I'm curious...what are framing employees earning? My best is only part time (maybe 12-15 hours per week) because she is a new mom. She is very organized, pretty fast at the assembly table, has a great eye for color and design, and can handle almost any mounting job. Her only struggle is with matcutting, but we work together on that every week and I expect she will soon be capable. I pay her $12.00 an hour..she started 5 years ago at $7.00 with absolutely no framing experience and minimal retail experience. If I find someone with an inkling of framing experience, I pay $9.00 per hour to train for 4 weeks, then I pay $10.00 and go up from there as ability and loyalty determine. No experience in framing starts at $7.50 - $8.00 to train depending on other work history, etc. I should mention that none of the employees has to cut or join wood moulding...that is all done by two other employees at a separate location to keep the noise and dust factor at a minimum.
Pay Rates
- Thread starter DB
- Start date
F
framechick
Guest
Your profile doesn't give your location. The numbers you posted are pretty much in line with what I've seen here in the North Eastern U.S.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by framechick:
The numbers you posted are pretty much in line with what I've seen here in the North Eastern U.S.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>+
Same here in the Mid-South.
---Mike
The numbers you posted are pretty much in line with what I've seen here in the North Eastern U.S.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>+
Same here in the Mid-South.
---Mike
I like those numbers, too...wish I could make that much per hour. (Sigh...)
Gotta work on my profile. I'm in New England. I thought my rates were OK, but when I advertise for help the applicants expect more...sometimes a LOT more. I would come up a little for the right person, but honestly the so-called experience these people have is ridiculous! I usually have 'experienced' applicants take a simple math test. Example; " A poster is 24" x 36", horizontal, and you are putting a mat on it with a border 3" wide at the top and sides, 3.5" at the bottom. What is the frame size?" I supply a calculator and a quiet room. Applicants come in asking for $13.00 an hour and get 20 out of 25 questions wrong. Then I have them cut a sample mat for me. You can't imagine what some of these so-called skilled framers produce! Is it just my area, or do other employers and managers have the same problems?
Jana
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
I was going to say, with that pay rate, you must not be in the Midwest!
Jana
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
The pay rate you mention is a lot higher than in our area, so I think your employee is a lucky duck. I know it still pales in comparison to many other professions, but this is a fun and rewarding one (in ways other than monetary), and that's why I want to stay with it.
I think the recession, if that's what we want to call it, is more of a reality here.
Perhaps some other cost of living expenses are lower, such as housing, but I think food and energy prices might be about the same. When I go back East, I'm sometimes amazed that the prices seem lower than here.
So, what explains the discrepancy in the overall picture? Alan Greenspan, help! (I doubt he's a Grumbler).
I think the recession, if that's what we want to call it, is more of a reality here.
Perhaps some other cost of living expenses are lower, such as housing, but I think food and energy prices might be about the same. When I go back East, I'm sometimes amazed that the prices seem lower than here.
So, what explains the discrepancy in the overall picture? Alan Greenspan, help! (I doubt he's a Grumbler).
Audrey Levins
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Jana--
I'm in your boat. *sigh* I don't know of a single framer who makes more than $10.50 an hour down here....heck, I know managers who don't make more than $13.00.
And since I don't make $10.50 an hour--far from it--I can't even bear to mention the figure, for fear people will laugh.
Let's just say it's more than fast food, OK?
I do know that the cost of living is less down here--my 800 sq. ft apartment is $400 a month, and gas has dropped back down to $1.17 again, so I'm sure that $12.00 wouldn't go as far up north as it would down here....although the cost of cooling my generously-sized apartment is never below $120 a month. *sigh*
Anyway, DB, sounds to me like you're more than fair, and if I ever get that far north, I hope you'll hold a spot for me?
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I don't care what color your sofa is.
I'm in your boat. *sigh* I don't know of a single framer who makes more than $10.50 an hour down here....heck, I know managers who don't make more than $13.00.
And since I don't make $10.50 an hour--far from it--I can't even bear to mention the figure, for fear people will laugh.
I do know that the cost of living is less down here--my 800 sq. ft apartment is $400 a month, and gas has dropped back down to $1.17 again, so I'm sure that $12.00 wouldn't go as far up north as it would down here....although the cost of cooling my generously-sized apartment is never below $120 a month. *sigh*
Anyway, DB, sounds to me like you're more than fair, and if I ever get that far north, I hope you'll hold a spot for me?
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I don't care what color your sofa is.
Bogframe
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
I've made a take-home of anywhere between $350 and $550 per week over the last seven years. Much has depended on where in NY I've worked and the volume of business the establishment has done. I'm looking to get out of a horrible situation at this time; working for someone with no respect for framing standards, his employees, or his customers. A little bit of friendly vibe sending would be appreciated.
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Seth J. Bogdanove, CPF
22 years framing and still loving it!
As usual, the website is www.masterclamp.com
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Seth J. Bogdanove, CPF
22 years framing and still loving it!
