This is an exceptionally concise, accurate, and reality based analysis of the industry. It will help hundred of young people truly understand what they need to do to make a living in the construction trades. The funny thing ... everything you stated is also valid in the lower to mid tier of the IT and IS industries. Thank you. I am going to make sure I send this to a few young men and women I know.
As someone who works in the IT industry, yet spends my "free time" fixing properties and doing renovations, I agree 100%. The only difference is that the certificates mentioned in this video sound a whole lot more valuable than a 4-year college diploma. The biggest takeaway is that new people in any industry need to start at the bottom, and work your way up. There are not shortcuts for hard work, and doing it the right way. No matter the trade, installing drywall or computer operating systems, find a mentor and work hard to be successful. Also, don't start in an industry that doesn't have room to grow.
@@rdot980 which job/area in the it/computer world would you guys recommend to study, obtain. As I would like to have a back up plan in case I get injured.
Late bloomer here. Started as a plumbing apprentice at age 28 making $15 bucks an hour. Age 31 now and just made 6 figures as a residential service plumber! Best decision I’ve ever made.
You don’t know me but this is the comment that just changed my life. I’m 29 working at the post office and am considering switching careers into plumbing with a buddy of mine. I was worried that having been in the post office for 8 years now and almost 30 it’d be to late to switch but I’m finding the courage and motivation to do it.
I am an electrician from Ghana 🇬🇭 West Africa. So I went through apprenticeship training for 5 years without pay but something small to support me in feeding whiles at the job. I graduated in 2010, worked for few private companies that doesn't pay you for your worth but I did it all for the experience. Now I have my own small electrical company, have 3 apprentices that I take good care of, and though from a 3rd world country I make some good money. I've never regretted going on the path of artisan.
My dad was a plumber in Laguna Beach, California for 36 years. Everyday I ask myself why I did not follow in his footsteps. All that money and time wasted on college, stockbroker licenses, etc. He died in 2002 and the majority of the people who attended the funeral church service were his customers. I used to work with him in the 70's, 80's. and 90's. And all of those kids who gave me a hard time in middle school saying things like "your dad just sticks his hand in toilets all day long", and other nasty things. I never saw him do that. Really wonder where those people are now at age 55. Please do not put down this career. You will make a lot of money.
My dad is a Pipefitter, His dad was a pipefitter. I do HVAC they both switched into the HVAC commerical side after 20 years of wielding so I figured I could skip 20 years of time an get right into it. Man did I make the right choice. I'm turning 25 in July. I get my journeyman card in June, both my grandfather an my father have good lives built off of hardwork.
Competent tradesmen are the backbone of the whole damn society. A Hollywood actor or NFL player or rockstar isn't going to save you when your basement is flooded. Good plumbers are incredibly important. I really wish i would have learned a useful trade at an early age.
I'm a pipefitter. My dad's a pipe welder/fitter and my grandfather was a fitter. I make pretty decent money. I'm getting 32 an hour and 140 a day per diem. Anything over 8 hours a day is time and a half. Saturday is automatic time and half and Sundays are automatic double time. It's not the same on every job. But I usually won't even put my boots on for less then 28.
I went to college bachelor's in chemistry, feel like I wasted my early 20's. I wanted to become a welder or electrician but my parents saw it as fools work, that only a college degree is worthwhile. College is garbage 🗑😪, most professors are garbage to busy with research to teach the class so your left watching RUclips or having someone (teaching assistant) teach you. It's typically not about you learning it's a competition where the bottom end fails. In some classes you have to cheat.. like straight up cheat in exams because even the brightest of students score a 50 on the exam and the 2 fraternity students who were drunk the night before get perfect 100 scores by having the answers to the exam before taking it :( It's stupid. I met too many depressed PhD students and PhD Post Doctoral working making shit pay. Like less then 35k a year. wtf
Dang I needed to hear this been doing it since October 2019 (after I graduated high school at 19 years old from ET) but sometimes I feel like quitting because COVID really fucked my earnings but I was thankful to be able to work during the whole pandemic with a little bit of experience. Btw I live around Laguna Beach in Mission Viejo
Drywall finisher here, non union. I make $80k at the company I work for. I make on average an additional $60k from side work. I might not have a life for most of the year but when I take time off, I vacation in style.
I love drywall jobs, once the hanging is done, it gets fun for me.....I schedule my work, and take small breaks between projects while doing handyman work, and I also vacation and live in style 😉👍🏾
I'm a semi-retired Computer Software Engineer approaching 77 years old. I still work part time as a cashier for a fast food restaurant and actually like my job but there is never enough money to pay for everything. So I've been learning how to do everything within reason for myself. RUclips is a big help for sure and I save tons of money by doing it myself where possible. Right now I'm rebuilding a 40x10 foot redwood deck. I knew I needed some help [two heads are better than one] and hired a handyman. We just got started today and the project is going well. Had I known what I do now I might very well have gone into one of the trades. I definitely do think very highly of those who chose that path and wish all you young guys and gals the very best.
I'm a high school drop out. I have my GED. That's all it takes. Got into a electrical company at 18. Went thru 5 years of their schooling. Became a journeyman at 23. Now I'm an industrial instrumentation technician. 6 figures a year. Best decision of my life.
What state are you from....?... I used to work construction electrical with a guy named Luke......I'm sure it's not you.. But who knows...It's a small world.....
My kid hated school, so he joined the Navy when he graduated. Four years working in an office for the Navy taught him he didn't want an office job. After he got out, he spent a year working for UPS. Uncle Sam sent him to a 10 month trade school for HVAC. Got a job right away doing industrial refrigeration at $25, with lots of overtime and occasional prevailing wage jobs. He's 25, has no debt and a good pile of cash in the bank. He knows where he's going now, and he didn't have to mortgage his future to find out.
Plumbing saved my life . Have 3 kids and I am 27 years old. I’ve worked for warehouses, Restaurants, concrete, Tile and honestly plumbing was what did it for me . Been in the trade 10 months exactly bought my tools the first month I started it was tough it was hard it was nasty but now I work smarter I gained the trust of my journeymen and other techs and took something I liked and put it into my own craft it’s gotten to a point where we rough a house I’m doing my own thing and the journeyman is doing another you gain that confidence. Please choose a trade and I promise you your life will change forever not only in your financial status but your mental too . Love the channel just subscribed!!
Good for you. Keep it going. I've been in the trades 51 years. Contractor now, semi retired working about 700 hours a year making $40, 000 after taxes. I don't have to work but more of a hobby now. It's FUN now. Mostly I frame stairs, cut conventional roofs and layout. I don't carry material but it still keeps my gut flat. Best part I get to pass on my knowledge.
Started in construction at $12/h out of highschool. Spent some time finishing, siding, framing. Eventually committed to framing custom homes, now im 24, self employed and picking up 40k-60k contracts. Other trades make better money, but being able to build my own house start to finish will pay off in the long term.
I joined a pipefitter union apprenticeship after I graduated welding school. By my second year I started welding. The rest is history. 55 bucks an hr and 20-30 hours of overtime a week if want it. Not everyone's path but I enjoy it. Can be stressful at times needing to make xray welds in hard to get places. Benefits are: 3 pensions, 401k, vacation and holiday pay, great medical and dental. Best part is you don't need to know anything to start.
Union Ironworker here, I always got nervous when they xray my work. Worked on the Alaska Pipeline in '76. You had to pass a welding test before you went out. Being certified just got you the test. A guy at the rooming house took the test, "never failed one yet" (you know the rest of the story). Retired with a pension, it matters.
@northstar7413 most won't hire a first job welder with amazing pay. However after some experience, roughly 2 years, I would start somewhere else and ask for 20% pay increase
I'm a Low Voltage Tech apprentice. Started at age 51, and i LOVE IT. About 8 months into it atm. I'm a high school grad, with an Associate's in Network Admin. Problem is i have a very old drug felony, (age 21) and can't find work in that field. Had a lot of other jobs, including the military. Currently making 25 an hour, and will top out at about 85k per year as a journeyman. Talk about being a late bloomer 😂
Have you looked into getting the drug felony expunged? No judgement here I got caught doing stupid shit at that age. I got to go through a diversion program. Kept my gun rights and my right to vote. You get the same with and expunged record.
It's called "The Fresh Start Program" they will squash and or drop to misdemeanor any non violent crimes 7 yrs old or older. Took about a year I had stuff in three counties and they squashed them all , no one can see them except the FEDS
Thanks for sharing. I am getting started in my 30s and after some web surfing was wondering if it was too late to get into it. You gave me some confidence. I hope you are still with it and its going well.
I was very lucky. My dad me gave some hand tools, a drill and got me a job as an electrician with his cousin doing a 43 story complete remodel. I was literally given tools and put on the job.
Self employed is the way to go for sure. Learn a trade, save your money while still at home, get a plan together and start your business while your young. I started my business later than I wanted to but am so thankful I did. Better late than never
Journeymen Electrician here. I'm one of those 9% that didn't finish high school. The strategy mentioned, I found a job that had multiple trades and I got in as a laborer. I didn't know what I wanted to do yet. I was 18. I looked closely at the trades around me, and as I made a name for myself there, I got the opportunity to become an apprentice electrician. Ive been doing electrical now since 2009 and I obtained my Journeymen ticket in 2014 with a 98% average in my class. You MUST put in the work and you MUST have a good attitude. You can achieve your goals with not the best education. (I was young and dumb) BUT I learned eventually 😉
Thanks! I got my ged couple years ago, studied the book myself with no teacher and passed it. I think i can learn electrician quickly with teachers and focus
I’m in college and I’m thinking about going to trade school soon. I don’t think college is for me and I always wanted to work with my hands. I liked that a lot more, I’ve been looking into trades and the electrician trade is something I was very interested in. I Graduated top 30 of my class witch consisted of 336 students. I know I’m smart. And i have the drive. Can u give me some tips on how I can make the most with my time and be at a better positions 10 years from now. Possibly work up to a journeymen.
I’m almost a year into my electrical apprenticeship and I’ve been slowly buying all the tools. My boss said don’t worry about it other than the basics, but now I have pretty much everything that I need to rough a whole house on my own and when the time comes, he can count on me to get something taken care of my own. And most importantly I can do side jobs no problem.
I’m in my late 40’s, don’t work in the trades but I’m grateful to guys like you that take the time to speak candidly. I’m thankful I’m established, but I wish I had plan talk this when I was younger. Keep up the great work!
This is great for young people to know. I personally started as a janitor’s kid, and had no skills in construction. I went to trade school… first for auto body repair. Then I realized I needed more money than that trade pays. SKIP THAT. I went to trade school at 21 years old to be an electrician, and learned quickly that I knew nothing when I started working as an apprentice in a local union. But they worked with me and I eventually learned. Went to class one day a week. Still made multiple times the money as body repair. My 20th year in the trade I earned $270k doing service work at odd hours for a contractor. I enjoy the service aspect of the trade.
You said you did one class a week. I have a full time job right now and I would like to work a trade job on my weekends. How do you think I should approach this?
I'm a painting contractor in a state with few foreign born workers. Most of my work is in vacation homes near a ski resort. I'll pay an 18 year old with no experience $15/hour. I give him (or her) a list of hand tools he is expected to have within 4 weeks. When he has those tools I give an instant $1.00 raise. If he doesn't have them on Monday of his 5th week he's fired. From there the pay only goes up. My two top workers earn $35/hour. I charge more than my competition because I can complete more demanding jobs and I pay more because I want quality workers.
@@fml5910 What's sad is most new hires won't spend the $225 to buy the tools and let themselves get fired. A few see how quick the investment pays for itself and buy the tools with their first paycheck or sooner.
@@iitzDiRTY Hammer and nail set, utility knife, multi-bit screwdriver, scraper and file to keep it sharpened, 5-in-one, flexable putty knife, random orbital sander and 100 foot extension cord, wall and trim brushes for latex and oil finishes, wire brush and comb for cleaning those brushes.
Immigrated from Russia years ago, started in construction and studied for home inspection. As a home inspector made 180k first year, 320k second year (not counting houses I flipped) and ended up owning excavation company making up to 2 millions a year and still doing wholesales and flipping houses. There’s no bad or low pay trades. It all depends on your personal ability to organize yourself and business you do. I know one couple who do flooring only, and they make hundreds of thousands a year. I know a countertop contractor who started as an installer and now produces countertops, sells and installs them (of course he built a great team). And many more cases. And non of them born here in US. God Bless America! Not to offend but you people haven’t seen shit and don’t know what the struggle is. All the opportunities been given to you by the fact you born here. So use them! Good luck construction brothers!
Привет из России, земляк👋Согласна по всем пунктам. Тоже планирую в США уехать. Мне вот интересна тема ремонтных и отделочных работ, возможно создание предметов мебели и декора, столярное, плотницкое дело, woodwork, в целом тематика строительства, декорирования пространств, особенно если какие то оригинальные, необычные идеи. Но изучив инфу, поняла, что зарплата для начинающих работников в этой сфере ну прям очень низкая. Понятное дело, что большие деньги там где свой бизнес и высокий уровень профессионализма. Но меня как то пугает идея о том, что когда только начинаешь, какое то время придется жить на минимальную зарплату, можно ли вообще выжить на нее? Насколько плохо это будет ощущаться?Сколько лет придется жить именно так? Боюсь, что при несправедливой оплате труда мотивация че то делать просто упадет, дойду до эмоционального упадка, депрессии и разочаруюсь в этом деле, да и вообще в жизни:) Уже даже начала думать в сторону "практичных" профессий, но более оплачиваемых с самого начала. Типо какой нибудь Physical Therapist Assistant, Dental Higienist, Sonographer и другие. Типо так, чисто как повод остаться в стране и зарабатывать денег хотя б нормальных для жизни, параллельно пытаясь обучаться всему тому, что написала выше и постепенно пытаться брать какие то заказы, работая на себя, идти в сторону бизнеса. Хз. Звучит тоже не особо, потому что инвестиции временные не на то, когда успевать делать все сразу? Наверно, строительство не то же самое, что получать в других сферах минимальную зарплату, потому что рост сферы и востребованность, особенно в плане хороших специалистов высоки. То есть есть некая лестница по которой можно очень далеко идти, чего кстати в тех медицинских профессиях, как бы и нет, потому что одна должность и все, ты там застрял, никакого развития, есть потолок. А так, да, ты начинаешь с минимальной оплаты, но знаешь, что это просто этап, тебе есть куда расти и оно того стоит. Не знаю какой путь будет лучше, потому что страшно, что до того самого уровня профессионализма не вырасту и застряну на минималке, тотально неудовлетворенная, да еще и в новой стране. Хочу именно trade карьеру и связать скорее всего с этим бизнес, как минимум на себя работать, так может даже лучше. Касаемо всей медицины думала, может реально понравится дело? В принципе интересно, но напрягает, что объекты труда люди, больше с ними взаимодействия, чем в строительстве, где у тебя есть любимые инструменты и материалы как объекты, контакта все же меньше с людьми. Электрика, сантехника и другие не так интересуют, хотя они более оплачиваемы. Сложная диллема😅 Спасибо за возможность излить душу на родном языке, человеку с родной Земли, да ещё и связанному с этой всей тематикой!
exactly..people move here and become successfull all the time. if you were born in the US and you cant make a decent living then its your own fault and nobody elses.
