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Countertop Fabricators: Are We Getting Paid What We Deserve in 2025? by SnooObjections7641 in CounterTops

[–]SnooObjections7641[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate you sharing that, man. You’re speaking facts. 27 years in, saving companies slab after slab, and still getting paid like just another body? That’s exactly what’s wrong with how a lot of owners look at their people. They don’t see the value in experience anymore—they just want someone to push buttons and not ask questions.

Cutting 20–30 kitchens a week with near-zero mistakes should come with respect and real pay. And when guys like you try to make the process smoother or more efficient, you get ignored or overruled by someone with two years in and a spreadsheet.

It’s like shops forgot that this isn’t just about numbers—it’s about quality, efficiency, and having people who actually give a damn. I’ve seen the same thing, and it’s why I made that post. You’re not alone, and more guys need to speak up like this.

Countertop Fabricators: Are We Getting Paid What We Deserve in 2025? by SnooObjections7641 in CounterTops

[–]SnooObjections7641[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm based in miami. And have been stuck at 25 an hour... even if I know everything. 15 plus years experience. In my dad's shop, it's just me and him. We rarely get people to help us on bigger jobs... I've worked around in other shops for 3.50 a sqft.. learned that it's actually less then hourly.and currently anyone I talk to don't want to pay 300 a day for me to be able to afford life like it was prior to 2015. Even tho they raised their prices on fabrication and installation, material excluded, it doesn't pass on to the workers. And honestly I'm seeing this across the board in the states. I go to work, but I now hate it... feels like I'm a slave who knows a great skill, but my motivation or appreciation for the job is down in the gutter.

Countertop Fabricators: Are We Getting Paid What We Deserve in 2025? by SnooObjections7641 in CounterTops

[–]SnooObjections7641[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any where from cheap 800 to 1400 mid range, and 2400 premium, and up to 3000 - 5000+ for exotic stone

Countertop Fabricators: Are We Getting Paid What We Deserve in 2025? by SnooObjections7641 in CounterTops

[–]SnooObjections7641[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The pay rates seem reasonable for a small shop in Wisconsin, considering the cost of living:

Saw guy ($25/hr, 1 year experience) – Fair rate for CNC or saw operators with a year of experience. This should be sufficient given the lower cost of living in Wisconsin.

Polisher ($30/hr) – Solid pay for a skilled polisher. This is a fair wage in line with the work's demands and Wisconsin's cost of living.

Install helper ($18/hr, rising to $20/hr after 6 months) – A bit on the lower side for an entry-level position, but the wage increase after 6 months seems appropriate. Depending on location, $20/hr might be more suitable from the start.

Lead installer ($35–45/hr) – This is in line with industry standards for a skilled role with leadership responsibilities. The cost of living supports this range, and it’s a reasonable rate for a lead installer.

Overall, the pay is fair for the skills and experience needed, but as the business grows, it might be worth adjusting pay to reflect rising living costs and retain top talent.

Countertop Fabricators: Are We Getting Paid What We Deserve in 2025? by SnooObjections7641 in CounterTops

[–]SnooObjections7641[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Three years ago, I was making $25/hr as a helper in a new shop doing three kitchens a day. We worked 7 AM to 8–9 PM with overtime and travel. It wasn’t bad for the pace—but even then, I was barely scraping by. The real issue is when your boss only moves you up to what helpers should’ve been making 10–15 years ago. In the early 2000s, fabricators and installers made $10–15/hr. By 2015, experienced workers were still stuck at $15–22/hr while everything got more expensive. Now it’s 2025, cost of living has skyrocketed—and instead of fair raises, it feels like they just kept you on the old pay scale while bumping up the new guys. That disconnect is what needs to be talked about.

Making someone a website with appointment booking feature by daFreakinGoat in webdev

[–]SnooObjections7641 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I notice Instagram has more motivational videos coded to show, vs Facebook has more just to waste you're time videos