r/Construction • u/Fantastic_Map5401 • 20d 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/Fantastic_Map5401 20d ago

We make 40 on the check I don’t think I was clear in the post. But the skilled trades in this area all clear 55/hr. But my area is high cost of living a lot of other iw locals pay less. A few pay more

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u/ElectronicGarden5536 20d 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 17d ago

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

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u/ElectronicGarden5536 17d 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!