I live in the San Francisco Bay area and i am a CNC programmer. I have been doing this for over 25 years and have worked my way up to Jurneyman level 5 axis work. This is about the top of the ladder when it comes to machining. I have been looking for another company, or really just a change of invironment, it's time.
I went on a job interview last week for a company that wants a skilled Machinist to head up the process engineering side of things, makes sense right. The add specified 10+ years in manufacturing, management experience, solid works, the whole nine yards. The interview went well but when it came time to talk about money the guy interviewing me said you currently working so your not hurting for money, so how much do you want to make?! I laughed in his face, and said I want to get paid the fair rate for the position and the 10+ years of experience you require. So if he thought I needed this job he would low ball me but since I am working he wanted me to put a number out there, told him make me an offer and he got mad so I told him again to pay me what the job is worth!
A large part of the problem is that people tolerate this and don't value their time and skills and allow them selves to be treated this way and employers know this and take advantage of it.
My grandfather worked as a Machinist for McDonald Douglas for 30 years and managed to buy 2 houses, raise a family and retire at 55. Those days are long gone. Now they act like they are doing you a favor for offering you a job.
I tell everyone who wants to go into machining to go back to school, it's not worth it. It takes years to become proficient and you won't end up where you want to be 30 years from now. And the person paying you is taking advantage of you %.
I'm buying my own machine and doing my own shit, had enough.
Sorry for the rant, I kinda lost my train of thought. Should start a Machinist union in the bay area.
Fuck these machine shop owners.