Machinists’ Salary Picture Not So Rosy

Unfortunately, the salaries cited in “Supply of Skilled Machinists Is Tighter Than Ever” [March 18] are an exception to the rule. With the perks and salaries Superior Jig is offering, their base rate charged to their customers must be $150 to $175 per hour. Regretfully, 99% of the manufacturing industry’s base rate is $45 to $65 per hour, and annual salaries of $20,000 to $35,000, excluding benefits, are more the norm.

The manufacturing industry is a true laggard as far as wages go, despite the fact that machinists contribute to nearly all phases of what we have and what we can do. It is truly one of the most unappreciated and unrewarding trades, henceforth the shortage of skilled machinists. The trade is unappreciated by both the consumer and the majority of corporations who depend on their skills, without which they could not produce their product.

Boeing, while paying its machinists $18 to $24 per hour (not including benefits), owes its success and profitability to the fierce competition among its lower-tier suppliers who must maintain a $45 to $65 base rate to remain competitive.

The motto of the industry is basically “Dirty deeds done dirt cheap.” Comparing Disney to the manufacturing industry is like comparing “Walden” to “Dante’s Inferno.” In retrospect, I’d rather be on Walden Pond.

ERIC DRESSER

President

Numeric Engineering Inc.

Burbank