I was very fortunate. After highschool I got an apprenticeship in the electrical trade through the IBEW. It opened doors to a future career in maintenance management in a GM component division. I retired in as a Skilled Trades Labor Representative for GM. It was a wonderful career!
My outlet into the handyman field was when I started pushing a mower down the street when I was 16. Built it into a three fleet truck and trailer setup by the time I was in my 20s. That was my jumping off point with my clientele. As for the handyman aspect, I bought my first house when I was 24. For the past 7 years, I treated my house as the guinea pig. How do I fix this, how do I upgrade, etc. I was fortunate to have help from friends in the trades to guide me here or there. Within the last two years, I've gained the confidence to market myself to my clientele base that I offer handyman and trade repairs. I love it because I really invested about the last 15yrs into this type of work. My recommendation to anyone is patience and a willingness to learn, even if it takes years. All my knowledge was basically RUclips, books and trial and error. It's been successful for me.
I’m an old guy. Done many things. Have a 4 year academic degree but never reached where I wanted in life. At 39 years old, I’m starting the millwright and machinist foundation program (6 month program). I’m nervous but I am really excited to start something new. I’m not sure it’s all young people that can start a trade. It’s never too late to learn.
39 and you are an old guy? Construction must be hard on the body. Nobody should be talking about being old until at least 55. Stop that way of thinking now please.
@@manminusblood Hey man im actually very interested in it and was wondering is it hard? and are you getting paid while you learn or is it a full time learning program?
@@ciprianghenghea7779 I’m a first year plumbing Apprentice at 37. The projected number of licensed plumbers set to retire in the next 5-10 years is staggering. Watch Roger Wakefield’s channel. The journeymen that I work under make more on the side doing a couple small jobs than they’ll make all week working for the company. Whatever you decide I would say pick one that will give you a license that will last all your life. In North Carolina its 4000 hours book work, and 4000 hours documented working/training hours. All self taught and open book. Once licensed there’s no continuing education requirements even though it would be smart to never stop learning and growing in your chosen trade. Technically I can have enough hours on both sides to get my journeyman card in two years time even though it’s a four year program. All books provided by my company, etc. Check out your state requirements and see how it works. If there’s a union nearby even better. Around here there are tons of companies offering approved apprenticeships by the department of labor DOD, and others in several trades.
Congratulations to everyone who is looking at getting into the trades and found this video. Dude just helped you live a better life. Probably one of the best RUclips videos I’ve ever seen. Decades of experience, backed up with real data, boiled down presented in a practical way. Thank you bearded guy. More RUclipsrs should follow your example of making the world a better place one video at a time.
Iive in north Florida. Passed my master plumbers test at 25. Got married and divorced before age 30. Now at 55 years old I have every thing paid for. No bills except for cell and electricity.
@@kyleclemente5939 yes do move. Just please don't vote for the same issues that made California shit. So many people move, vote the same way, and wonder why their new place is going to shit. So please do move and break the mold.
I started out as a commercial electricians helper right after High School with my pops telling myself I was going to take a year off of school and then go back to pursue computer engineering....15 years later I am a Licensed electrician, a Sr Industrial Electrician for the Government, and I just started my small electrical company. Needless to say, I am happy as hell I didnt go back to college...
@@LeoInterVir depends on the license, you need to be a apprentice for four years to go for journeyman electrical license, then four more year to get a masters license, after that you can start your own business
Just started my apprenticeship 3 months ago. I was a chef for 12 years and finally had enough. First job was a commercial building but shortly I got put into an industrial job doing a brand new meat plant. Can’t wait to see where this path takes me
I’m 20 and got into plumbing because my father is in the trade. He’s licensed and has the experience which has served me really well for the past 5 months. I’m very much still new to the trade but it definitely feels like the best decision I could’ve made. I’d like to urge other young guys who’re unsure of what they want to do to try out the one of the big 3 (electrical, plumbing and hvac). Sure, you do a bunch of heavy lifting and of watching at first but around the third month you’ll actually start grasping the basic concepts and it’s all uphill from there.
i'm 19 and im just worried I wont be accepted into the Union apprenticeship they only accept 2,000 people so I will feel so fucked if I dont get it in november
@@bullymaguire1999 trying to apply for the ibew? I😅 tried but I didn’t rank high in their system. I now work for a non union company and it is everything I ever wanted they are respectful, wise, generous, and good teachers I’m so glad that I got this job. What I’m trying to say is if you don’t get into that union company don’t wait for another year to reapply you be waisting time there’s always another electric ⚡️ company hiring and heck if you still want to join the union you will have experience too. With that being said you got this dude go get that JOB we go GYM NOWWWW
I got my first job as an electricians helper calling every company in the area and badgering them till I got a job. Bought a bunch of tools(not all ones I needed lol) and got my first job cause someone took a chance on me. No experience but I worked hard and did what I was told. Got called “shithead” for the first few months but the guy quit after I started responding “what do you need fatass?” Gotta have thick skin in the trades
Teehee, that's cute! And yep! Gotta have thick skin! I started my business by doing retrofit curb cuts in sidewalks for ADA compliance in the city. I posted flyers I printed on every corner til I got calls. I used my dodge dart to haul busted cement to the landfill. I literally started with nothing and worked it up to a Commercial/industrial/specialty residential business where we were building malls and post offices etc. If you are motivated, honest, conscientious and personable you can go far in the industry.
@@vcash1112 I don't think so, mostly they are just smartasses lol. There are quite a few who are jerks to us women though, but I didn't hire those types.
@@littleredhen3354 are you a female electrician? Hows that experience like? Im thinking of leaving the military to be an electrician but idk know any females that do it
I started as electrician helper in the construction trades at 19 Just retired . After 40 yrs on the job . Made my way from FL TO NYC . Got myself in local 3 . At 23 . Worked through all the booms & busts . Lots of OT . I have pension medical and a large 401 . We now all know that collage is clearly not for everyone ! . I made way more $ then all my collage friends and retired when I turned 60 . I’m not saying it was easy . But I loved it. 40 yrs flew by . So best of luck out there to all my trade brothers . Pick a trade you enjoy it . You can make as much as you want . If your a good journeyman mechanic. 🇺🇸
@John Sm most students these days have to take remedial classes if they want to go to college. In the past most people in college today would not have been admitted, but government guaranteed student loan means that colleges have incentive to admit everyone regardless if they are ready for college. College will admit you if you have a pulse, as long as you can get 150k of student loans. Likewise, high schools lose federal money if their failure rate is too high. That means that all the black/mexican students that don't even belong in high school are graduated and then go to college. Race to the bottom.
Exactly what happened with me, started making “rustic furniture” in my garage and selling it on Facebook marketplace. Then a year later went to trade school for 2 years majoring residential remodeling and learning basically how to build a house from the ground up. Talked through my family and found someone who was in construction and now I work for him. Started doing small shit and now doing more and more. Never the same stuff and I love it. Side jobs are also important to talk about. Also a video on taxes would be helpful and I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts.
I am 24, have been in the HVAC industry for 5 years. All around, commercial always pays better than residential. If you have no certificates, and no experience, then you need to be willing to show that you will be willing to work your ass off. Show that you deserve the position more than the guy in line behind you who did in fact go to trade school, or has 8 years experience. An awesome work ethic will go a long, long way.
Commercial is always better than residential. And from what I've heard from my HVAC teacher, as long as you get it working, they're not gonna bother you much like residential customers would.
I’m proud to say I’ve done framing, roofing, painting, cabinets, concrete, and drywall. The most rewarding thing I’ve ever done was get into construction. Even when the money was low I was proud to do the work. I was thankful to have a good teacher and now I’m running my own thing. It’s something new every day. I see it in my head before I can put it on paper. I’ve branched out into all kinds of work and I can pay my bills. I just keep my head down most of the time and get to it.
@@1on_percent I did, and I absolutely love my career. I’m a young guy, but I have learned sooooo much in a year. Plumbing, electrical, masonry, drywall, and all sorts of handyman work because of my framing job. I absolutely love going into work everyday! :D my brother is the cut man, and I do pretty much everything else. I have gotten super strong, and am the strongest on the crew, despite being 155lbs (I also work out), but your body gets super toned, and super muscular, and the pay is great. I was blessed to have the best, most respectable, and understanding boss in my area, and my coworkers are like family to me. If I could give the young guys one solid piece of information, I would say work as hard as possible, and be willing to learn. There are not too many young guys who are resilient and willing to learn.
I’m 26 years old and I’ve been in the physical therapy field for the past 4 years. I decided I’ve had enough and applied at 6 different electrical companies, I got 4 call backs, 2 interviews and I landed my first job as an Electrician helper on track to my apprenticeship. I’m really looking forward to this new career!
My church deacon hired me $4 an hr to help build cement forms and clean up after. I worked 16 hours a day every summer starting when I was 13. (I was 200 lbs and near 6ft tall.) I was a rich young man in 1983. Paid cash for a Yamaha 400 when I turned 14 and no longer had to walk to work or ride that evil school bus for an hour a day.
Started construction in commercial low voltage/data at $18, (I was started at a higher rate as I had experience running wire with satellite installation). Hit some slowdowns in work and got wind that the cabinet guys were looking to hire some on site assemblers. It was piece rate, which I prefered over hourly (learned that with satellite). Averaged around $35/hr or so, eventually moved into doing cabinet installs, now averaging $50+/hr.
My advice is go to trade school to become a professional “something “. Being decent at a lot of things will never pay as well as being a pro at one thing.
There are some folks that are incredibly intelligent and can be proficient in more than one trade, and like the other commenter stated, it's always a good bet to diversify your skill set to always be in demand.
@@beatrixbrennan1545 @Cherokee Blood Sigma Soul That mindset might have benefited you in 1960, but now you're tremendously better off with one in demand trade skill. Ask any HVAC, Plumber or Electrical contractor how many times he's needed a back up skill and you'll quickly realize there's no point in wasting your time learning to cut a conventional roof stack if you know how to rope houses. This is the era of specialization.
@Learn Something SIGMA AniyunWiya INFJ The saying is 'jack of all trades, master of none'. It's good to be versatile and have an understanding of all trades and the process of construction BUT it's more important to keen in on one particular trade and master it. Jack of all trades folks are a dime a dozen especially in this age of DIY'ers and people think that watching some RUclips videos makes them a tradesmen, a master with a specialized skillset and experience in a particular field is invaluable and will put you out ahead of everybody else. There's a reason it takes upwards of 5 years to be a licensed master of anything. Anybody can be a handyman and do easy, small little jobs. Handymen sure as hell aren't building houses though and that's where the real money is. Handymen don't make anything in comparison, having a little bit of knowledge in everything will only get you so far and your ceiling of earning is rather low.
@@zacharybob4336 Unless you're a business owner, handyman, contractor, construction manager, etc. They will easily double or triple a single trade employee.
I went to a trade school and got a degree to be an electrician. I now am in industrial maintenance and enjoy doing a little bit of everything. I weld, machine custom parts, work with pneumatic and hydraulic machines, and most of the work I do isn’t electrical related. But I am more concerned about gaining experience than I am about the money right now. I had nearly 10 job offers BEFORE graduating and took the least paying job out of all of them, but I’m not miserable everyday. I never had a mechanical background so this job is helping me gain a large variety of experience.
Started out with my father in law with absolutely no experience. Learned to sell and install and now working on becoming a business owner just like you Handyman!
I'm glad my dad showed me what hard work is and the essential skills in life. I've hung and finished drywall, cut and laid tile, paint, EIFS/STUCCO, laying and tacking shingles on roofs, and some plumbing/electrical. We're just a hard working middle class family 💪 I'll be sure to pass these traits on down the line
15 year non union pipefitter here. My welder friend brought me in as a helper. I learned everything I could. Moved up to top pay in 1 year. Now I'm in quality control. Certified Welding Inspector. I've been on the road the entire time. Been a lot of places and seen lots of things. Made lots of money.
Got a trade at 34. Took holidays and worked for free for 2 weeks until the guy saw I was serious and put me on. Anyone can do it, the question is how bad do you want it...
@Garrison Wood I got into interior Carpentry, its indoors so out of the sun and not that many of us. I would highly recomend getting an apptenticeship if you can. I will say the hardest part was changing from the corporate work ethic to a trade based one. But I wouldnt change it for the world, its a good life.
At 34 started my own lawncare and landscaping business. Also do handyman on the side. Been 3 years and never looking back. Work my own schedule and love doing the work. Not looking to get rich, just make a living and have a nice work life balance with nobody over my shoulder.
In my 8 years since graduating high school I went from residential hvac install to industrial refrigeration service. Lots of opportunities in between & the bigger the job title doesn’t always equate to a higher income. HVAV/R is definitely a set your own worth trade.
