Fair wage for an experience climber/crew leader

[Outdoorcrazy]

I am looking to move out East to do tree work. Today I was talking to a good sounding company out there and the gentleman asked me what I was looking to get paid. I hadn't really thought much about it and was somewhat caught of guard.

What I am looking to find out is what do you guys feel is a fair wage for an experienced climber/crew leader? Particularly out in the New England area.

Thanks

 

[Richard Mumford-yoyoman]

I can't answer your question but getting caught off guard is not what you when when you are interviewing for a job.
A good answer to such a question would be that you expect a commensurate pay for those in the industry working in that region. You would not be expected to know this since you are coming from another location but you would sound like someone that has talents, qualities and expertise that you expect to be rewarded for and that your future employer is wanting to hire you for.
You still didn't answer the question but you did make a statement.

 

[bonner1040]

Start at $30 and work down!

 

[banjo]

It all depends on where in NE you are. It seems like Boston metro area has the best wages and benefits.

 

[TrEeVeRdE]

Fairfield county CT, companies will be paying at least $ 25 to start for a experience climber/foreman. It all depends the licenses/certifications that you might have.

 

[flyingsquirrel25]

[ QUOTE ]
Start at $30 and work down!

[/ QUOTE ]

Where I came from in NE, you dont get a call back or the job starting there. (I was rural, metro areas would be more apt to get closer to that depending on bennys).

When I moved away from NE I used a line that my father inlaw explained to me and it worked very well.
answer: "well that would depend on the total compensation package". Basically, changes the conversation to benifits, perks and bonuses. When I was interviewing it didnt come back to "whats your hourly rate". It kinda puts it in the employers court to come up with an offer. hope this helps

 

[Outdoorcrazy]

Hey guys thanks for the responses as they have helped. I basically told him exactly what Yoyoman said. I explained that I really didn't know what to expect to get paid in that I live all the way across the country. I explained that I would expect to be paid what the going rate for my skills and position is out there, knowing that it wouldn't take long to find out if I was getting used. I never really asked about the whole "package" though, however it is something that is a must to consider.

Thanks again