The construction industry suffers from a widespread assumption among the public that pay is low. This discourages many people from ever pursuing the craft despite initial interest or fitting characteristics. In reality, construction professionals earn a competitive salary that rivals what four-year degree holders make. However, there’s always room for advancement when it comes to earnings. As a craftsman, you can leverage your ingenuity, perseverance, and skills to maximize your earnings in the construction industry. Here’s how:
Learn what craftsmen make.
When you first break into the industry following an apprenticeship, trade program, or schooling, you don’t have to simply accept the first offer that comes your way. It’s not a grand conspiracy or anything, but employers simply aren’t going to put their highest offer front and center when hiring. It might take a little nudging on your part.
That’s why it’s important to do some research to see what construction professionals earn so you have a rough idea of what you could reasonably demand. Make sure you look at income in your geographical region for comparable positions which you might qualify for to get the most accurate idea.
Improve your skills.
There are many factors that go into determining how much a construction employer is willing to pay a craftsman including experience level, education, project budget, and – most importantly – skills. In other words, the more you have to offer, the more earning potential you have. It’s a simple math equation. Companies are going to be willing to offer higher rates for craftsmen they deem more valuable to their overall income.
You can drastically improve the value of your offerings by continuously improving your skills. Some of this development comes from experience, but you can speed up the process by taking additional courses, going to school longer, and seeking out specific licenses. It’s all about setting yourself apart from the competition. You should always be looking for new ways to become a more dynamic, versatile, and capable craftsman so your income potential is always on the rise.
Ask for a raise.
Craftsmen know better than most that the most direct answer is oftentimes the best solution. If you think you deserve to earn more, ask for it! Confidence is a key trait for improving job interviews and getting what you want, but you don’t have to save it for transitioning to new roles or moving companies. You can request a raise whenever you deem it appropriate.
According to Payscale, 39% of people who ask for a raise end up getting it! Of course, most don’t get their desired amount, so make sure to leave some space for negotiation when providing your requested rate. You’ll most likely be asked why you should get increased pay, so prepare ahead of time with concrete reasons. Being with a company for a long time, contributing to a valuable project, or expanding your role are all possible justifications for a raise.
Work with a staffing professional.
The landscape of construction gigs is far-reaching and diverse. Naturally, there will be some discrepancy in pay between positions, making it crucial for craftsmen to pick the roles and companies that can match their desired income. That’s easier said than done when even finding a rewarding job is challenging. That’s where working with a construction staffing professional can help.
These experts have in-depth knowledge of the local construction industry and pair professionals with leading employees in the area based on the specific needs and goals of the craftsman. When choosing a recruiter, be sure they’re an expert in the construction industry and properly motivated to help you (specifically you) succeed.
Feel like you should be earning more for the work you do? Looking for a higher-paying construction role? You’re not alone! The staffing experts at Madden Craftsmen have been helping talented craftsmen find more fulfilling and financially rewarding positions for decades. We match construction professionals with leading employers in the PNW. We’d be honored to support your job search. Check out IamMadden.com for a list of immediate job openings.
