I recently started working in landscaping in New York at 19 years old, and I'm making $17.50 an hour. My friend, who runs a handyman business, mentioned that he generally doesn't hear of anyone making less than $20 in this field. I'm wondering if that's true and if I'm underpaid compared to my coworkers. I put in a lot of effort at work and want to ensure I'm being fairly compensated.
3 Answers
Your age shouldn't impact how much you're paid. You're doing the same job as others, even if they're more experienced. Don't fall for the idea that you should accept less just because you're younger. Focus on your work ethic and don’t let age dictate your worth in this line of work!
Honestly, you should check job postings on sites like Indeed to see what others in your area are earning. I've heard similar things; in my experience, most landscapers make at least $20 an hour, depending on their location.
$17.50 is on the low side for landscaping. If you're doing tough physical work, that's definitely below average. I start my new hires at $22.50 and bump them up to $25 if they prove they can handle the job well. Just keep an eye on what others are making, and if you're consistently performing well, you might want to talk to your boss about a raise after a few months.
Definitely keep track of what others are earning and assess your skills regularly!
Exactly! Everyone should be paid based on their contribution, not their age.