> Guy's, anyone know what the current hourly wage that tower
> maintenance types charge?
>
> 73 de Jack - N7OO
Like everything else, it varies a whole lot.
For a well-equipped and competent crew, figure $75 to $125 an hour depending
on what area you're in. Usually that rate is only good for 8 to 10 hours
max per day, with overtime/nights/weekends extra.
A good crew will usually want three men minimum: two in the air, one on the
ground, unless there is no ground work involved such as an inspection,
inventory, antenna jumper replacement, etc.. Travel time is typically at
half rate for a single truck, full rate for two trucks, but that tends to
vary a lot (some charge mileage plus time). Usually there's a minimum too,
sometimes half a day, sometimes a full day.
If a drum winch is needed, there will usually be an additional equipment
charge and usually another guy to run the winch (i.e. 4 men minimum).
If the site requires union labor or, alternatively, if non-union work has to
be done at union rate, adjust accordingly.
Sweeps and documentation may be extra.
Also be wary of guys that work for a reputable company but offer to do the
work "on the side" as a favor to you as a ham. The company's insurance
isn't going to cover them if they're off doing side work.
If you find a deal that's "too good to be true", it probably is. Unless the
crew is really desperate for work, which these days rarely seems to be the
case, chances are they're either under-equipped, ill-trained, or otherwise
not qualified to do the job right which not only results in shoddy work but
can also be a big liability risk to boot.
--- Jeff WN3A
