How much do you pay your designers?

[kerrlynne1]

What is the going rate for a semi experienced designer?
A manager?
Utility person?
I offer health insurance to my employees but it so expensive only my manager uses it. I pay a set amout each week on it, he is my key person been with my for 5 years- great designer & sales person.
But I have 2 designers pretty good both limited experience and need to watched on COG's, but they seem to unhappy with there pay.
My opionion is if you don't like it then quit, dont @@@@@ behind my back.
We usually have a very good track record with employees.
Most my drivers stay 10 years or more ( they are retired when we hire them) Designers stay 3 or more years, and tend to come back when they venture out and see who other shops treat them.
So I am just underpaying these people or they just unhappy?

 

[Mikey the Flower Guy]

Key people require....

key motivation, and many times, the pay rate is secondary....often they NEED to be NEEDED...however, since you asked.....$12-16.00 per hour, or less, if you place them on a pedestal!!

 

[Victoria]

In my experience, while pay is definitely important... fair and equitable treatment, and appreciation is right up there.

Also in my experience, sometimes the attitudes of the employer needs adjusting. It shouldn't be difficult to say "thank you, I really appreciate your effort". The owner sets the tone for his or her shop.

I'm an employee by the way and a da mn good one. The person who employs me, is a da mn good one too.

V

 

[CHR]

Just as a frame of reference, a specialty market chain here in So Cal (known for their top quality produce and specialty foods) called my husband's floral design school looking for new team members.

They are expanding their flower departments in a number of stores and are offering starting pay for experienced designers at $16/hr US, plus benefits.

 

[steve]

Most of our designers are paid $12 to $14 an hour our general Manager is Paid more and is on Salary. A Jr. Designer makes around $10. and our sales clerks start at $8.50 and make as much as $9.50.

 

[slcummins]

Wow!!

I would love to pay that much. In our part of the world cost of living is so cheep that cops get paid under 10.00 an hour. So the designers are very lucky to get $8 to $10 an hour. As a matter of fact since I'm selling my shop I had two shops offer me postitions and one was as a designer for $9.00 and the other is for the manager at $12.00. So you can guess which I'm leaning towards.