Underpaid? Do Research to Support Case for Raise
by Leonard Toenjes

I have worked in construction for years and believe I am underpaid. I want to find data that supports my position and show it to my manager. Where can I turn to find this information and how should I argue my case with my superior?

A. There are several sources for pay scale information for various job classifications.

Public sources may take a little more effort to sift through the volumes of data but are very inexpensive or cost free. Private payroll information is available for purchase from several consulting and data collection services and can be very tightly focused depending on how much you want to spend to get the information.

First, be sure to clarify your job duties and job classification.

Payroll information is categorized based on general job descriptions, so try to pick the job description that best fits the duties you have.

Depending on the size of your employer, you may wear one hat, or several hats. If you are performing several duties-such as estimator, project manager and safety functions-try to figure out where the primary focus of your duties lies, and go in that direction.

For public payroll data, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics collects data locally, regionally and nationally by job classification.

In addition, many state departments of economic development also collect and disseminate this information. I suggest taking some time to search the Bureau of Labor Statistics Web site at www.bls.gov. You can check on the specific job classification for the specific geographic location closest to you.

Total Compensation

I would also want to ensure that I understand my total compensation package when compared to others in my field.

It is important to take into account any medical, dental, life or other insurance coverage and any pension benefits. All of these items are costs to your employer and are part of your total compensation package. Be sure you are comparing apples to apples when analyzing your compensation in relationship to others in your job classification.

In asking for an increase in your compensation, I suggest you not go into a meeting with your superior with the attitude of an "arguing your case," but approach this as an issue of fairness of compensation.

Be sure to have all your compensation and benefit data, along with a clear picture of your value to the company. Personnel are the most important asset of any construction company, and quality personnel can make or break construction operations.

Schedule a time to meet with your superior that is free from interruptions for both of you. Clearly lay out your research and describe your value to the company. Thank your superior for the opportunity to work for the firm but clearly note that your feel your compensation package is becoming an issue for you that needs to be addressed.

Have a specific level of compensation in mind, and make your request clear. Ask for consideration of your request and ask for a decision date.

It is unfair to ask for an immediate decision. You are more likely to be successful if your superior has time to consider your data and request and figure out ways that it could fit into the company budget.

Do you have questions on construction human resources or safety? E-mail them to Leonard Toenjes at ltoenjes@agcstl.org or craig_barner@mcgraw-hill.com.
If Len picks your question, he will answer it in a future issue of Midwest Construction.)