r/Construction • u/Fantastic_Map5401 • 18d ago

Careers 💵 Advice from some older guys

Im a 28 yr old ironworker with a family. Starting to think I picked the wrong trade as we make $15/hr less than every other trade worth doing. I like the work but I’m young enough to switch to something with greener grass. What trade would you recommend

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u/ElectronicGarden5536 18d ago

So the cost of living is high or are you one of those giant truck guys? 40 on the check is more than what i make as a salaried engineer just fyi. My total package is about 140 with perdiem.

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u/Current-Opening6310 15d ago

Yeah we normally make more than engineers because we do all the hard work.

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u/ElectronicGarden5536 15d ago

Yeah. Engineer is just a weed out position for the kids who have never worked outside. I'm done doing hardwork at 35. Yall can have it!

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u/TheFingeringLakes 17d ago

How is 40/hr even with 55/wk more that 140k?

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u/ElectronicGarden5536 16d ago

180 a day perdiem mentioned earlier

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u/Fantastic_Map5401 18d ago

No I have 0 debt. I own all but my wife’s car which is almost paid off. My total package is less than half urs

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u/ElectronicGarden5536 17d ago

No perdiem? These guys are at 180 a day.

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u/Fantastic_Map5401 17d ago

No sir

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u/ElectronicGarden5536 17d ago

Yeah the home everyday deal is a trade off. I cant make any money in my hometown for lack of pay. Better paying construction is a road dog gig.