Wish I had RUclips and you, in the 70"s to give me your insight, and education on the trades when I was a young man trying to get I to the Electricians Union...Ended landing an apprenticeship in the Carpenters Union, and had a great run as a Commercial Carpenter for 27 years!....Love watching your channel...keep them coming...
@@gcheyyyy6296 Man I don't know if it really matters, lol. My professional background is in siding, it's one of the 'low pay' careers he described. and I work with a neighbor who owns the company. If we work 50 hour weeks, he can afford to pay me pretty well and still bring home 6 figures. We don't do that though, we typically do 30-35 hour weeks and take our time on the homes. A house can typically take anywhere from a week to a month depending on size, and don't really take a lot of time off. He even bids pretty low to keep the work consistent. I've moved on to stone work since then, and I'm finding it pays about twice as much as the siding did, but was also listed as one of the 'low pay' careers. While working on a residential job recently, saw a siding crew come in and finish what was probably a 2500 sqf home next door in something like 11 hours, lmao. Big 5-6 man crew, worked like they had done this exact layout a thousand times. I had to wonder what kind of money those guys were bringing home, especially if they were doing that 2-3 times a week, on top of the high demand for skilled pay due to covid. With all this in mind, does it really matter if you make as much as an electrician? If this is what 'low pay' looks like, I'm fine bringing home 60-90k a year. :D
I'm 25 now but ive been working in metal work since I was 16 to get out of being homeless. Started pushing Brooms, then moved to lay out. Uncertified repair welding for the shop, then eventually on customer jobs. I've bounced from shop job to shop job since. I'm going to welding school now for my certifications because my family needs more money with our new baby boy. I think it's dedication. Do something you love. Welding does that for me.
Hey Handyman, I am settling into my career nicely, not going hungry this winter. My suggestion for young men wanting to join the trades is to be humble and absorb knowledge feverishly. Gotta, gotta, gotta have the humility to be teachable!
Much of the advice here comes with the phrase: “Show up on time and be willing to work hard.” Speaking from experience, that is the best advice possible. Another tidbit I remember when I was starting out: “Your ‘job’ is to make the boss the money. As long as he’s making money, you’ve got a job.” It is true, and your goal should be to one day be that boss that hires others to make you money. Best of luck to all (but again, if you show up and work hard, you take most of the ‘luck’ out of the equation.
Got my first handyman experience as the broom boy/truck loader for a friend of a friend. Once I was confident to accept jobs on my own, quickly went from charging $20/hr to $50 over the course of 2 years of weekends and evenings working during college. Now that I bid by the job, I generally take home $1500 for a long weekend of work with 1-2 helpers. Main tip/takeaway? Carefully choose what city or even ne neighborhood to work in. In large cities there is always work to be found, every hour of every day, so this is good for people who are fully self employed doing this as their main job. In mid-high income suburban areas, the jobs are harder to find but so are the contractors, allowing you to charge more as a side-hustler.
Started as a painter. I do a little of everything now. I became a master painter before I branched off to other things. I think it’s handy to have the skills because it’s the last thing people see. So if you have to tear into a wall to fix some electrical or some plumbing, it’s really nice to be able to leave it looking like you Weren’t even there… There’s my two cents
I got a job as a maintenance tech a year in a half ago with “no experience” in that field, but worked in residential irrigation for 10 years. Found the job through a high school friend. I recently was promoted to senior tech. Handyman is right, use relationships to further your career.
I’m 21 I own my own roofing company and average $300k in 6 months profit. I’ve started at 18 and grew from not having anything but a $600 truck with a $50 ladder and a dream.
You nailed both pathways. Time in any trade school will always be a good base for field experience. I had my dad the master carpenter and later as a construction superintendent as a mentor throughout my childhood. Priceless. My interests during my teen years diverted to highway construction so his golden advice was to go get my engineering degree then I would have choices in careers as I was already skilled at carpentry to sail through apprenticeship. Best advice ever. Post college I worked highway construction, framed houses and had 30 year career as a professional engineer. My 22 ounce Plumb hammer was always nearby on weekends. I am the proud son of a skilled tradesmen and still miss my mentor 40 years after his passing. God Bless America.
You are a lucky guy to have had a Father like that. However, he was lucky to have you as a son because, you were eager and willing to learn and you absorbed his life long hard earned knowledge. Imagine how far along on planet earth we would all be iif fathers and sons, mothers and daughters absorbed the do's and don't in life.
I’m currently in a similar situation as yours once. I just finished my carpenters apprenticeship and became a journeyman. Im currently taking pre calculus and want to pursue a construction engineering degree but I find this higher end math somewhat difficult. I hated the trade when I first started but it slowly grew on me. Any life and career advice you can give me sir ? Also I sorta have a plan b if things don’t work out with the engineering degree I will most likely major in Information technology.
With construction and engineering especially if also electrical you likely have it made. If you get sick doing construction and/ engineering then apply both to design and over see if not build solar/wind power systems for home owners. That is becoming a hugh business. Especially since it will be cost effective like going from electric heat to gas or from rural water to a well. Also if you get into drafting then become an architect and design off grid homes. There are a few options
Im a framer and i would say its a great trade to start out in and potentially branch out later. With framing you gain alot of basic knowledge that would help you in basically any other trade, especially ones who come directly after framing (hvac, plumbing, electric) and even gain a little knowledge into those trades. And if you want to do remodels, framing is also a great place to start. But you definitely dont want to be framing your whole life, not enough money for too much work
I feel that to be able to build a home you need to know how to pour a foundation, frame the house, roof it, insulate, etc. These trades are all so important. Framing is a great start
After working in an office for 10 years as a drafter, I needed a change and settled on HVAC. Got in to trade school half way through my first semester started as a install helper. Worked my way up to a service tech over the next year while finishing my AAS and made more money in the first year then I did as a designer after ten years of experience.
How much money is that? I'm looking to get into the hvac trade but I currently make $25/hr and most entry level jobs here in Columbus are starting between $15 and $17/hr. That's as much as a h.s. kid working at White Castle...just not sure I can justify that low a wage. Curious how much you're making now
Once had a woman say to me she thought my prices were too high and she was going to check my competition. I said," Look lady, I'm a plumber. There is no competition". Told another person please decide whether they wanted their plumbing more than their money, or their money more than their plumbing because there's people in line behind them. Had another person call who said they had an easy job and it shouldn't cost much. I said then you do it and hung up. These were some of the rude customers When you're a plumber, more often it's not how much do you charge, but how quick can you get here. It's a profession like law or medicine. You can't have civilization w/o a code of conduct, prevention and control of diseases, or potable water with sanitary waste disposal.
100%. Plumber is your guy when it comes to epidemics, not the freaking doctor that is just happy to inject and medicate to death. Tell them next time that most diseases were put out by running hot water and toilets, vaccines came after. There are graphs that support that. And also tell them that India, the country with more infectious diseases than anywhere on the planet has one big problem - people don’t have toilets inside or outside and when they do occasionally shit - they don’t know to cover. Plumber should be new Indian god.
@@MoonChildMedia tell him to DO IT and take sanitation safety seriously....don't want him getting sick because he bites his fingernails. I'm a commercial plumber in Ohio and I never expected to earn what I do now. Just bought a nice house in a nice neighborhood a couple years ago and just squeak out enough to let my wife stay home and take care of the kids (her choice/suggestion btw). If he wants to mostly stay away from gross plumbing, get him into commercial/contract plumbing preferably one with a 4yr college accredited apprenticeship program like the company I joined. Don't go to residential companies.....those are the ones that require plungers. It's a thankless job but someone has to do it I guess
That's pretty arrogant. Hopefully millions of people pick up the plumbing trade, anf oversaturate the market so you can learn your trade is not that valuable
@@melaninjay592 Umm.. we kinda do know though. ROTH & Traditional IRAs, 401Ks, Government Bonds, ETFs, REITS, etc. These tend to be lower risk/lower reward investments that are more beginner friendly and anyone who knows anything about investing could've easily answered that or suggested paper trading & studying until one is able to make consistent gains for 6 months straight. And that's not even getting into using leverage and/or business credit in order to get a rental property for residual income. There's so many ways to invest so to say we don't know if a single one of the many investment methods out there will bring back a ROI, is ignorant.
Started doing handyman work during my teen years in the 1970s, then progressed into home improvement jobs in the early 1980s. Got my general contractor's license in 1985 at the tender age of 26 years old. Never looked back since. I've been self employed my entire adult life.
I started out as a groundskeeper at an apartment community right out of high school. Moved up to maintenance technician within a year, got certified in hvac on the companies dime and eventually rose up the ladder to maintenance manager and eventually started doing side jobs on nights and weekends gradually having enough work and customers to quit working for apartments and went out on my own. I learned so much about each trade working in the apartment industry that I felt comfortable enough to take on new challenges independently. Ive been self employed for over 5 years and continue growing and making more and more money on bigger and bigger jobs. Started out hanging flat screen tvs to completely renovating entire home solely on my own.
I’m working as a day porter as well for a property management and hopefully soon will be moving up to be a technician. Although they call them “engineers” where I’m at, it is commercial buildings so that may be why. The engineers told me to get my HVAC certificate as well and get my EPA 608.
Started working for someone else. Slowly bought my own tools (power + hand tools). Spent a.lot of time after work watching RUclips, IG, reading forums to keep learning new things I could try on the job while someone else paid me (even if I fucked up lol). Eventually started looking and getting my own jobs. Most important tho, showed up everyday and didn't act like I knew everything. My advice would be no matter what you do, at least finish high school. it's the easiest thing in the world to do and is like the bare minimum everyone should have. Honestly having business/financial skills + knowledge would be beneficial too. Especially if you want to keep progressing in your career or even if you want to be self-employed.
Absolutely man, that's exactly what I did. Every paycheck I was buying tools. now I've got everything I need to build a house from the ground up if I want and then some. The only people who want for work right now are morons and lazy mfs
Iv been electrician for 20 years. I started right after high school. Started non union residential then got into the IBEW learning commercial and industrial. It’s great job and pays very well. I think with many baby boomers retiring, now is a great time to get into the trades.
Very good.Talking to the plumber's union and electrical I'm leaning more towards electrical. I'd be worried about being shocked mostly and also the advanced math.
Drywall is so much fun...especially when your building is 11 stories high and the crane can only reach the 7th floor. Humping up 4 floors of wallboard, one sheet at a time up the fire stairwell will make you think twice. Especially when the electricians are watching and wondering who you pissed off in a former life. LOL
My youngest son joined the service right out of high school. His home air base was Eglin AFB in Florida almost 6years and his crew did the plumbing maint. and repairs for the whole base. Detached to the Army for two tours in Iraq and learned new construction of all sorts traveling all around. After 6 years active he came home, got a job with a large plumbing company for a couple of years and then went on his own with his plumbing contractors license. Few years later has three employees and doing well.
i love this. I spent working 7 years in the Emergency department as a tech and always thought I was going to be a doctor. Then I recently decided after some soul-seraching, that due to the time, debt, and burnout of this career path, I decided to do a career change and go blue collar. I'm looking into various trades, (electrician, diesel mechanic, etc.) and found this video informative. I may not be a young spring chicken like 18 or 20 and may be starting a career change at age 30 but I'm still very excited to start a new path. thanks for this video
Good luck brotha. I can relate. I’m 30 and come from insurance sales. Hated my job. Money was not worth 6 days a week, 10-11 hour days in a soul sucking office. I feel you on burning out and re-evaluating things. Made me think back to my freshman year in high school taking construction tech as an elective, and how interesting it was learning to frame houses and do woodworking. I guarantee we’ve both learned lessons and picked up professional qualities along the way that’ll help be successful at whatever trade we get into. Time is precious, so best of luck man
I’ve been doing HVAC for 25 years. If your a young guy in the Southeast part of the country you can go to any of your local companies and ask if they are a hiring. You can start out in residential new construction or residential change outs as a gopher and get all the training you need. Some companies give tool allowances. You could also try and become an entry level maintenance technician which has sales opportunities. My company hires green techs from time to time and pays for their schooling while they work.
I’ve worked various trades both residential and commercial for almost 20 years on and off. Finally decided to go full time as a “handyman” doing a little of everything. I charge $125 in Austin, Texas and I have more work than I could ever handle, putting in 40-60 hours each week.
My first job was rewiring my grandmother's house using a how to book. When the inspector came by to look at the work, he questioned me as to how I thought I could do such a job. He told me I got a few things wrong, but he said if he told me what they were, I wouldn't learn anything. He pulled the current NEC out of car and gave it to me. Next visit, he passed the job. I went on to work on helicopters in the Air Force in Tucson, but I did a ton of side jobs all over town.
I’m 21 and currently working in the tile trade installing backsplashes. All I gotta say is it’s nice being able to charge about 500-700 dollars on a backsplash and being able to make it within 1-2 days!
I wish I had learned the trades young, not for the career (I have other skills that pay the bills), but because I've found late in life that I enjoy building.
I’m 43 and have had a federal government job for 18 years. I’m bored and want to get into some blue collar trade stuff, but I’m scared to give up the government job. What did you get into and how did you do it?
I have worked in every residential construction trade but plumbing, heating and HVAC over a 40 year period on both coasts as well as 4 years in New Zealand. I'm 57 today and I'm still banging it out most days! The bad hip hurts at the end of most days but I love this gig and the freedom and the pay! I will always work, until I cannot.
I worked in IT/sysadmin for years. Switched to Electrical and Plumbing in my early 40's. Best decision I ever made. Don’t feel it's too late no matter the age. After 18 months in plumbing as an Apprentice, im making good money and leading a crew of experienced journeymen. You're limited physically with age but if you have the drive, you're fine.
I recommend getting into HVACR I started off out of technical trade school as a helper hvac residential installer. 4 years later I made my way into the commercial side as a Supermarket Refrigeration technician.. I love this trade because I do a bit of soldering copper, brazing copper, plumbing repairing pvc drain line pipes, 80% of what I do is electrical work( replacing different size motors, compressors, contractors, relays, breakers and burned up electrical wires.. I’m a service technician so everyday I’m working in different places, it pays great. Which ever skilled trade you choose is rewarding I’m just bias and I think the Commercial/ Industrial HVACR technicians the cream of the crop.
