I would say Habbbby gave you the correct info. I used to work for a steel mill, tell you the truth don't remember what I was paid then, something around $20.00/hr.
It really depends on what state you live in. Experience and a wide variety of capabilities (like mentioned before) are what really matters. PLC's, hydraulic, pneumatics, plain old mechanical, and electrical is the plus.
habbbby, I also did a little textile work here in North Carolina.
