Is this a Fair Pay for Boiler/Hvac Tech

Mad Dog_2

You hit the nail on the head, Paul.  I have a close buddy who was in business longer than I.  He STILL calls and asks what me he should charge.  Atleast he's not a low baller - because of me.  I find about 80% of plumbing & heating contractors I know suffer from "plumber's" guilt: " I don't wanna bang them over the head...I can't sleep at night charging prices like that!...I don't wanna be called a crook."  In the next breath they complain they can't pay their bills!  Mad Dog 

Mad Dog_2

The only "negative" (all subjective) feedback I ever heard was "They do great work, but not cheap!...I only call him for complicated problems..."  I took that as a compliment that I was charging as much as the Higher Echelon Shops in my market area and covering my overhead and then some.  Always a battle against the low bidders, but thats the way it will always be.  Mad Dog 🐕 

SlamDunk

We are looking for plant mechanics on the utility side. We cant find anyone who lives inside an hour's drive because homes and apartments are way too expensive for the pay. So far, resumes have been weak. And sparse. Only one interview for a job posted thirty days ago. When I applied for same job 16 years ago, there were hundreds of resumes.

We have been increasing the amount of work we do in house since the pandemic because contractors can't support us due to their own labor ( & parts) shortages. I suspect that turns off prospects. To the OP, no, you are being exploited.

dullknife1

Can you move?  Indeed   Sounds like you’re young enough to make a few mistakes and bounce back. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.   I know that’s easy for me to say cause I’m retired, but that’s why I’m saying it.

dullknife1

People are funny, they don’t like to be hot, and they don’t like to be cold. Don’t like to be hungry either,making that kind of money you can eat whatever you want.

Mad Dog_2

Have tools will travel...do it while your young!  If you're going to make a move,, come to NY.  Interview with Tim Doran out in the Hamptons and Johnny NY in NYC....Either way, you'd be in Very
 companies.  Mad Dog

SlamDunk

If those numbers are real, then I am underpaid!

Looking at glassdoor reviews of my local hvac companies I find top end pay is $39/hr. This is for both commercial and residential. I guess, in Nevada, you will pay or you will sweat.

dullknife1

Go to the Hampton’s. You get a good name up there and you’ll be living the “ royal pains “ life.  Yea I’m old. You’re gonna have to look up that show and watch the first couple episodes.   Been to the hamptons.   Nice place to stay 

dullknife1

It’s easier to take money off of people who have it.  I’ve done a lot of free work in my life, mostly for single moms , w/ kids ,no dads in sight ( no strings or favors attached) but I made a really good salary and followed Dave Ramseys rule book.   Like spok always said “go forth and prosper”. I think that was him. But if you settle, even if you love your job, like many of us do, you will not be happy for the rest of your life even if marry an ugly girl that can cook. 

hot_rod

Without a business plan how will you know what to charge to cover expenses and your salary?

it doesn’t need to be lengthy, but realistic

if you choose or need to borrow from a bank, they want to see a business plan.

Absolutely no harm from doing a business plan, it may convince you that working for someone else is a better “plan”

Mad Dog_2

You can work in the Hamptons Mega Estates or Upper East side of Manhattan...usually for the same circle of clients. Win win.  The wealthy have the $$ to do the best of everything...there is a certain comfort in that as installer.  Dave Ramsey is AWESOME...yes he did say that.  I just bought my 3 young adults a copy of 'The Total Money Makeover."   Boy, how I could have used that when I was 20!  Listen to Hot Rod 🔥...Its all simple math, but many don't take the time to do it. The way it was put to me way back was: "You MUST know how much it costs you, per day, to turn the key 🔑 in the office door and meet ALL  your hidden expenses..and thats if NO WORK COMES IN THAT DAY.  Once you know THAT number, its much clearer what you MUST charge to keep going & hopefully add a profit margin in there.  I have known many good plumbers who will never do this and struggle for years and years:  "I can't get that! They'll call me a crook..they'll run me out of town."  On a positive note, I'm seeing more and more plumbing licensing municipalities have basic business math and practices on the exams. NYC, Westchester, a few others.  I have added that in to the Master Plumber Exam for my municipality.  Atleast, it gets the neophyte plumbing & heating business owner thinking about costs and puts it on their radar.  Mad Dog 🐕 

PC7060

I find a spreadsheet is you best friend when planning.  Easiest way to capture a list of potential expenses such as wear and tear on tools, test equipment and vehicles. (don’t forget the 15% self employment tax). Figure a bottom dollar cost assuming 1200 billable hours and price up from there by 50-75%

Fixed price lists are nice way to avoid the cycle of estimates that don’t turn into revenue. Electricians around here charge around 250 bucks per outlet  or switch for small jobs.  Easy to price and no wasted time. 

A good tile guy I know books work 6 months out. If the backlog drops, he reduces prices but not below a fixed amount.  If it goes longer, he increases em. He has a great reputation and people are willing to wait for him. 

Heating is a different game since people want heat / A. now but you should still consider capture rate. If you are getting all the work you quote, raise your prices. If not, do more marketing.