I’ve been a floor installer for 11 years. I’m 28 now. I made the mistake of working in a family business I can’t get out of now. Word of advice, if you’re thinking about working in a small-mid size family biz GIVE YOURSELF A TIMELINE, make it clear to the family what your goals and intentions are. I make decent money but for my experience and work ethic I should be making double my monthly income easily. Love for family outweighs money.
I’d take a pretty big pay cut if I leave and my father is 63 with a mortgage and hospital bills. Pay cut isn’t a big issue but I can’t leave him grinding at 63 with a clear conscience. Just something for young apprentices to consider is all
Same here licensed flooring contractor, my father got me into the business young and we worked together until I decided to go out on my own with my own license. Still starting off slow but theres many opportunities ahead so I'm optimistic
I’m a flooring installer, 25 years old now. Been working since graduating highschool. Started at 16 a hour and now make 60 a hour, working with a crew. I also do side jobs on some weekends where I can make anywhere from 300-900 in a day. All in all , I am enjoying it .
Seems like some good information in this video and I appreciate it. I’ve been feeling more and more lately that a skilled trade is the direction I should go. I’m 25 and I’ve worked mostly in fast food jobs and I just yearn to find something I can become good at and work hard towards, and to have a future to show for it. Dying to move out on my own too.
It’s rewarding too. Hard work, but def a sense of accomplishment involved, and tbh as a man I think it’s a very healthy and respectable direction to go.
Such a great video Handyman. My family is in the demolition and excavating business. I went into medicine and became a hospital physician, but often regret not going into a trade. There are very few independent docs out there who can work for themselves now. Will be sure to show my 15 year old son this video. Merry Christmas.
First year apprentice electrician at 31 years of age. I was required to show up with a select number of hand tools to start out with. It was your dirt basics a Phillips and flat head screwdriver, lineman's pliers, wire strippers, a tape measure, and a hammer. And they kind of expected me to grow my collection of at least hand tools for the first 6 months in particular to get everything that I needed to prove that I was interested in staying and learning. My company pays for some of the massive power tools but all your little hand tools levels, job saws, etc. Is your responsibility to purchase. Same with your multimeter and any other testers you might want, they they have them available for use but they highly recommend you purchase your own so you don't have to try and Hunt someone else's down, their goal is to make it to where you can go out on your own after 2 years and do residential work without them because they know you're not going to stay with them forever. Might as well have them said she up for going out on your own and creating your own business and then having a good professional relationship with your former employer, that's their ultimate goal
Carpenter of 45yrs, of all the trades Carpentry has the most variety, on the Job from virtually start to finish, tools have to built up over the years at great expense and guard them with your life, advice to any young man starting out, be willing to learn, be reliable, an eye for detail will quickly develop, and remember you never stop learning, best trade by far.
I started out working for my father for dirt cheap at 15 years old. Once I knew what I was doing on a lot of projects and got tired of the pay, I went out on my own.
@Matt Lucas They need to bring back shop classes, math for measurement and reading blueprints ,physics to learn how and why things work. Basic electricity, basic mechanics,woodworking, fabrication. Alot of things they taught in schools 40+ years ago. Back when you learned to make and fix things.
One great thing about skilled trades: you can learn while still in high school and have a marketable skill as soon as you graduate. If you plan to do college it is always best to have that under your belt and work a decent side job while studying. By the time you graduate you've got years of work experience and (hopefully) a good education which give you multiple paths of employment.
This is a great video for anyone considering trades as their Career. Great advice and appreciate you sharing your experience. I think you hit the “Nail-on-the-head” with your comment on value. In my opinion, the best thing you can do to start, is to show your value. Be respectful, be punctual, show interest, try hard, make your mentor/supervisor/boss’ job easier with your help. They will value that, and typically honour it by sharing their knowledge. Once you gain enough knowledge and experience to be certified and provide value to customers without your mentor/supervisor/boss’ support you are in your career. You can continue to learn and improve skills to stay competitive, desired and fulfilled.
My first tile job I kind of BS'ed my way in the door..... lasted an entire 4 hours before the sup let me go (but he was very nice about it). Personally, I think you need a good attitude AND a whole bunch of bravado. One more component that always seems to help is to read lots and in this modern age, watch a lot of high quality videos. This channel is obviously a great place to start, but there are many other great channels as well for more specific trades like drywall, etc. Be a sponge and absorb as much information as you can handle. Being a life long learner is the key. Finally, do quality work, even when you are breaking even, or perhaps even losing on the job. Two things happen: you become more proficient AND people recognize that you do good work and will call you back again, or if you are an employee, they will keep you on. That's my 2 cents worth (or is it a dime these days?). Good luck to all you newbies.
I’m in the Iuec international union of elevator constructors. If you’re in construction or repair all the overtime is double time. When it’s busy the overtime adds up. Service guys get 1.75 on overtime but they can average 30 to 40 hours ot precovid. That’s why we make so much
High voltage Linemen (troubleman) easily earn that. Coworker made $460,000 last year. And that was in southern California. Not the most expensive city in the west.
Elevator has to know a little bit of everything, but yes I know someone in the trade making over $90 an hour in Cali...he took a better paying job in Texas a year and a half ago. Legit trade 👍👍👍
@@jrcampos1952 lineman is hella dangerous, my friend got straight zapped and it messed him up....but he's back and still doing it to this day. Respect electricity folks its NO JOKE!
This outlines my exact experience trying to find an electrical contractor to hire me, did exactly what you said and I landed a job not too long after that, tools are fun and work is easy going.... love it
22 1/2 years in construction now at this point. 18 of that was in commercial with 15 of that in Construction Management. Started off by packing foundation forms, then framing, then installing fixtures for commercial and so on. The best way to move up in construction is to understand that you will get out of it what you put in to it.
Finished high school at age 18, and got my GED. Applied to community college afterwards where I earned an associate degree of applied science and a trade certificate in electrical work. Worked full time as an engineering technician before starting my electrician apprenticeship at age 22. Got my full electrician license by age 27. Making over 6 figures doing controls and automation for commercial-industrial sector.
Excellent presentation. I got into corporate accounting in the same way. I took a 9-month course in accounting in which I earned a certificate. That landed me an entry-level job. I worked hard and I was faithful and kept taking classes to improve my skill level. Eventually, I worked my way up to a cost accounting manager.
I started as a pitman for a excavating company in 2017, holding the laser for the operator digging basements. Within 6 months of being a professional labourer, was given opportunity to try the machines. I already had mini excavator experience from basement waterproofing work. Once they saw what I could do, pretty much been operating since. Now I’ve switched companies, joined local 793 with new company, making 37n change, 10% vac pay and great benefits/pension too.
I appreciate the honest candid view of things. I would also like to say that as someone who once did skilled trades as a high school dropout I now am a graduated engineer. I’ve been blessed but big life choices and lots of hard work can pay off. Not saying schools always the answer but most of us can do better than where we are.
Great information. I myself am an electrician and tried for months to find a local shop to get hired on with. After being turned down repeatedly, I went a different route and applied at my local union. I received great schooling (working through my union is paying off my schooling), good benefits, and make 40 an hour on the check. That is another route the young greenhorns can take. Some trades and local will actually cut apprentices a check to go to school. Mine didn't, but I know some electrical locals do
You don't have to apologize (or worry about offending) for the native/foreign labor rates: you're not saying they're right or wrong (or whether you agree with the lower pay rates for foreign born laborers). You're just reporting what the statistics are. Great video, thanks!
I really think one major component in this is where your living at… I live in the Midwest and any trade job I’m talking roofing, drywall, flooring everything makes very very good money up here and is very easy to get into it self employed rather than working for someone.
While in college during summer break had a gig doing light commercial apartment turn overs, the jobs were mainly painting, other jobs were wallpaper removal, vinyl tile, Sheetrock repairs etc. never had done any of them except for painting. So here we go on the job training! Best training there is by the way! The GC(general contractor) we were working for apparently wasn’t paying his other employees, so was run off the properties. I turned to my co-worker and said let’s take this project back! We had a pretty solid idea what the price list was (everything was by the piece) and submitted our own proposal! Within two weeks of being basically fired for no reason of our own doing we were the new GC’s! Running 15-20 crews of 3, 12hrs/day! Needless to say we were banking and on our own @ 20 years of age making over $6000.00/wk after payroll!! So go make it happen! Referrals are the best way to stay in business!! Word of mouth!
I'm Electrician out of CA. I completed a 2-year Electrical Technology program at a Community College. Met a guy going through the same program who already worked for a company. Toward the end of the program, My friend got me a job with his company and the rest is history. It's been 6 years and I've never been out of work. You have to have a good head on your shoulders, be respectful and have at least the hand tools required for the trade.
@@prettyboishah2898 not related to electrical. i got a job installing & servicing doors, gates, access control, and garage doors. for commercial and residential. been doing that for almost 5 years now. however the electrical experience has helped a lot and made me the to go guy for a lot of things at my work. the company has about 6-8 technicians.
This is an exceptionally concise, accurate, and reality based analysis of the industry. It will help hundred of young people truly understand what they need to do to make a living in the construction trades. The funny thing ... everything you stated is also valid in the lower to mid tier of the IT and IS industries. Thank you. I am going to make sure I send this to a few young men and women I know.
As someone who works in the IT industry, yet spends my "free time" fixing properties and doing renovations, I agree 100%. The only difference is that the certificates mentioned in this video sound a whole lot more valuable than a 4-year college diploma. The biggest takeaway is that new people in any industry need to start at the bottom, and work your way up. There are not shortcuts for hard work, and doing it the right way.
No matter the trade, installing drywall or computer operating systems, find a mentor and work hard to be successful. Also, don't start in an industry that doesn't have room to grow.
@@internet2812 I couldn't agree more
@@internet2812 I work in IT and spend free time fixing/renovating too.
@@rdot980 which job/area in the it/computer world would you guys recommend to study, obtain. As I would like to have a back up plan in case I get injured.
@@internet2812 they don't tell you that in grade school...
Late bloomer here. Started as a plumbing apprentice at age 28 making $15 bucks an hour. Age 31 now and just made 6 figures as a residential service plumber! Best decision I’ve ever made.
Good stuff dude!
I’m 25. Good to know it’s not too late
I’m 28! This is super motivating. All my life I felt like a late bloomer
Residential? Tf, good shit man
You don’t know me but this is the comment that just changed my life. I’m 29 working at the post office and am considering switching careers into plumbing with a buddy of mine. I was worried that having been in the post office for 8 years now and almost 30 it’d be to late to switch but I’m finding the courage and motivation to do it.
Haha “17, 18, 19 years old” dude I’m 27 and still don’t know what I’m doing. Thanks for the video
What are you now?
maybe he died@@juancho1269
Same here
33 and wanting to enroll into tech school. Looking at welding for both the trade and creative possibilities.
@@juancho1269 I’m an arborist. It’s too dangerous for the money follow this guys advice while you can
I am an electrician from Ghana 🇬🇭 West Africa. So I went through apprenticeship training for 5 years without pay but something small to support me in feeding whiles at the job. I graduated in 2010, worked for few private companies that doesn't pay you for your worth but I did it all for the experience. Now I have my own small electrical company, have 3 apprentices that I take good care of, and though from a 3rd world country I make some good money. I've never regretted going on the path of artisan.
Congratulations to you.. THAT'S GREAT NEWS
@@GJKLEE yes, thank you!
Nice man heck yah keep it up your more important than those dumb celebrities that for sure
Good stuff just don’t send Americans any email abt your uncle passing away and giving away millions
@@dogeofamp6037 thank you!
My dad was a plumber in Laguna Beach, California for 36 years. Everyday I ask myself why I did not follow in his footsteps. All that money and time wasted on college, stockbroker licenses, etc. He died in 2002 and the majority of the people who attended the funeral church service were his customers. I used to work with him in the 70's, 80's. and 90's. And all of those kids who gave me a hard time in middle school saying things like "your dad just sticks his hand in toilets all day long", and other nasty things. I never saw him do that. Really wonder where those people are now at age 55. Please do not put down this career. You will make a lot of money.
My dad is a Pipefitter, His dad was a pipefitter. I do HVAC they both switched into the HVAC commerical side after 20 years of wielding so I figured I could skip 20 years of time an get right into it. Man did I make the right choice. I'm turning 25 in July. I get my journeyman card in June, both my grandfather an my father have good lives built off of hardwork.
Competent tradesmen are the backbone of the whole damn society. A Hollywood actor or NFL player or rockstar isn't going to save you when your basement is flooded. Good plumbers are incredibly important. I really wish i would have learned a useful trade at an early age.
I'm a pipefitter. My dad's a pipe welder/fitter and my grandfather was a fitter. I make pretty decent money. I'm getting 32 an hour and 140 a day per diem. Anything over 8 hours a day is time and a half. Saturday is automatic time and half and Sundays are automatic double time. It's not the same on every job. But I usually won't even put my boots on for less then 28.
I went to college bachelor's in chemistry, feel like I wasted my early 20's.
I wanted to become a welder or electrician but my parents saw it as fools work, that only a college degree is worthwhile.
College is garbage 🗑😪, most professors are garbage to busy with research to teach the class so your left watching RUclips or having someone (teaching assistant) teach you. It's typically not about you learning it's a competition where the bottom end fails. In some classes you have to cheat.. like straight up cheat in exams because even the brightest of students score a 50 on the exam and the 2 fraternity students who were drunk the night before get perfect 100 scores by having the answers to the exam before taking it :(
It's stupid.
I met too many depressed PhD students and PhD Post Doctoral working making shit pay. Like less then 35k a year. wtf
Dang I needed to hear this been doing it since October 2019 (after I graduated high school at 19 years old from ET) but sometimes I feel like quitting because COVID really fucked my earnings but I was thankful to be able to work during the whole pandemic with a little bit of experience. Btw I live around Laguna Beach in Mission Viejo
Drywall finisher here, non union. I make $80k at the company I work for. I make on average an additional $60k from side work. I might not have a life for most of the year but when I take time off, I vacation in style.
