UPDATE: As of 8-30-08 I am confident these numbers for wages and qualifications are relatively accurate. My information has been gathered via email, reader comments and phone calls. Without seeing a contract I can’t be 100% certain.
It appears that KBR might be “getting it” …FINALLY!! I know, there are those of you who will tell me I am too damn optimistic and it’s not that they’re “getting it” it’s just that they “got caught”!
I recently discovered that KBR now has a Master Electrician position (see below)
The pay may be as high as $12000 a month (unverified) which is nearly double what it used to be.
They want at least 5 years Master’s, 10 years journeyman, Supervisor experience (unverified)
And you have to show photo proof of your Journeyman card/license or your Master’s License. (unverified)
If you can verify any of the above information, please leave a comment or email me. I will try to contact KBR.
I’ve always had an issue with the fact that licensed electricians were paid no more than a labor foreman who for the most part were unskilled or performing work that did not required a specific skill. And, the trades were paid less than absolutely everyone else!!
Here are two job postings from the KBR website. One for a “Master Electrician” and one for an “Electrician” They were posted on the same day, but there appears to be no difference in the job requirements. That’s curious.
Job Title - Electrician, Master
Req ID 14908
Category - Skilled Trades
Location - Iraq
Date Posted - 8/18/2008
Reports to and receives assignments, instructions, and direction from the Foreman or General Foreman. Reads and interprets instructions and documentation and plans work activities. Moves materials and equipment to work locations and sets up work site. Maintains, repairs, and replaces or installs a broad range of electrical equipment and support systems in support of plant construction and maintenance activities. Completes records, maintains tools and equipment, and performs various clean-up and housekeeping activities. Observes and follows all safety rules and procedures, including wearing required personal safety equipment. Performs other duties and activities as directed. Typically requires 2-5 years of related experience.
Job Title - Electrician
Req ID - 14885
Category - Skilled Trades
Location - Iraq
Date Posted - 8/18/2008
Reports to and receives assignments, instructions, and direction from the Foreman or General Foreman. Reads and interprets instructions and documentation and plans work activities. Moves materials and equipment to work locations and sets up work site. Maintains, repairs, and replaces or installs a broad range of electrical equipment and support systems in support of plant construction and maintenance activities. Completes records, maintains tools and equipment, and performs various clean-up and housekeeping activities. Observes and follows all safety rules and procedures, including wearing required personal safety equipment. Performs other duties and activities as directed. Typically requires 2-5 years of related experience.
I have a question ….. or two.
What are they going to do with the “electricians” they already have in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Are they going to qualify them?
Are they going to raise the pay for the qualified ones?
Are they going to send the others home or turn them into helpers or labor foreman?
If you know the answers to these questions, feel free to comment or send me an email.
Ms Sparky
The comments posted on this site are the sole opinion of the comment poster and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this site owner.
30 comments
I hope this is a sign of change and not just smoke.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Unfortunately I think they are being forced into it after the Hearing Testimonies. But, the end results are what counts. A better quality electrician being fairly compensated and providing a quality product to the client….I hope.
That will be almost double what we are making now. I know they aren’t doing it because it’s just the damn right thing to do. Someone must be forcing them to finally hire qualified electricians and KBR found out they aren’t cheap!
Ms Sparky
I would like to find out more about the new master position. I have been a master over 15 years or more. Working in the trade since 1971. Turned out as IBEW journeyman in 1976. IBEW kocal # 59 Dallas TX
Jerry
thank you for doing everything you have done…
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thank you. All I did was kept telling the truth until someone chose to listen. But it’s not over yet. There’s much more to do.
Ms Sparky
Do you think that a piece of paper (electrical license) will make you a better electrician,I am here for 14 months,seen so called Licensed electricians from the States and not just working for KBR.
Jones
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I take it you are not from the States. They don’t have any licensing requirements where you come from? A license does not make you a great electrician, but it does state that you have had a certain amount of training and were able to pass a test. In the States that license makes you civilly and criminally liable if someone is injured because of your shoddy work. And someone telling you they have a license and actually having a license are two different things.
Ms Sparky
My comment was not targeted at the States licensing system,I think that the system is great,it is the people that come over and just think about the money and not the actual work,and you right I am not from the States ,the licensing requirements in my country is basicly the same as in the States.