As usual, the website is www.masterclamp.com
Audrey, if you ever find your way up here look me up ! Seth, I've been in your situation when I was an employee, and I feel for you. Stick to your own set of ethics and you'll be fine...I'm sending good vibes your way! Now, how about a colllective good vibe to me...I'm running another ad for a full time framer. Could this be the one?!
K
kizmet6382
Guest
i have been curious about what other framers get paid..as well. i am in west tx, have been framing for close to 20 yrs. i am in a town of about 90,000. we are an upscale shop..selling higher end mouldings. the framehop i am working in...i have been with, for 7 yrs. i have proven my dedication time after time. in many cases, my boss relies on me, and my experience more than she should. i bring things to the shop..that she has no experience in. i may be way off base..but i feel like i should be compensated for my skills, and the special things she relies on me for. (shadowboxes, french lines, painted bevels, marble papering, sensitive customers, my independence) i'd really appreciate some input on what might be considered a fair wage. i am on salary and bring home 350.00 a week. HELP!! <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DB:
I'm curious...what are framing employees earning? My best is only part time (maybe 12-15 hours per week) because she is a new mom. She is very organized, pretty fast at the assembly table, has a great eye for color and design, and can handle almost any mounting job. Her only struggle is with matcutting, but we work together on that every week and I expect she will soon be capable. I pay her $12.00 an hour..she started 5 years ago at $7.00 with absolutely no framing experience and minimal retail experience. If I find someone with an inkling of framing experience, I pay $9.00 per hour to train for 4 weeks, then I pay $10.00 and go up from there as ability and loyalty determine. No experience in framing starts at $7.50 - $8.00 to train depending on other work history, etc. I should mention that none of the employees has to cut or join wood moulding...that is all done by two other employees at a separate location to keep the noise and dust factor at a minimum. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I'm curious...what are framing employees earning? My best is only part time (maybe 12-15 hours per week) because she is a new mom. She is very organized, pretty fast at the assembly table, has a great eye for color and design, and can handle almost any mounting job. Her only struggle is with matcutting, but we work together on that every week and I expect she will soon be capable. I pay her $12.00 an hour..she started 5 years ago at $7.00 with absolutely no framing experience and minimal retail experience. If I find someone with an inkling of framing experience, I pay $9.00 per hour to train for 4 weeks, then I pay $10.00 and go up from there as ability and loyalty determine. No experience in framing starts at $7.50 - $8.00 to train depending on other work history, etc. I should mention that none of the employees has to cut or join wood moulding...that is all done by two other employees at a separate location to keep the noise and dust factor at a minimum. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Audrey Levins
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Kizmet--
I have attended many a family reunion in your fair city
and since I live in San Antonio myself, I am familiar with your situation.
I think the problem is with Texas in general, in that no one down here seems to get paid what people in similar occupations make in other states. It is obvious you are worth more than $1400 a month, but unless you know of other framers in your area who are as gifted and experienced as you are who make more than that, I don't think you're going to get it.
Framing, like every other industry, has a way of levelling out as far as pay rates go; after awhile, it doesn't matter how long you've been there or how much you bring to the table, because you're not going to get infinite raises. If no one else in your area is getting paid more than you are, chances are you're at the top of the food chain.
It doesn't hurt to ask, however; I've had co-workers call their skill/pay ratio to their bosses' attention, and they got a pay hike. (Not always, of course, but what have you got to lose?)
Good luck, and I hope you get what you deserve.
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I don't care what color your sofa is.
I have attended many a family reunion in your fair city
I think the problem is with Texas in general, in that no one down here seems to get paid what people in similar occupations make in other states. It is obvious you are worth more than $1400 a month, but unless you know of other framers in your area who are as gifted and experienced as you are who make more than that, I don't think you're going to get it.
Framing, like every other industry, has a way of levelling out as far as pay rates go; after awhile, it doesn't matter how long you've been there or how much you bring to the table, because you're not going to get infinite raises. If no one else in your area is getting paid more than you are, chances are you're at the top of the food chain.
It doesn't hurt to ask, however; I've had co-workers call their skill/pay ratio to their bosses' attention, and they got a pay hike. (Not always, of course, but what have you got to lose?)
Good luck, and I hope you get what you deserve.
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I don't care what color your sofa is.
Don
Grumbler
I live in Utah. Where there is a framer on every corner (or garage). The pay here begins at about $6.00 and maxes at about $11.00. I really wish I could pay more so that I could find an employee or two that wants to make a career of this. Say Like at least $15.00. But until I can convince more people that a piece of art deserves more than 1.5" oak frame on it, my hands are tied.
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2000
- Posts
- 17,035
Audrey- I think Corpus reflects the pay situation you mentioned about Texas, but go up I-35 a few miles to Austin, and it's tough to get dishwashers for $8-9/hr. And in your old profession, waitressing, most will take home in a 4 hr dinner shift, $75-100 on a decent night, and more on weekends. And then they get an hourly paycheck (which pretty much covers taxes). It just might be the industry and not the location. But if you want to make more money, move to Austin and waitress a couple of nights a week while you develop your framing skills. Email me and I'll set you up with an interview.