Best comment I've read so far... Love this
Drywall is a hard job bro. The drywall is heavy ass fuck. You gotta get them weird angles on walls and ceilings. It's a very underrated job.
I love drywall jobs, once the hanging is done, it gets fun for me.....I schedule my work, and take small breaks between projects while doing handyman work, and I also vacation and live in style 😉👍🏾
You dont live in Texas making 80k a year in drywall lol… move down here and start your own company
how the hell does a drywall guy make 80k a year. Most electricians/HVAC and plumbers barely make 80k
I'm a semi-retired Computer Software Engineer approaching 77 years old.
I still work part time as a cashier for a fast food restaurant and actually
like my job but there is never enough money to pay for everything.
So I've been learning how to do everything within reason for myself.
RUclips is a big help for sure and I save tons of money by doing it
myself where possible.
Right now I'm rebuilding a 40x10 foot redwood deck. I knew I needed
some help [two heads are better than one] and hired a handyman. We
just got started today and the project is going well.
Had I known what I do now I might very well have gone into one of
the trades. I definitely do think very highly of those who chose that
path and wish all you young guys and gals the very best.
I've got a day job but go out "busking" with my trumpet on weekends it's like driving for Uber without the risks, and quite a lot of fun.
Thanku for all u did and do, and all the best to you too sir!
I'm a high school drop out. I have my GED. That's all it takes. Got into a electrical company at 18. Went thru 5 years of their schooling. Became a journeyman at 23. Now I'm an industrial instrumentation technician. 6 figures a year. Best decision of my life.
Awesome Luke......My story mimics yours ......and it has nothing to do with LUCK.....Drive and ambition is key.......
What state are you from....?... I used to work construction electrical with a guy named Luke......I'm sure it's not you.. But who knows...It's a small world.....
@@tape6818 in a world where you have a GED. That's luck buddy
@@jermainemyrn19 Wrong......and I wasn't talking to you.....
@@tape6818 it is not the norm for a GED person to get a job anywhere, but ok
My kid hated school, so he joined the Navy when he graduated. Four years working in an office for the Navy taught him he didn't want an office job. After he got out, he spent a year working for UPS. Uncle Sam sent him to a 10 month trade school for HVAC. Got a job right away doing industrial refrigeration at $25, with lots of overtime and occasional prevailing wage jobs. He's 25, has no debt and a good pile of cash in the bank. He knows where he's going now, and he didn't have to mortgage his future to find out.
Ammonia refrigeration? Tell him to join the United Association union, depending on location he will double that wage and get an excellent retirement.
@Captain Wallard what did u study in college?
@Captain Wallard trade school only?
This is awesome. He sounds smart. I’m 26 and I wish I did this
@@Chris-b4w8t same
Plumbing saved my life . Have 3 kids and I am 27 years old. I’ve worked for warehouses, Restaurants, concrete, Tile and honestly plumbing was what did it for me . Been in the trade 10 months exactly bought my tools the first month I started it was tough it was hard it was nasty but now I work smarter I gained the trust of my journeymen and other techs and took something I liked and put it into my own craft it’s gotten to a point where we rough a house I’m doing my own thing and the journeyman is doing another you gain that confidence. Please choose a trade and I promise you your life will change forever not only in your financial status but your mental too . Love the channel just subscribed!!
Trade school or HVAC?
@@nusmith97 get an apprenticeship that will pay for your schooling that’s what I’m gonna do
Why not tile
I'm a journeyman plumber and gasfitter, I'm about to pay my home off cash because of my trade. It pays off in the end , no one wants to work hard
Good for you. Keep it going.
I've been in the trades 51 years.
Contractor now, semi retired working about 700 hours a year making $40, 000 after taxes. I don't have to work but more of a hobby now.
It's FUN now. Mostly I frame stairs, cut conventional roofs and layout. I don't carry material but it still keeps my gut flat.
Best part I get to pass on my knowledge.
Started in construction at $12/h out of highschool. Spent some time finishing, siding, framing.
Eventually committed to framing custom homes, now im 24, self employed and picking up 40k-60k contracts.
Other trades make better money, but being able to build my own house start to finish will pay off in the long term.
Often overlooked aspect of the trades is the real life skills you can gain. Shtf I would rather be an electrician than an accountant
Let’s work together man would love to build a company
@@k47marie71 lol so random.
31 running another guys company framing big customs, often for days alone, I gotta figure out how to get in the game and bid contracts
@@Joe-oi6eh welding is better it took me on 3 months to get certified
I joined a pipefitter union apprenticeship after I graduated welding school. By my second year I started welding. The rest is history. 55 bucks an hr and 20-30 hours of overtime a week if want it. Not everyone's path but I enjoy it. Can be stressful at times needing to make xray welds in hard to get places. Benefits are: 3 pensions, 401k, vacation and holiday pay, great medical and dental. Best part is you don't need to know anything to start.
God bless America 🇺🇸
Union Ironworker here, I always got nervous when they xray my work. Worked on the Alaska Pipeline in '76. You had to pass a welding test before you went out. Being certified just got you the test. A guy at the rooming house took the test, "never failed one yet" (you know the rest of the story). Retired with a pension, it matters.
Local 100 here. HVAC Service mechanic.
Just turned 21 working a regular job you recommend going to welding school and finding a job right after school with a good pay?
@northstar7413 most won't hire a first job welder with amazing pay. However after some experience, roughly 2 years, I would start somewhere else and ask for 20% pay increase
I'm a Low Voltage Tech apprentice. Started at age 51, and i LOVE IT. About 8 months into it atm. I'm a high school grad, with an Associate's in Network Admin. Problem is i have a very old drug felony, (age 21) and can't find work in that field. Had a lot of other jobs, including the military. Currently making 25 an hour, and will top out at about 85k per year as a journeyman. Talk about being a late bloomer 😂
Better late than never!! Good luck to you brother!
Have you looked into getting the drug felony expunged? No judgement here I got caught doing stupid shit at that age. I got to go through a diversion program. Kept my gun rights and my right to vote. You get the same with and expunged record.
It's called "The Fresh Start Program" they will squash and or drop to misdemeanor any non violent crimes 7 yrs old or older. Took about a year I had stuff in three counties and they squashed them all , no one can see them except the FEDS
Not too far behind ya, man. I find your story inspiring.
Thanks for sharing. I am getting started in my 30s and after some web surfing was wondering if it was too late to get into it. You gave me some confidence. I hope you are still with it and its going well.
I was very lucky. My dad me gave some hand tools, a drill and got me a job as an electrician with his cousin doing a 43 story complete remodel. I was literally given tools and put on the job.
Self employed is the way to go for sure. Learn a trade, save your money while still at home, get a plan together and start your business while your young. I started my business later than I wanted to but am so thankful I did. Better late than never
How old were you when you started your business?
@@dmbkersh 37
how do you start a business ?
So when should you start a business?
That's my plan honestly. Currently building fences and sometimes do deck work. 21
Journeymen Electrician here. I'm one of those 9% that didn't finish high school. The strategy mentioned, I found a job that had multiple trades and I got in as a laborer. I didn't know what I wanted to do yet. I was 18. I looked closely at the trades around me, and as I made a name for myself there, I got the opportunity to become an apprentice electrician. Ive been doing electrical now since 2009 and I obtained my Journeymen ticket in 2014 with a 98% average in my class. You MUST put in the work and you MUST have a good attitude. You can achieve your goals with not the best education. (I was young and dumb) BUT I learned eventually 😉
Thanks! I got my ged couple years ago, studied the book myself with no teacher and passed it. I think i can learn electrician quickly with teachers and focus
I’m in college and I’m thinking about going to trade school soon. I don’t think college is for me and I always wanted to work with my hands. I liked that a lot more, I’ve been looking into trades and the electrician trade is something I was very interested in. I Graduated top 30 of my class witch consisted of 336 students. I know I’m smart. And i have the drive. Can u give me some tips on how I can make the most with my time and be at a better positions 10 years from now. Possibly work up to a journeymen.
Trying to get there now starting from zero at 23
How u
How do I get a job as a general labor I've been trying but not getting any response
I’m almost a year into my electrical apprenticeship and I’ve been slowly buying all the tools. My boss said don’t worry about it other than the basics, but now I have pretty much everything that I need to rough a whole house on my own and when the time comes, he can count on me to get something taken care of my own. And most importantly I can do side jobs no problem.
Right on. Side jobs is the GRAVY. That's your fun money. Or what ever.
Get it. Gravy is good. Side work is boat money, truck money, gun money, all around fun money. 😎
Congratulations 🎊!
Is electrical harder than it looks, as hard as it looks, or not so bad?
I’m in my late 40’s, don’t work in the trades but I’m grateful to guys like you that take the time to speak candidly. I’m thankful I’m established, but I wish I had plan talk this when I was younger. Keep up the great work!
This is great for young people to know. I personally started as a janitor’s kid, and had no skills in construction. I went to trade school… first for auto body repair. Then I realized I needed more money than that trade pays. SKIP THAT. I went to trade school at 21 years old to be an electrician, and learned quickly that I knew nothing when I started working as an apprentice in a local union. But they worked with me and I eventually learned. Went to class one day a week. Still made multiple times the money as body repair. My 20th year in the trade I earned $270k doing service work at odd hours for a contractor. I enjoy the service aspect of the trade.
as an electrician?? could you explain your working hours?
@@OdennaTnL there's someone that is self employed he charges people 140 an hour and he make 268k a year just by being a self employed electrician.
You said you did one class a week. I have a full time job right now and I would like to work a trade job on my weekends. How do you think I should approach this?
Sure you did, $270 grand, lol, those are rookie numbers…..I’m a pipe fitter and last year I made over $7 million…..
@@cubatogo2003 why you lying
It’s difficult to automate a plumber.
Yes, as the machines are too smart to do the plumbing work. Only people are stupid enough to do it.
I'm a painting contractor in a state with few foreign born workers. Most of my work is in vacation homes near a ski resort. I'll pay an 18 year old with no experience $15/hour. I give him (or her) a list of hand tools he is expected to have within 4 weeks. When he has those tools I give an instant $1.00 raise. If he doesn't have them on Monday of his 5th week he's fired. From there the pay only goes up. My two top workers earn $35/hour. I charge more than my competition because I can complete more demanding jobs and I pay more because I want quality workers.
@@fml5910 What's sad is most new hires won't spend the $225 to buy the tools and let themselves get fired. A few see how quick the investment pays for itself and buy the tools with their first paycheck or sooner.
@@zone4garlicfarm hell yeah where the fuck do I sign up
How many hand tools does a apprentice painter need? A paintbrush, a small roller, paint pale & some painters tape???
I wish you would move to Fort Worth TX
@@iitzDiRTY Hammer and nail set, utility knife, multi-bit screwdriver, scraper and file to keep it sharpened, 5-in-one, flexable putty knife, random orbital sander and 100 foot extension cord, wall and trim brushes for latex and oil finishes, wire brush and comb for cleaning those brushes.
Immigrated from Russia years ago, started in construction and studied for home inspection. As a home inspector made 180k first year, 320k second year (not counting houses I flipped) and ended up owning excavation company making up to 2 millions a year and still doing wholesales and flipping houses.
There’s no bad or low pay trades. It all depends on your personal ability to organize yourself and business you do.
I know one couple who do flooring only, and they make hundreds of thousands a year. I know a countertop contractor who started as an installer and now produces countertops, sells and installs them (of course he built a great team). And many more cases. And non of them born here in US. God Bless America! Not to offend but you people haven’t seen shit and don’t know what the struggle is. All the opportunities been given to you by the fact you born here. So use them! Good luck construction brothers!
And then everybody clapped
I agree it’s not so much what trade you get into, it’s more important that you make good investments with your time and money.
Привет из России, земляк👋Согласна по всем пунктам. Тоже планирую в США уехать. Мне вот интересна тема ремонтных и отделочных работ, возможно создание предметов мебели и декора, столярное, плотницкое дело, woodwork, в целом тематика строительства, декорирования пространств, особенно если какие то оригинальные, необычные идеи. Но изучив инфу, поняла, что зарплата для начинающих работников в этой сфере ну прям очень низкая. Понятное дело, что большие деньги там где свой бизнес и высокий уровень профессионализма. Но меня как то пугает идея о том, что когда только начинаешь, какое то время придется жить на минимальную зарплату, можно ли вообще выжить на нее? Насколько плохо это будет ощущаться?Сколько лет придется жить именно так? Боюсь, что при несправедливой оплате труда мотивация че то делать просто упадет, дойду до эмоционального упадка, депрессии и разочаруюсь в этом деле, да и вообще в жизни:) Уже даже начала думать в сторону "практичных" профессий, но более оплачиваемых с самого начала. Типо какой нибудь Physical Therapist Assistant, Dental Higienist, Sonographer и другие. Типо так, чисто как повод остаться в стране и зарабатывать денег хотя б нормальных для жизни, параллельно пытаясь обучаться всему тому, что написала выше и постепенно пытаться брать какие то заказы, работая на себя, идти в сторону бизнеса. Хз. Звучит тоже не особо, потому что инвестиции временные не на то, когда успевать делать все сразу? Наверно, строительство не то же самое, что получать в других сферах минимальную зарплату, потому что рост сферы и востребованность, особенно в плане хороших специалистов высоки. То есть есть некая лестница по которой можно очень далеко идти, чего кстати в тех медицинских профессиях, как бы и нет, потому что одна должность и все, ты там застрял, никакого развития, есть потолок. А так, да, ты начинаешь с минимальной оплаты, но знаешь, что это просто этап, тебе есть куда расти и оно того стоит. Не знаю какой путь будет лучше, потому что страшно, что до того самого уровня профессионализма не вырасту и застряну на минималке, тотально неудовлетворенная, да еще и в новой стране. Хочу именно trade карьеру и связать скорее всего с этим бизнес, как минимум на себя работать, так может даже лучше. Касаемо всей медицины думала, может реально понравится дело? В принципе интересно, но напрягает, что объекты труда люди, больше с ними взаимодействия, чем в строительстве, где у тебя есть любимые инструменты и материалы как объекты, контакта все же меньше с людьми. Электрика, сантехника и другие не так интересуют, хотя они более оплачиваемы. Сложная диллема😅 Спасибо за возможность излить душу на родном языке, человеку с родной Земли, да ещё и связанному с этой всей тематикой!
