ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Is It Worth It To Do Electrical Work?

I believe it is a direct result of the downturn in the Alberta and Saskatchewan economy which is a result of low oil and mineral prices.

The reason electricians and other trades in my place of work received a retention bonus is all about timing IMO. Had the local economy tanked a year earlier I doubt we would have gotten the bonus. Since the Alberta and Saskatchewan oil and mining was prosperous for so many years it was tough to recruit trades people and this is what got the discussion going that resulted in a retention bonus. Some of the guys thought that the administration that gave you us the bonus a year ago might take it away (they can do so at anytime). Fortunately we are still receiving it.

Yes, and many of these guys who buy the new truck for their business ultimately fail because while they're good at their job they have no experience in running a competitive business.

Reminds me of what my first journeyman once told me about how a good estimator is worth his weight in gold.

Unfortunately, it depends on where exactly you work. I read an article about highest paying cities for electricians in US and their average annual wage was above $75.000. The cost of living is also higher, but it can´t be that bad.

PoLu:
Welcome to ECN!!!

Yes the COL is 'high' in a lot of areas that have 'high' income levels. Basically, IMHO...it is what it is.

The New York Metro area COL is high, along with the greater Philadelphia area, which is where I am.