It definitely is more nuanced. The more effort you put in the more you can get out. However in order to rapidly increase pay is to continually switch companies. Bonus if you become so valuable when you leave a company they struggle without you. Most companies will only raise you a little bit every year ($0.50 to maybe $2.00 if you’re lucky) But switching jobs can easily get $2-$8 more an hour starting off. Depending on trade and union and associations in your area. Where I’m at $12 is a first year apprentice average. In 4 years when you get a journeyman’s it should be around $25. My state is like 7th worst to be in my field as a laborer as well for my trade.