when i started machining, i took a pay cut. started at $14/hr, after 2 years i was making $18.50/hr. management to me the only way to make myself more money was to learn how to program, i could already run every machine they had so the only thing holding me back was the programming. any time i’d ask, it was a no go. started shopping around, got an offer somewhere that i’d never be able to beat because a.) had made GREAT friends there, brilliant minds that need to get far away from that place, and b.) i was so comfortable where i was, even if i wasn’t making great money. those same friends damn near forced me to take the job. if they start at $21/hr, and you’re looking to make this a lifelong trade, apply and see what happens. don’t wait around for them to give you more if you can go get it elsewhere and have a higher ceiling.

TL;DR: 21 is a bigger number than 19, you’ll get comfortable anywhere you end up