wages

[abeorike]

I was wondering what the going wage was for combine operators. Just operating the combine no repairing or services required.

[iceman]

No wreaking? Comes when needed? at least $40 Probably closer $50


Iceman

[the big wheel]

No wreaking? Comes when needed? at least $40 Probably closer $50


Iceman

That must be the input capital rate charged to go out and combine and then tske the canola? Lmao!

[zeefarmer]

I was offered $40/hr to run either combine, cart or truck.

[bucket]

I was offered $40/hr to run either combine, cart or truck.

FML....why am I farming

[zeefarmer]

You're preaching to the choir.

We're overequipped for harvest, so I had thought of doing custom work once we finished. For that kind of $$, I'll work for someone else instead

[Taiga]

For those rates I am available immediately to operate anything anyone wants.

[AlbertaFarmer5]

For those rates I am available immediately to operate anything anyone wants.

I have a pitchfork, and a stoneboat in need of an operator. And a barn that hasn't been cleaned in decades, how soon can you start?

[Blaithin]

Geez. Train me up!

I’ll even suck up driving a grain cart for $50 an hour.

[GDR]

Couple thoughts here

#1. Dont tell my wife as she is the chief combine operator here and I have already paid dearly to have her and dont want to half to pay by the hour too.

#2. If you are gonna pay operators $50, plus fuel, plus repairs, plus capital cost, made as well just hire the custom operators it's likely cheaper.

#3. Only require a couple days of help here, pay $25/hr to a competent retired farmer. Hes happy to get out there and I'm comfortable he ain't gonna wreck stuff. Works for us.

[sumdumguy]

With or without air conditioning? Man, when the air conditioner freezes up and it is 33 degrees out, it is the test.

[MBgrower]

With or without air conditioning? Man, when the air conditioner freezes up and it is 33 degrees out, it is the test.

Seems farmers willing to overpay for everything, no wonder we dont make enough money and complain about our costs.

[blackpowder]

$30 paid here. Cash or after deductions.
Definitely not overpaying if the combine worth $400k and the on the job training is an hour for two weeks work in 2 1/2 months.
Farmers forget some people actually feed a family on just wages.
But, I've known these guys for 10 years and they work part-time here year round.
Top heavy equipment operators.
If they were here for just harvest and asked for $50, I'd probably be forced to pay it. Although $ 40-45 more in line with top hands on the line.
$25-40 range likely here.

[blackpowder]

#2. If you are gonna pay operators $50, plus fuel, plus repairs, plus capital cost, made as well just hire the custom operators it's likely cheaper.

If your make or break spread on a combine is $20 an hour you have your answer!

[MBgrower]

$30 paid here. Cash or after deductions.
Definitely not overpaying if the combine worth $400k and the on the job training is an hour for two weeks work in 2 1/2 months.
Farmers forget some people actually feed a family on just wages.
But, I've known these guys for 10 years and they work part-time here year round.
Top heavy equipment operators.
If they were here for just harvest and asked for $50, I'd probably be forced to pay it. Although $ 40-45 more in line with top hands on the line.
$25-40 range likely here.

With todays combines, once they are dialed in, most teens can run them. Automation makes that even easier now. Grain cart guy, a couple hours and they are a pro. Trucking grain and filling bins, thats where you need to be careful green employees. Farming has come a long way in the last few decades, not much physical demand anymore. Most guys under 35 dont know what a grain shovel is, or what the big wrench is for hanging on the side of an old combine.