Stay humble clown
exactly..people move here and become successfull all the time. if you were born in the US and you cant make a decent living then its your own fault and nobody elses.
I was very fortunate. After highschool I got an apprenticeship in the electrical trade through the IBEW. It opened doors to a future career in maintenance management in a GM component division. I retired in as a Skilled Trades Labor Representative for GM. It was a wonderful career!
Is retirement going well for you ?
I’m trying to get into the IBEW right now but I’m 40…
@@zepeda2323 me too, but I'm thinking HVAC
@@zepeda2323 age is nothing but a number as long as you get it done. I'll be 29 in January and I'm going to apply my next pay check
@@zepeda2323 best decision you can make. I’m a JW out local 613
My outlet into the handyman field was when I started pushing a mower down the street when I was 16. Built it into a three fleet truck and trailer setup by the time I was in my 20s. That was my jumping off point with my clientele. As for the handyman aspect, I bought my first house when I was 24. For the past 7 years, I treated my house as the guinea pig. How do I fix this, how do I upgrade, etc. I was fortunate to have help from friends in the trades to guide me here or there. Within the last two years, I've gained the confidence to market myself to my clientele base that I offer handyman and trade repairs. I love it because I really invested about the last 15yrs into this type of work. My recommendation to anyone is patience and a willingness to learn, even if it takes years. All my knowledge was basically RUclips, books and trial and error. It's been successful for me.
I’m an old guy. Done many things. Have a 4 year academic degree but never reached where I wanted in life. At 39 years old, I’m starting the millwright and machinist foundation program (6 month program). I’m nervous but I am really excited to start something new. I’m not sure it’s all young people that can start a trade. It’s never too late to learn.
39 and you are an old guy? Construction must be hard on the body. Nobody should be talking about being old until at least 55. Stop that way of thinking now please.
hows that program going? I have thought about it but seems like it has over a million things to learn and remember
@@zacstephenson3734 it’s super rad. Loving it!!!
@@eminiscalperpro9729 it can destroy your body.
@@manminusblood Hey man im actually very interested in it and was wondering is it hard? and are you getting paid while you learn or is it a full time learning program?
Find a trade you enjoy then get obsessed with it then buy the tools of the trade and get a helper and go out on your own lol
Can't decide between plumbing and carpentry
@@ciprianghenghea7779 I’m a first year plumbing Apprentice at 37. The projected number of licensed plumbers set to retire in the next 5-10 years is staggering. Watch Roger Wakefield’s channel. The journeymen that I work under make more on the side doing a couple small jobs than they’ll make all week working for the company. Whatever you decide I would say pick one that will give you a license that will last all your life. In North Carolina its 4000 hours book work, and 4000 hours documented working/training hours. All self taught and open book. Once licensed there’s no continuing education requirements even though it would be smart to never stop learning and growing in your chosen trade. Technically I can have enough hours on both sides to get my journeyman card in two years time even though it’s a four year program. All books provided by my company, etc. Check out your state requirements and see how it works. If there’s a union nearby even better. Around here there are tons of companies offering approved apprenticeships by the department of labor DOD, and others in several trades.
Congratulations to everyone who is looking at getting into the trades and found this video. Dude just helped you live a better life. Probably one of the best RUclips videos I’ve ever seen. Decades of experience, backed up with real data, boiled down presented in a practical way. Thank you bearded guy. More RUclipsrs should follow your example of making the world a better place one video at a time.
Iive in north Florida. Passed my master plumbers test at 25. Got married and divorced before age 30. Now at 55 years old I have every thing paid for. No bills except for cell and electricity.
I want to move to Florida and get the f out of CA.
@@kyleclemente5939 Move , just do it
@@kyleclemente5939 yes do move. Just please don't vote for the same issues that made California shit. So many people move, vote the same way, and wonder why their new place is going to shit. So please do move and break the mold.
I started out as a commercial electricians helper right after High School with my pops telling myself I was going to take a year off of school and then go back to pursue computer engineering....15 years later I am a Licensed electrician, a Sr Industrial Electrician for the Government, and I just started my small electrical company. Needless to say, I am happy as hell I didnt go back to college...
Ok so electrician is good
I wasted my time and went back to finish the degree. Still don't have a job in the field. Burnt out from the experience.
How long to get a license?
@@LeoInterVir depends on the license, you need to be a apprentice for four years to go for journeyman electrical license, then four more year to get a masters license, after that you can start your own business
Just started my apprenticeship 3 months ago. I was a chef for 12 years and finally had enough. First job was a commercial building but shortly I got put into an industrial job doing a brand new meat plant. Can’t wait to see where this path takes me
@@platform2094 the electrical field has been very good to me 💯
I’m 20 and got into plumbing because my father is in the trade. He’s licensed and has the experience which has served me really well for the past 5 months. I’m very much still new to the trade but it definitely feels like the best decision I could’ve made. I’d like to urge other young guys who’re unsure of what they want to do to try out the one of the big 3 (electrical, plumbing and hvac). Sure, you do a bunch of heavy lifting and of watching at first but around the third month you’ll actually start grasping the basic concepts and it’s all uphill from there.
i'm 19 and im just worried I wont be accepted into the Union apprenticeship they only accept 2,000 people so I will feel so fucked if I dont get it in november
thats awsome man. Im going into plumbing. at 21.
@@bullymaguire1999 trying to apply for the ibew? I😅 tried but I didn’t rank high in their system. I now work for a non union company and it is everything I ever wanted they are respectful, wise, generous, and good teachers I’m so glad that I got this job. What I’m trying to say is if you don’t get into that union company don’t wait for another year to reapply you be waisting time there’s always another electric ⚡️ company hiring and heck if you still want to join the union you will have experience too. With that being said you got this dude go get that JOB we go GYM NOWWWW
What would be better residential or commercial
@@bullymaguire1999 how're you doing now?
I got my first job as an electricians helper calling every company in the area and badgering them till I got a job. Bought a bunch of tools(not all ones I needed lol) and got my first job cause someone took a chance on me. No experience but I worked hard and did what I was told. Got called “shithead” for the first few months but the guy quit after I started responding “what do you need fatass?” Gotta have thick skin in the trades
LMAO
I started the same as you.been with the same company for 31 years now.i do hvac and sheet metal and you better have really thick skin
Teehee, that's cute! And yep! Gotta have thick skin! I started my business by doing retrofit curb cuts in sidewalks for ADA compliance in the city. I posted flyers I printed on every corner til I got calls. I used my dodge dart to haul busted cement to the landfill. I literally started with nothing and worked it up to a Commercial/industrial/specialty residential business where we were building malls and post offices etc. If you are motivated, honest, conscientious and personable you can go far in the industry.
@@vcash1112 I don't think so, mostly they are just smartasses lol. There are quite a few who are jerks to us women though, but I didn't hire those types.
@@littleredhen3354 are you a female electrician? Hows that experience like? Im thinking of leaving the military to be an electrician but idk know any females that do it
I started as electrician helper in the construction trades at 19
Just retired . After 40 yrs on the job . Made my way from FL TO NYC . Got myself in local 3 . At 23 . Worked through all the booms & busts . Lots of OT .
I have pension medical and a large 401 . We now all know that collage is clearly not for everyone ! . I made way more $ then all my collage friends and retired when I turned 60 . I’m not saying it was easy . But I loved it.
40 yrs flew by . So best of luck out there to all my trade brothers . Pick a trade you enjoy it . You can make as much as you want . If your a good journeyman mechanic. 🇺🇸
College* I'm in the trade and boy people do need to go to school still, math, reading, and writing skills are still needed.
@John Sm
'murican high school is complete waste of time. You have to learn that stuff somewhere else.
@John Sm
you would be limited if all you had was an american public school education. Many schools don't teach a full course in trigonometry.
@John Sm
most students these days have to take remedial classes if they want to go to college. In the past most people in college today would not have been admitted, but government guaranteed student loan means that colleges have incentive to admit everyone regardless if they are ready for college. College will admit you if you have a pulse, as long as you can get 150k of student loans. Likewise, high schools lose federal money if their failure rate is too high. That means that all the black/mexican students that don't even belong in high school are graduated and then go to college. Race to the bottom.
Thank you for telling your experience. I’m 19 and now looking into trades. I am very hopeful after reading this!🙏🏿
Exactly what happened with me, started making “rustic furniture” in my garage and selling it on Facebook marketplace. Then a year later went to trade school for 2 years majoring residential remodeling and learning basically how to build a house from the ground up. Talked through my family and found someone who was in construction and now I work for him. Started doing small shit and now doing more and more. Never the same stuff and I love it. Side jobs are also important to talk about. Also a video on taxes would be helpful and I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts.
I am 24, have been in the HVAC industry for 5 years. All around, commercial always pays better than residential. If you have no certificates, and no experience, then you need to be willing to show that you will be willing to work your ass off. Show that you deserve the position more than the guy in line behind you who did in fact go to trade school, or has 8 years experience. An awesome work ethic will go a long, long way.
Commercial is always better than residential.
And from what I've heard from my HVAC teacher, as long as you get it working, they're not gonna bother you much like residential customers would.
I’m proud to say I’ve done framing, roofing, painting, cabinets, concrete, and drywall. The most rewarding thing I’ve ever done was get into construction. Even when the money was low I was proud to do the work. I was thankful to have a good teacher and now I’m running my own thing. It’s something new every day. I see it in my head before I can put it on paper. I’ve branched out into all kinds of work and I can pay my bills. I just keep my head down most of the time and get to it.
What businesses have you moved into?
@JOSHWONDUDE did u get into it?
Having the picture is key to the building trades, can't build what you can't imagine - framer in NH
Well done Thomas. You’re an inspiration.
@@1on_percent I did, and I absolutely love my career. I’m a young guy, but I have learned sooooo much in a year. Plumbing, electrical, masonry, drywall, and all sorts of handyman work because of my framing job. I absolutely love going into work everyday! :D my brother is the cut man, and I do pretty much everything else. I have gotten super strong, and am the strongest on the crew, despite being 155lbs (I also work out), but your body gets super toned, and super muscular, and the pay is great. I was blessed to have the best, most respectable, and understanding boss in my area, and my coworkers are like family to me. If I could give the young guys one solid piece of information, I would say work as hard as possible, and be willing to learn. There are not too many young guys who are resilient and willing to learn.
I’m 26 years old and I’ve been in the physical therapy field for the past 4 years. I decided I’ve had enough and applied at 6 different electrical companies, I got 4 call backs, 2 interviews and I landed my first job as an Electrician helper on track to my apprenticeship. I’m really looking forward to this new career!
What made you change your mind ?
You’re a PTA or PT?
@@coreyl.2415 PTA, debt free. I didn’t want that 200k student loan debt
What’s your starting wage? Looking to make this transition myself
Update?
My church deacon hired me $4 an hr to help build cement forms and clean up after. I worked 16 hours a day every summer starting when I was 13. (I was 200 lbs and near 6ft tall.) I was a rich young man in 1983. Paid cash for a Yamaha 400 when I turned 14 and no longer had to walk to work or ride that evil school bus for an hour a day.
Yamaha 400, huh? You must remember the original Honda Odyssey! For you young folk: no, it was not a minivan.
Did he touch you too
@@daveray6335 My Yamaha 400 was an RD 400 2 stroke flying machine back in 1983!
Started construction in commercial low voltage/data at $18, (I was started at a higher rate as I had experience running wire with satellite installation). Hit some slowdowns in work and got wind that the cabinet guys were looking to hire some on site assemblers. It was piece rate, which I prefered over hourly (learned that with satellite). Averaged around $35/hr or so, eventually moved into doing cabinet installs, now averaging $50+/hr.
My advice is go to trade school to become a professional “something “. Being decent at a lot of things will never pay as well as being a pro at one thing.
There are some folks that are incredibly intelligent and can be proficient in more than one trade, and like the other commenter stated, it's always a good bet to diversify your skill set to always be in demand.
@@beatrixbrennan1545 @Cherokee Blood Sigma Soul That mindset might have benefited you in 1960, but now you're tremendously better off with one in demand trade skill. Ask any HVAC, Plumber or Electrical contractor how many times he's needed a back up skill and you'll quickly realize there's no point in wasting your time learning to cut a conventional roof stack if you know how to rope houses. This is the era of specialization.
@Learn Something SIGMA AniyunWiya INFJ The saying is 'jack of all trades, master of none'. It's good to be versatile and have an understanding of all trades and the process of construction BUT it's more important to keen in on one particular trade and master it. Jack of all trades folks are a dime a dozen especially in this age of DIY'ers and people think that watching some RUclips videos makes them a tradesmen, a master with a specialized skillset and experience in a particular field is invaluable and will put you out ahead of everybody else. There's a reason it takes upwards of 5 years to be a licensed master of anything. Anybody can be a handyman and do easy, small little jobs. Handymen sure as hell aren't building houses though and that's where the real money is. Handymen don't make anything in comparison, having a little bit of knowledge in everything will only get you so far and your ceiling of earning is rather low.
@@zacharybob4336 Unless you're a business owner, handyman, contractor, construction manager, etc. They will easily double or triple a single trade employee.
I went to a trade school and got a degree to be an electrician. I now am in industrial maintenance and enjoy doing a little bit of everything. I weld, machine custom parts, work with pneumatic and hydraulic machines, and most of the work I do isn’t electrical related. But I am more concerned about gaining experience than I am about the money right now. I had nearly 10 job offers BEFORE graduating and took the least paying job out of all of them, but I’m not miserable everyday. I never had a mechanical background so this job is helping me gain a large variety of experience.
Started out with my father in law with absolutely no experience. Learned to sell and install and now working on becoming a business owner just like you Handyman!
