TMagnus wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2019 9:43 am
Maybe the math doesn't work because you don't understand the difference between billed and earned. You obviously don't own a company and do contract work.
There are lots of opportunities around the world for Canadian AME's to make a substantial amount of money while living in nice places. Typically type rated engineers are paid 10K USD+ per month in Dubai, Singapore, or Hong Kong. If you have an A&P and/or an EASA license you can earn more.
Or you can just be happy with your $46/hr at AC or Westjet.
rwm1273 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 21, 2019 2:37 pm
Many companies are now hiring contractors to make up the difference in staffing. I've been contracting for about 15yrs. Last year I billed out over $250,000 between 3 companies.
This year so far I've billed out $175,000.
Now despite billing out this amount, it does not exactly equate to my actual salary. But because of the advantages of writing off many things such as mileage, tools, accommodation, food, clothing, health care expenses, etc, it does make an awful lot of sense to contract.
But I do work away from home, and yes I work many long days, and often in unpleasant locations. However, I could easily still bring in over $100,000 working regular hours close to home if that was the type of work I wanted to do.
Billable amount includes all your expenses as well, how much you pocket depends on your overhead. I assume you’re an independent and you don’t work for a contract agency. Do you carry your own ins? Pay your own WCB, travel, accommodations etc.
I contracted for many years off and on in good places and not so good ones, it’s about the bullshit to money ratio. AC and WJ pay well if you factor in being able to walk away at the end of your shift and enjoy your days off, you deal with the odd shit-pump human, but they’re everywhere these days. You can also branch out into planning, reliability, MCC, QA or management etc if that’s your thing, beats changing a actuator at 3AM in February.
If you like to travel, don’t have a family or lots of variety is what you seek, contracting is the route to go. Just be aware you’re more disposable than the avg employee.
Everyone fits in a different spot in that sliding scale of BS:Cash