The Green Industry's Resource Center

scraper69 · #1 02-04-2005, 10:15 AM

whats a fair wage... im in MICH.. for a lawn care laborer.. starting wage... little experience.. just curious..

mastercare · #2 02-04-2005, 01:50 PM

I started working for someone else in 1997. Very large local company that paid me $7.5 to start with no experience. Over 4 years moved up to $12. I was summer help only (4 months) while I was home from school. People who worked year round got paid slightly better, and had benefits.

That was 8 years ago, but the company also paid more than average at that time. I would say for a younger, brand new guy: $8 to start. With good experience, start at $9-10. And, give raises as they prove themself.

scraper69 · #3 02-04-2005, 04:34 PM

thats what i was thinkin... $10- max.. get a CDL.. $1.00 raise... and maybe $1.00 over the summer if show improvement

scraper69 · #4 02-04-2005, 10:38 PM

just talked with the guy.. hes actually a freind.... worked with me about 7 years ago - for one year... knows basics.. but we talked about all he would be doing ---and then came the salary.. he starts out by saying.. well i make $15/hour now.. (hes a painter--"paints houses for a small company) and i really cant afford much less than that...his bills and all" so i say well... youve been there for 5years... you cant just start somewhere at top pay.. you gotta grow... So i sell him on the Unemployment issue in the winter.. he likes the idea of only workin 8 mos.. and gettin unemplyment.. but still cant see that i have to start him at the MAX .. $11/hour.. than 12 after 60 days and if he gets a CDL in the fall... $13... and each year increase... thats pretty good pay in my eyes.. "is it not?" let me know your thoughts... Thanks

scraper69 · #5 02-04-2005, 10:40 PM

ohhh also... hes affraid to start over basically.. and he really hates painting.. and the grind of everyday smelling paint fumes and lookin a white walls.. but its casual work... you know "breaks.. they only work 9-3 or so... very laid back and easy work.. but he really hates that trade???? need to know what to do... i know if i had him.. he could be potential Long term employee....??

LLCO · #6 02-04-2005, 10:56 PM

I think that LawnAndLandscape did a study on this by region. I am not sure that Lawnsite will let me post a link there but it is on thier website.

Turf Medic · #7 02-05-2005, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scraper69

just talked with the guy.. hes actually a freind.... worked with me about 7 years ago - for one year... knows basics.. but we talked about all he would be doing ---and then came the salary.. he starts out by saying.. well i make $15/hour now.. (hes a painter--"paints houses for a small company) and i really cant afford much less than that...his bills and all" so i say well... youve been there for 5years... you cant just start somewhere at top pay.. you gotta grow... So i sell him on the Unemployment issue in the winter.. he likes the idea of only workin 8 mos.. and gettin unemplyment.. but still cant see that i have to start him at the MAX .. $11/hour.. than 12 after 60 days and if he gets a CDL in the fall... $13... and each year increase... thats pretty good pay in my eyes.. "is it not?" let me know your thoughts... Thanks

If the guy makes $15 hour year round and you are planning on paying him $11 hour 8 months, and then cut back to unemployment for the winter. IMO all you are going to accomplish in this deal is the loss of a friend. He might think the unemployment sounds great now, but when they come to take his vehicle because he is making less per year and can't make the payments. He is going to be pi...d at you not himself for agreeing to the cut in pay to change jobs.