come out, and many other benefits. And they can live cheaper than the guys always on the road who have a family to take care of at home and themselves to provide for on the road.
Yes, I have been there. Worked through the Boilermakers for six years in CA, NV, CO, and OR. In the late 70's to early 80's, mostly CBI. Brought home 800-1200 per week. BUT, sold the house, moved the family in a 40' travel trailer and took them with me to all my work. You can live cheaper that way, but trust me, it's no way to raise a family. Some have done it very well. I commend them. It wasn't for us. Currently, headed for our 33 anniversary with 5 great kids and 5 grandkids that I get to see regularly. I'll take lower steady wages with those kinds of benefits anytime. Thankfully, we have a pretty successful family business welding shop. I make good money. I do some travel within our home state. Not gone long or often. I am also a CWI and use that for TPI purposes.
I respect all of you guys who posted above, Scott, Chris, Cactus, Sharp Tungsten, etc. I would like to request something though. I would think we could all work together without instantly assuming that someone wanted the moon for paper airplane prices. I find Chris (eekpod) to be a very upstanding person. Don't know the company. Would imagine it's not as bad as all that was said by those who also don't know anything about them. And just because some are happy, or forced through life's circumstances, to work for less than you do doesn't mean they aren't being paid well. Sometimes I wonder, when some put down others for not making the same amount of money, who is really the one who is unhappy? That is also what this country is all about. The freedom to work where you want, doing what you want. If the person getting those low wages really thinks he has the skills to make more, he is free to go. But, employers also must pay what they can afford for the work they need to accomplish. Hopefully, as they increase productivity, quality, and profits, they will spread the profits with the employees. Many do. I have worked for some. Yes, I know, there are also many who don't. If enough people decide they won't work for that kind of business, they will go out of business.
Going to get off my soapbox. It's just my two tin pennies worth anyway. I don't care to see us running each other down when eekpod didn't even give any specifics about wage/benefit package.
Have a Great Day, Brent