I'm glad my dad showed me what hard work is and the essential skills in life. I've hung and finished drywall, cut and laid tile, paint, EIFS/STUCCO, laying and tacking shingles on roofs, and some plumbing/electrical. We're just a hard working middle class family 💪 I'll be sure to pass these traits on down the line
15 year non union pipefitter here. My welder friend brought me in as a helper. I learned everything I could. Moved up to top pay in 1 year. Now I'm in quality control. Certified Welding Inspector. I've been on the road the entire time. Been a lot of places and seen lots of things. Made lots of money.
Got a trade at 34. Took holidays and worked for free for 2 weeks until the guy saw I was serious and put me on. Anyone can do it, the question is how bad do you want it...
Started trade at 34?? Nice! Im 31 and considering going into a trade. How is it turning out?
@@derekjohnson9599 Sorry for the late reply. It's going well, will be fully qualified at the end of the year so pretty stoked
@Garrison Wood I got into interior Carpentry, its indoors so out of the sun and not that many of us. I would highly recomend getting an apptenticeship if you can. I will say the hardest part was changing from the corporate work ethic to a trade based one. But I wouldnt change it for the world, its a good life.
Im 30. started fixing garage doors and openers about 6 months ago. They break down every single day. The money isn’t bad at all
At 34 started my own lawncare and landscaping business. Also do handyman on the side. Been 3 years and never looking back. Work my own schedule and love doing the work. Not looking to get rich, just make a living and have a nice work life balance with nobody over my shoulder.
In my 8 years since graduating high school I went from residential hvac install to industrial refrigeration service. Lots of opportunities in between & the bigger the job title doesn’t always equate to a higher income. HVAV/R is definitely a set your own worth trade.
do you need to be good at math?
Wish I had RUclips and you, in the 70"s to give me your insight, and education on the trades when I was a young man trying to get I to the Electricians Union...Ended landing an apprenticeship in the Carpenters Union, and had a great run as a Commercial Carpenter for 27 years!....Love watching your channel...keep them coming...
I'm 44 and been installing cabinets for 17 years. Its possible to support your family with cabinet work.
But you're not making as much as an electrician
@@gcheyyyy6296 Man I don't know if it really matters, lol. My professional background is in siding, it's one of the 'low pay' careers he described. and I work with a neighbor who owns the company. If we work 50 hour weeks, he can afford to pay me pretty well and still bring home 6 figures. We don't do that though, we typically do 30-35 hour weeks and take our time on the homes. A house can typically take anywhere from a week to a month depending on size, and don't really take a lot of time off. He even bids pretty low to keep the work consistent.
I've moved on to stone work since then, and I'm finding it pays about twice as much as the siding did, but was also listed as one of the 'low pay' careers. While working on a residential job recently, saw a siding crew come in and finish what was probably a 2500 sqf home next door in something like 11 hours, lmao. Big 5-6 man crew, worked like they had done this exact layout a thousand times. I had to wonder what kind of money those guys were bringing home, especially if they were doing that 2-3 times a week, on top of the high demand for skilled pay due to covid.
With all this in mind, does it really matter if you make as much as an electrician? If this is what 'low pay' looks like, I'm fine bringing home 60-90k a year. :D
That's cool.
@@gcheyyyy6296 Yeah but someone has to do what he does. Not everyone can be an electrician.
I'm 25 now but ive been working in metal work since I was 16 to get out of being homeless. Started pushing Brooms, then moved to lay out. Uncertified repair welding for the shop, then eventually on customer jobs. I've bounced from shop job to shop job since. I'm going to welding school now for my certifications because my family needs more money with our new baby boy. I think it's dedication. Do something you love. Welding does that for me.
Hey Handyman, I am settling into my career nicely, not going hungry this winter. My suggestion for young men wanting to join the trades is to be humble and absorb knowledge feverishly. Gotta, gotta, gotta have the humility to be teachable!
Much of the advice here comes with the phrase: “Show up on time and be willing to work hard.” Speaking from experience, that is the best advice possible. Another tidbit I remember when I was starting out: “Your ‘job’ is to make the boss the money. As long as he’s making money, you’ve got a job.” It is true, and your goal should be to one day be that boss that hires others to make you money. Best of luck to all (but again, if you show up and work hard, you take most of the ‘luck’ out of the equation.
Got my first handyman experience as the broom boy/truck loader for a friend of a friend. Once I was confident to accept jobs on my own, quickly went from charging $20/hr to $50 over the course of 2 years of weekends and evenings working during college. Now that I bid by the job, I generally take home $1500 for a long weekend of work with 1-2 helpers. Main tip/takeaway? Carefully choose what city or even ne neighborhood to work in. In large cities there is always work to be found, every hour of every day, so this is good for people who are fully self employed doing this as their main job. In mid-high income suburban areas, the jobs are harder to find but so are the contractors, allowing you to charge more as a side-hustler.
Started as a painter. I do a little of everything now. I became a master painter before I branched off to other things. I think it’s handy to have the skills because it’s the last thing people see. So if you have to tear into a wall to fix some electrical or some plumbing, it’s really nice to be able to leave it looking like you Weren’t even there… There’s my two cents
Don't u waste more money buying the paint ? Explain plz
I got a job as a maintenance tech a year in a half ago with “no experience” in that field, but worked in residential irrigation for 10 years. Found the job through a high school friend. I recently was promoted to senior tech. Handyman is right, use relationships to further your career.
How much do you get per year?
I’m 21 I own my own roofing company and average $300k in 6 months profit.
I’ve started at 18 and grew from not having anything but a $600 truck with a $50 ladder and a dream.
Holy, how did you do it ? And when did you start
Bullshit
@@FreequentFlyer How so?
Comment section just triggering us for no reason lol.
You nailed both pathways. Time in any trade school will always be a good base for field experience. I had my dad the master carpenter and later as a construction superintendent as a mentor throughout my childhood. Priceless.
My interests during my teen years diverted to highway construction so his golden advice was to go get my engineering degree then I would have choices in careers as I was already skilled at carpentry to sail through apprenticeship.
Best advice ever. Post college I worked highway construction, framed houses and had 30 year career as a professional engineer. My 22 ounce Plumb hammer was always nearby on weekends. I am the proud son of a skilled tradesmen and still miss my mentor 40 years after his passing. God Bless America.
You are a lucky guy to have had a Father like that. However, he was lucky to have you as a son because, you were eager and willing to learn and you absorbed his life long hard earned knowledge. Imagine how far along on planet earth we would all be iif fathers and sons, mothers and daughters absorbed the do's and don't in life.
@@Dr-wheel-barrow-opperator Thanks Paul
I’m currently in a similar situation as yours once. I just finished my carpenters apprenticeship and became a journeyman. Im currently taking pre calculus and want to pursue a construction engineering degree but I find this higher end math somewhat difficult. I hated the trade when I first started but it slowly grew on me. Any life and career advice you can give me sir ? Also I sorta have a plan b if things don’t work out with the engineering degree I will most likely major in Information technology.
With construction and engineering especially if also electrical you likely have it made. If you get sick doing construction and/ engineering then apply both to design and over see if not build solar/wind power systems for home owners. That is becoming a hugh business. Especially since it will be cost effective like going from electric heat to gas or from rural water to a well. Also if you get into drafting then become an architect and design off grid homes. There are a few options
Im a framer and i would say its a great trade to start out in and potentially branch out later. With framing you gain alot of basic knowledge that would help you in basically any other trade, especially ones who come directly after framing (hvac, plumbing, electric) and even gain a little knowledge into those trades. And if you want to do remodels, framing is also a great place to start. But you definitely dont want to be framing your whole life, not enough money for too much work
Hi widudeisgod is it too late to learn and get into framing over 40 yrs old? is it hard work for the body?
Augustine R its not too late to learn but yes its hard on the body especially just starting out
@@widudeisgod thank you, much appreciated it !
My dad has been framing all his life and just recently became a boss and now he’s making big money
I feel that to be able to build a home you need to know how to pour a foundation, frame the house, roof it, insulate, etc. These trades are all so important. Framing is a great start
After working in an office for 10 years as a drafter, I needed a change and settled on HVAC. Got in to trade school half way through my first semester started as a install helper. Worked my way up to a service tech over the next year while finishing my AAS and made more money in the first year then I did as a designer after ten years of experience.
How much money is that? I'm looking to get into the hvac trade but I currently make $25/hr and most entry level jobs here in Columbus are starting between $15 and $17/hr. That's as much as a h.s. kid working at White Castle...just not sure I can justify that low a wage. Curious how much you're making now
Where was this located?
Once had a woman say to me she thought my prices were too high and she was going to check my competition. I said," Look lady, I'm a plumber. There is no competition". Told another person please decide whether they wanted their plumbing more than their money, or their money more than their plumbing because there's people in line behind them. Had another person call who said they had an easy job and it shouldn't cost much. I said then you do it and hung up. These were some of the rude customers When you're a plumber, more often it's not how much do you charge, but how quick can you get here. It's a profession like law or medicine. You can't have civilization w/o a code of conduct, prevention and control of diseases, or potable water with sanitary waste disposal.
100%.
Plumber is your guy when it comes to epidemics, not the freaking doctor that is just happy to inject and medicate to death. Tell them next time that most diseases were put out by running hot water and toilets, vaccines came after. There are graphs that support that. And also tell them that India, the country with more infectious diseases than anywhere on the planet has one big problem - people don’t have toilets inside or outside and when they do occasionally shit - they don’t know to cover. Plumber should be new Indian god.
I have an 18 year old grandson thinking about the plumbing trade in upstate NY....any advice?
@@MoonChildMedia tell him to DO IT and take sanitation safety seriously....don't want him getting sick because he bites his fingernails. I'm a commercial plumber in Ohio and I never expected to earn what I do now. Just bought a nice house in a nice neighborhood a couple years ago and just squeak out enough to let my wife stay home and take care of the kids (her choice/suggestion btw). If he wants to mostly stay away from gross plumbing, get him into commercial/contract plumbing preferably one with a 4yr college accredited apprenticeship program like the company I joined. Don't go to residential companies.....those are the ones that require plungers. It's a thankless job but someone has to do it I guess
@@KptKritical how much do you make
That's pretty arrogant. Hopefully millions of people pick up the plumbing trade, anf oversaturate the market so you can learn your trade is not that valuable
I’m a finance nerd. Invest hard. And make more money than people with masters and PHD as an overhead lineman. I love the trades. They’re so underrated
invest in mutual funds?
@@juniorpalomera-garcia7448 real estate, side business, individual stocks, crypto
@@AlexSanchez2254 Any advice for a new investor? Simply, what stocks/investments are safest bet for someone new like myself?
@@melaninjay592 Umm.. we kinda do know though. ROTH & Traditional IRAs, 401Ks, Government Bonds, ETFs, REITS, etc.
These tend to be lower risk/lower reward investments that are more beginner friendly and anyone who knows anything about investing could've easily answered that or suggested paper trading & studying until one is able to make consistent gains for 6 months straight. And that's not even getting into using leverage and/or business credit in order to get a rental property for residual income. There's so many ways to invest so to say we don't know if a single one of the many investment methods out there will bring back a ROI, is ignorant.
S&P 500 index fund baby!
Started doing handyman work during my teen years in the 1970s, then progressed into home improvement jobs in the early 1980s. Got my general contractor's license in 1985 at the tender age of 26 years old. Never looked back since. I've been self employed my entire adult life.
I started out as a groundskeeper at an apartment community right out of high school. Moved up to maintenance technician within a year, got certified in hvac on the companies dime and eventually rose up the ladder to maintenance manager and eventually started doing side jobs on nights and weekends gradually having enough work and customers to quit working for apartments and went out on my own. I learned so much about each trade working in the apartment industry that I felt comfortable enough to take on new challenges independently. Ive been self employed for over 5 years and continue growing and making more and more money on bigger and bigger jobs. Started out hanging flat screen tvs to completely renovating entire home solely on my own.
I’m working as a day porter as well for a property management and hopefully soon will be moving up to be a technician. Although they call them “engineers” where I’m at, it is commercial buildings so that may be why.
The engineers told me to get my HVAC certificate as well and get my EPA 608.
Respect to you sir
Started working for someone else. Slowly bought my own tools (power + hand tools). Spent a.lot of time after work watching RUclips, IG, reading forums to keep learning new things I could try on the job while someone else paid me (even if I fucked up lol). Eventually started looking and getting my own jobs. Most important tho, showed up everyday and didn't act like I knew everything. My advice would be no matter what you do, at least finish high school. it's the easiest thing in the world to do and is like the bare minimum everyone should have. Honestly having business/financial skills + knowledge would be beneficial too. Especially if you want to keep progressing in your career or even if you want to be self-employed.
Absolutely man, that's exactly what I did. Every paycheck I was buying tools. now I've got everything I need to build a house from the ground up if I want and then some. The only people who want for work right now are morons and lazy mfs
Iv been electrician for 20 years. I started right after high school. Started non union residential then got into the IBEW learning commercial and industrial. It’s great job and pays very well. I think with many baby boomers retiring, now is a great time to get into the trades.
Very good.Talking to the plumber's union and electrical I'm leaning more towards electrical. I'd be worried about being shocked mostly and also the advanced math.
