How much should I be paid?

[slaterd]

I started a new job about 2 months ago. I'm a computer drafter now. I got the job because I got extremely lucky again, took a few classes on the side and played with several Cad programs since I was 12 (now almost 23). I'm coming up on the end of my "probationary 90 days" and should be receiving a new pay rate (roughly $13/hr now). What I've done since I started was literally scrap the old process that the "weathered" cadsman were using, created a new system inside Cad that allows myself to do 3 weeks worth of work in 1 day. That alone is a salary savings of $1700 a day just on me. Then I went further and created 3 automated script files that made a seperate computer to DWG, PDF, and GIF the final files automatically that I transfered to it. Basically it amounts to 3 people doing this mundaine shit 24/7, 7 days a week. This was all done within the first 2 months of me working there. I've had several personal meetings with the CEO, VP, and my closest supervisor and they're all extremely excited about what I've created because they've been on this project since January. I'm starting from step one and I'll be done by the end of the month, maybe sooner. On the day of pay negotiation, what should I ask for? Any other cad drafters or business owners would be very helpful. /rant I just want to know how much I could be worth to this company. :)

[Mr. Tasty]

don't do too much, you could work yourself out of your job. That is my advice.

[RUFFLZ]

what are the rest of the drafters in the company being paid?
anything comprable to their pay but a little less considering you just started would be the smart thing to ask for.

[slaterd]

I"ve asked the other cadsman about this because I was worried that my new system would work too good and push me into unemployment. They said not to worry, "there's enough work to keep you busy for at least the next couple of years, even with my new system. Even then, if you can do that without a degree then they're going to want to keep you around to see what more you can offer them." I've expressed how worried I was about this to my immediate supervisor and he said this project is never going to end because we will be constantly updating things. I just made it 15x faster and alot easier. I'm the only one that has access to this system (the only one that can destroy it ;)) and the only one that knows how to use it.

[slaterd]

what are the rest of the drafters in the company being paid?
anything comprable to their pay but a little less considering you just started would be the smart thing to ask for.

Idk, we're growing really really fast but there's only 3 of us including me. The lead has been there for 7years and is probably making upwards of 20's. The 2nd cadsman has been in the company for 2-3 years but has been a drafter for a few months. He's making is cnc pay rate so about 15-16 hourly.

[BillBrasky]

don't do too much, you could work yourself out of your job. That is my advice.

Welcome to America in 2012. Good luck getting anywhere in life with that attitude.

[ButtJuice]

So asking for $20 or more would be way too much? I feel like you should be getting paid a decent amount for that kind of work, but then again I know nothing about it. That being said, a server/waiter can average to $20/hr or more when tips are put into the mix.

[AndrewBird]

Ask for $20 and see what they give you. Be happy with anything above $15.

[slaterd]

So asking for $20 or more would be way too much? I feel like you should be getting paid a decent amount for that kind of work, but then again I know nothing about it. That being said, a server/waiter can average to $20/hr or more when tips are put into the mix.

Let's just say that I've saved them $1400 a day on MY salary, having to hire almost 8-10 full time employees, and more than 1-2 years worth of time on getting the website fully running. Not to mention the amount of money they will be getting since said website is up sooner because of mass media promotion. Plus I'm still doing jobs on the side. With all the work I put into the new system I still put time into doing product jobs that adds up to over $50,000 worth of product that I've designed so far. That about sums it up ha.

[spike68]

I work a lot with CAD stuff and ive worked with several architecture, GC, and Sub contracting companies (I am 20) and I have only gotten paid a maximum of 14 per hour. I know a lot more about drafting and process innovation as I work with BIM if you know what that is for construction. The problem is if you dont have a degree for what you do, there is no sense in a company paying you as much as someone who does when you technically dont know as much, no offence. Even though your processing may be quick, JUST doing CAD drawings will work yourself out of a job since now a days its getting easier and easier to use, companies are able to take less skilled workers to do the same at a lower cost. Its called being lean.

So to answer your question, you could probably ask for no more than 15 per hour. There is no way they would be willing to pay you that much unless they absolutely value you and they have communicated that to you. Getting a higher education will be the ultimate way to be paid much more in this business.

I currently work with a plumbing subcontractor while im in school here because the company truly values me for all the work I have done. I did not just complete CAD drawings, but I helped the company adapt to new estimation software that involves CAD, but increased our output by 100%. INNOVATION is what its all about with anything CAD related. Being ahead of the game is what will get you in.

[xxx-Lost-Soul-xxx]

If you end up leaving,stay away from solar city. What a joke that company is.

[slaterd]

I work a lot with CAD stuff and ive worked with several architecture, GC, and Sub contracting companies (I am 20) and I have only gotten paid a maximum of 14 per hour. I know a lot more about drafting and process innovation as I work with BIM if you know what that is for construction. The problem is if you dont have a degree for what you do, there is no sense in a company paying you as much as someone who does when you technically dont know as much, no offence. Even though your processing may be quick, JUST doing CAD drawings will work yourself out of a job since now a days its getting easier and easier to use, companies are able to take less skilled workers to do the same at a lower cost. Its called being lean.

So to answer your question, you could probably ask for no more than 15 per hour. There is no way they would be willing to pay you that much unless they absolutely value you and they have communicated that to you. Getting a higher education will be the ultimate way to be paid much more in this business.

I currently work with a plumbing subcontractor while im in school here because the company truly values me for all the work I have done. I did not just complete CAD drawings, but I helped the company adapt to new estimation software that involves CAD, but increased our output by 100%. INNOVATION is what its all about with anything CAD related. Being ahead of the game is what will get you in.

That's what I've done. I've done the numbers and I've increased our output by 1500%, yes 1 THOUSAND, 5 HUNDRED percent. I am able to make new software programs, and new systems that work and are extremely efficient. I'm the only one that can do it. Even the senior cadsman hae no idea how I've created the programs. The president of the company told me face to face that since the company is exploding right now, they need innovative thinkers that aren't afraid of taking a step back to improve future productions and processes.

[Grand525]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acLW1vFO-2Q

[Stanley Rockafella]

OP

grow some balls and ask for what you want. Cause if you dont', you'll never get what you think your entitled to and you'll just end up resenting you employer and anyone else you dont' beleive is treating you right

[slaterd]

Consider balls grown.:) Your sig is the complete opposite of what you're telling me though ha.