Started a decade ago (that’s gross to say) as a CNC operator with no experience making $12/hr working 3rd shift (11pm-7am) with a 10% shift differential. Consistently made 2-5% raises, praised during reviews, moved up to setting up/ programming precision OD grinders. Have had 1st shift save difficult things they’re stumped on cuz “he’s good at figuring stuff out”. Last year they gave a shop wide 8% COL raises and upped off shift differential to 15% to hopefully attract new hires. Still on that damn 3rd shift but I’m at $28.23/hr base, $32.46 actual.
Just ran across an ad for the starting, no real experience needed area, pay starts at $25, bumped to $27.50 after 1yr.
Needless to say, I feel a bit deflated. Definitely getting burnt out on working off shift, but thats all anyone is hiring for around here. Plus our base wages beat every local shop posted on Indeed by 15-20% so I don’t have much negotiating leverage.