@@bluewaves2539 is it hard for math in electrician or is it easy
@@yousifyaqo83 find out yourself if you want something that bad do the work
@@yousifyaqo83 it’s common math tbh
@@DirtySony just asking a question how do I find out lol
Drywall is so much fun...especially when your building is 11 stories high and the crane can only reach the 7th floor. Humping up 4 floors of wallboard, one sheet at a time up the fire stairwell will make you think twice. Especially when the electricians are watching and wondering who you pissed off in a former life. LOL
Hey, in highrise condos, going that high sucks with a water heater on your back too but, at least they're smaller and less awkward
Hard work I know
My youngest son joined the service right out of high school. His home air base was Eglin AFB in Florida almost 6years and his crew did the plumbing maint. and repairs for the whole base. Detached to the Army for two tours in Iraq and learned new construction of all sorts traveling all around. After 6 years active he came home, got a job with a large plumbing company for a couple of years and then went on his own with his plumbing contractors license. Few years later has three employees and doing well.
i love this. I spent working 7 years in the Emergency department as a tech and always thought I was going to be a doctor. Then I recently decided after some soul-seraching, that due to the time, debt, and burnout of this career path, I decided to do a career change and go blue collar. I'm looking into various trades, (electrician, diesel mechanic, etc.) and found this video informative. I may not be a young spring chicken like 18 or 20 and may be starting a career change at age 30 but I'm still very excited to start a new path. thanks for this video
Good luck brotha. I can relate. I’m 30 and come from insurance sales. Hated my job. Money was not worth 6 days a week, 10-11 hour days in a soul sucking office. I feel you on burning out and re-evaluating things. Made me think back to my freshman year in high school taking construction tech as an elective, and how interesting it was learning to frame houses and do woodworking. I guarantee we’ve both learned lessons and picked up professional qualities along the way that’ll help be successful at whatever trade we get into. Time is precious, so best of luck man
I’ve been doing HVAC for 25 years. If your a young guy in the Southeast part of the country you can go to any of your local companies and ask if they are a hiring. You can start out in residential new construction or residential change outs as a gopher and get all the training you need. Some companies give tool allowances. You could also try and become an entry level maintenance technician which has sales opportunities. My company hires green techs from time to time and pays for their schooling while they work.
Where in the Southeast?
I’ve worked various trades both residential and commercial for almost 20 years on and off. Finally decided to go full time as a “handyman” doing a little of everything. I charge $125 in Austin, Texas and I have more work than I could ever handle, putting in 40-60 hours each week.
How do you get your leads
$125 an hour?
Not a guy but im an electrician in the ibew 5 year apprenticeship and i must honestly say i love my trade
Hi please I really need assistance , am electrician but I like to no more ,
My god , you really are inspiring . seriously and you teach people more then 95% of actuall trainers ! Apreciate it!
My first job was rewiring my grandmother's house using a how to book. When the inspector came by to look at the work, he questioned me as to how I thought I could do such a job. He told me I got a few things wrong, but he said if he told me what they were, I wouldn't learn anything. He pulled the current NEC out of car and gave it to me. Next visit, he passed the job. I went on to work on helicopters in the Air Force in Tucson, but I did a ton of side jobs all over town.
Right on. That's awesome. Also an anomaly. Most ppl dont have the discipline or drive to teach themselves.
I’m 21 and currently working in the tile trade installing backsplashes. All I gotta say is it’s nice being able to charge about 500-700 dollars on a backsplash and being able to make it within 1-2 days!
I wish I had learned the trades young, not for the career (I have other skills that pay the bills), but because I've found late in life that I enjoy building.
I’m 43 and have had a federal government job for 18 years. I’m bored and want to get into some blue collar trade stuff, but I’m scared to give up the government job. What did you get into and how did you do it?
I have worked in every residential construction trade but plumbing, heating and HVAC over a 40 year period on both coasts as well as 4 years in New Zealand. I'm 57 today and I'm still banging it out most days! The bad hip hurts at the end of most days but I love this gig and the freedom and the pay! I will always work, until I cannot.
I worked in IT/sysadmin for years. Switched to Electrical and Plumbing in my early 40's. Best decision I ever made. Don’t feel it's too late no matter the age. After 18 months in plumbing as an Apprentice, im making good money and leading a crew of experienced journeymen. You're limited physically with age but if you have the drive, you're fine.
I recommend getting into HVACR I started off out of technical trade school as a helper hvac residential installer. 4 years later I made my way into the commercial side as a Supermarket Refrigeration technician.. I love this trade because I do a bit of soldering copper, brazing copper, plumbing repairing pvc drain line pipes, 80% of what I do is electrical work( replacing different size motors, compressors, contractors, relays, breakers and burned up electrical wires.. I’m a service technician so everyday I’m working in different places, it pays great. Which ever skilled trade you choose is rewarding I’m just bias and I think the Commercial/ Industrial HVACR technicians the cream of the crop.
How’s it going two years later?
I’ve been a floor installer for 11 years. I’m 28 now. I made the mistake of working in a family business I can’t get out of now. Word of advice, if you’re thinking about working in a small-mid size family biz GIVE YOURSELF A TIMELINE, make it clear to the family what your goals and intentions are. I make decent money but for my experience and work ethic I should be making double my monthly income easily. Love for family outweighs money.
You can’t get out? Lol. Get out bro.
I’d take a pretty big pay cut if I leave and my father is 63 with a mortgage and hospital bills. Pay cut isn’t a big issue but I can’t leave him grinding at 63 with a clear conscience. Just something for young apprentices to consider is all
Same here licensed flooring contractor, my father got me into the business young and we worked together until I decided to go out on my own with my own license. Still starting off slow but theres many opportunities ahead so I'm optimistic
I’m a flooring installer, 25 years old now. Been working since graduating highschool. Started at 16 a hour and now make 60 a hour, working with a crew. I also do side jobs on some weekends where I can make anywhere from 300-900 in a day. All in all , I am enjoying it .
Seems like some good information in this video and I appreciate it. I’ve been feeling more and more lately that a skilled trade is the direction I should go. I’m 25 and I’ve worked mostly in fast food jobs and I just yearn to find something I can become good at and work hard towards, and to have a future to show for it. Dying to move out on my own too.
It’s rewarding too. Hard work, but def a sense of accomplishment involved, and tbh as a man I think it’s a very healthy and respectable direction to go.
Such a great video Handyman. My family is in the demolition and excavating business. I went into medicine and became a hospital physician, but often regret not going into a trade. There are very few independent docs out there who can work for themselves now. Will be sure to show my 15 year old son this video. Merry Christmas.
Same boat. In psychiatry. Going to show my kids these videos. Don’t want them considering medicine at all.
First year apprentice electrician at 31 years of age. I was required to show up with a select number of hand tools to start out with. It was your dirt basics a Phillips and flat head screwdriver, lineman's pliers, wire strippers, a tape measure, and a hammer. And they kind of expected me to grow my collection of at least hand tools for the first 6 months in particular to get everything that I needed to prove that I was interested in staying and learning. My company pays for some of the massive power tools but all your little hand tools levels, job saws, etc. Is your responsibility to purchase. Same with your multimeter and any other testers you might want, they they have them available for use but they highly recommend you purchase your own so you don't have to try and Hunt someone else's down, their goal is to make it to where you can go out on your own after 2 years and do residential work without them because they know you're not going to stay with them forever. Might as well have them said she up for going out on your own and creating your own business and then having a good professional relationship with your former employer, that's their ultimate goal
Carpenter of 45yrs, of all the trades Carpentry has the most variety, on the Job from virtually start to finish, tools have to built up over the years at great expense and guard them with your life, advice to any young man starting out, be willing to learn, be reliable, an eye for detail will quickly develop, and remember you never stop learning, best trade by far.
I started out working for my father for dirt cheap at 15 years old. Once I knew what I was doing on a lot of projects and got tired of the pay, I went out on my own.
Legit video... This is what they should teach in school !!!!! 😤 Good looking out for all us you tube warriors...
Public "school" is a joke
@@samuelm370 It is not just public schools. You will not learn any of what he talking about in a private school or a catholic or christian school.
@Matt Lucas
They need to bring back shop classes, math for measurement and reading blueprints ,physics to learn how and why things work. Basic electricity, basic mechanics,woodworking, fabrication. Alot of things they taught in schools 40+ years ago. Back when you learned to make and fix things.
@@samuelm370 not for me, because i took my schooling seriously. Im guessing you didnt. LoL
You can start any age. It's never too late, with age you have more experience, tact, people skills etc
Thank you for this comment❤
You’re skills are Bourne out through experience. It takes time, patience and hard work. Aim to keep happy customers and the money will follow.
One great thing about skilled trades: you can learn while still in high school and have a marketable skill as soon as you graduate. If you plan to do college it is always best to have that under your belt and work a decent side job while studying. By the time you graduate you've got years of work experience and (hopefully) a good education which give you multiple paths of employment.
Exactly
If it's a marketable skill, why doesn't it start at 100k?
@@jermainemyrn19 You've been commening a lot of stupid shit lol
This is a great video for anyone considering trades as their Career. Great advice and appreciate you sharing your experience. I think you hit the “Nail-on-the-head” with your comment on value. In my opinion, the best thing you can do to start, is to show your value. Be respectful, be punctual, show interest, try hard, make your mentor/supervisor/boss’ job easier with your help. They will value that, and typically honour it by sharing their knowledge. Once you gain enough knowledge and experience to be certified and provide value to customers without your mentor/supervisor/boss’ support you are in your career. You can continue to learn and improve skills to stay competitive, desired and fulfilled.
My first tile job I kind of BS'ed my way in the door..... lasted an entire 4 hours before the sup let me go (but he was very nice about it). Personally, I think you need a good attitude AND a whole bunch of bravado. One more component that always seems to help is to read lots and in this modern age, watch a lot of high quality videos. This channel is obviously a great place to start, but there are many other great channels as well for more specific trades like drywall, etc. Be a sponge and absorb as much information as you can handle. Being a life long learner is the key. Finally, do quality work, even when you are breaking even, or perhaps even losing on the job. Two things happen: you become more proficient AND people recognize that you do good work and will call you back again, or if you are an employee, they will keep you on.
That's my 2 cents worth (or is it a dime these days?). Good luck to all you newbies.
If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right. Take pride in your work
The highest paid skilled trade is definitely the elevator trade. I know people who have made $350,000 a year in the Sf Bay Area working major overtime
The cost of living is also higher in SF area
I’m in the Iuec international union of elevator constructors. If you’re in construction or repair all the overtime is double time. When it’s busy the overtime adds up. Service guys get 1.75 on overtime but they can average 30 to 40 hours ot precovid. That’s why we make so much
High voltage Linemen (troubleman) easily earn that. Coworker made $460,000 last year. And that was in southern California. Not the most expensive city in the west.
Elevator has to know a little bit of everything, but yes I know someone in the trade making over $90 an hour in Cali...he took a better paying job in Texas a year and a half ago. Legit trade 👍👍👍
@@jrcampos1952 lineman is hella dangerous, my friend got straight zapped and it messed him up....but he's back and still doing it to this day. Respect electricity folks its NO JOKE!
I’m a union heat and frost Insulator in Chicago, a first year apprentice with ZERO experience make 26$/hr and a journeyman makes 53$/hr
This is industrial pipe insulation not walls and attics
This outlines my exact experience trying to find an electrical contractor to hire me, did exactly what you said and I landed a job not too long after that, tools are fun and work is easy going.... love it
22 1/2 years in construction now at this point. 18 of that was in commercial with 15 of that in Construction Management. Started off by packing foundation forms, then framing, then installing fixtures for commercial and so on. The best way to move up in construction is to understand that you will get out of it what you put in to it.
Finished high school at age 18, and got my GED. Applied to community college afterwards where I earned an associate degree of applied science and a trade certificate in electrical work. Worked full time as an engineering technician before starting my electrician apprenticeship at age 22. Got my full electrician license by age 27. Making over 6 figures doing controls and automation for commercial-industrial sector.
Excellent presentation. I got into corporate accounting in the same way. I took a 9-month course in accounting in which I earned a certificate. That landed me an entry-level job. I worked hard and I was faithful and kept taking classes to improve my skill level.
Eventually, I worked my way up to a cost accounting manager.
For what company?
I started as a pitman for a excavating company in 2017, holding the laser for the operator digging basements. Within 6 months of being a professional labourer, was given opportunity to try the machines. I already had mini excavator experience from basement waterproofing work. Once they saw what I could do, pretty much been operating since. Now I’ve switched companies, joined local 793 with new company, making 37n change, 10% vac pay and great benefits/pension too.
I appreciate the honest candid view of things. I would also like to say that as someone who once did skilled trades as a high school dropout I now am a graduated engineer. I’ve been blessed but big life choices and lots of hard work can pay off. Not saying schools always the answer but most of us can do better than where we are.
Great information. I myself am an electrician and tried for months to find a local shop to get hired on with. After being turned down repeatedly, I went a different route and applied at my local union. I received great schooling (working through my union is paying off my schooling), good benefits, and make 40 an hour on the check. That is another route the young greenhorns can take. Some trades and local will actually cut apprentices a check to go to school. Mine didn't, but I know some electrical locals do
You don't have to apologize (or worry about offending) for the native/foreign labor rates: you're not saying they're right or wrong (or whether you agree with the lower pay rates for foreign born laborers). You're just reporting what the statistics are.
Great video, thanks!
I really think one major component in this is where your living at… I live in the Midwest and any trade job I’m talking roofing, drywall, flooring everything makes very very good money up here and is very easy to get into it self employed rather than working for someone.
While in college during summer break had a gig doing light commercial apartment turn overs, the jobs were mainly painting, other jobs were wallpaper removal, vinyl tile, Sheetrock repairs etc. never had done any of them except for painting. So here we go on the job training! Best training there is by the way! The GC(general contractor) we were working for apparently wasn’t paying his other employees, so was run off the properties. I turned to my co-worker and said let’s take this project back! We had a pretty solid idea what the price list was (everything was by the piece) and submitted our own proposal! Within two weeks of being basically fired for no reason of our own doing we were the new GC’s!
Running 15-20 crews of 3, 12hrs/day!
Needless to say we were banking and on our own @ 20 years of age making over $6000.00/wk after payroll!!
So go make it happen! Referrals are the best way to stay in business!! Word of mouth!
How? Can you elaborate?
I'm Electrician out of CA. I completed a 2-year Electrical Technology program at a Community College. Met a guy going through the same program who already worked for a company. Toward the end of the program, My friend got me a job with his company and the rest is history. It's been 6 years and I've never been out of work. You have to have a good head on your shoulders, be respectful and have at least the hand tools required for the trade.
I did a 4 yr electrical trade program in Massachusetts but it seemed like when I moved out here they did not care about that experience
@@TomatoWithARifle Have you been able to find a job/work?
@@prettyboishah2898 not related to electrical. i got a job installing & servicing doors, gates, access control, and garage doors. for commercial and residential. been doing that for almost 5 years now. however the electrical experience has helped a lot and made me the to go guy for a lot of things at my work. the company has about 6-8 technicians.