Jones
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Are you licensed in you country?
Ms Sparky
Yes,Qualified in the early 1980 already.
Jones
Thinking of taking an assignment for 12 months, I am from the states and the state I live in does not have a Journymen test, only a contractors lic. test. No interest in that. I have seen and had so called lic. electricians work for and around me that could not twist a wirenut, but could somehow read a book to pass the test.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
What state would that be? There is nothing in your state that says you completed an approved apprenticeship program? There’s more to getting a license that reading a book and taking a test. Most states require the successful completion of a 4-5 year approved apprenticeship program plus 8000 verifiable hours of different kinds of electrical work supervised by a licensed journeyman before you can even sit for the State test. So…it’s a little harder than what you think.
KBR is giving raises to all licensed employees in ALL utilities depts (HVAC PLUMB ELEC). It’s a sore subject in theatre right now for the employees hired before this new base salary (including myself). I’m a master plumber and a foreman for KBR in (location removed to protect this reader) and we just got a new hire 3 days ago who has a plumbing journeyman’s license and he makes more than me. And no he’s not a foreman or supervisor. KBR has not even addresses this issue to their existing employees, in fact they told us yesterday at a nightly meeting that it’s all just a RUMOR!!!
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I just can’t believe KBR is lying or would in any way deceive it’s employees!!! Say it isn’t so!!! Thanks for this awesome info…I’ll be blogging about this!
I can attest to the way that KBR and Lear Siegler works over there as far as their electrical part goes. I was a welder with machining qualifications and although I had applied with LSI as a welder they hired me as a machinist. Mind you I had not operated any manual machines in at least 10 years. Once I landed at Al Asad and was put to work in the Allied Trades Machine Shop, I had little to no training and was running the manual Lathe for the second time in probably my 15 year career as a machinist. I had attempted to loosen the chuck and because it was so tight I gave it a little too much ass and hit the start lever which turned the machine on and started it running. It in turn caught both my hands between the chuck key and the machine. After 6 hours of surgery to repair the damage to my fingers which was sever, I was told by my foreman that LSI had requisitioned KBR to rewire the machine backwards and disconnect the emergency stop button wires because it had already been broken off. The reason for the rewiring job, the man that ran it was too tall to constantly bend over to lower the lever to start it and instead of raising the machine to his height they thought it better to rewire so that you raised the lever to start the machine. Once the top officials at Anaconda base inspected the machine they wanted to know who gave authorization to run the machine and of course pass the buck down. We all know that S**t flow’s down stream. Anyways I was sent home to recuperate and was informed by AIG to get an attorney thankfully I did. I have several of them working 2 different cases. The workman’s comp case which is moving slow if at all, and a personal injury case which will probably take forever to move forward and complete. The top officials once the inspection and inquest into the matter was done requested LSI electricians to rewire the machine back to its normal state and they refused. I thank them for that, perhaps now they will get a new machine and learn that you don’t rewire anything because of someone’s inability or back problems. Thank God I had the insight to take photo’s of the machine for that right there is my case. LSI had informed me the day after returning home that I had been terminated. If you have any information that may benefit me or help me in any way I would like to hear from you.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
OMG!!! This is disturbing. I will be in touch right away!
In response to the comment about a “little piece of paper” suggests that you have not attended a U.S. Department of Labor recognized apprenticeship. I can also assume you have never seen the NEC or accumulated 8000 hours on the job or 670 hours of classroom instruction. I have been in theater for the last 28 months and have worked with everything from a pizza man(no joke) and a electrical engineer from Kenya who had 24 years experience and could not test continuity from a ground rod to a panel. On the other hand I have had the experience of working with a fairly young man who has learned all he knows from his father. This kid could could run circles around me……but I did not tell him that.
As far as the pay is concerned…..if you are licensed in the states and you are already in country in a few weeks you will be called in to sign a “PAN” Pay Adjustment Notification. All I can say is that if you were on that confrence call a few weeks ago, you heard it straight from the big dogs. And I quote “once approved”……..sit tight
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I have had the non-license holders just flame me on this site. I had one guy call me everything but a…….my mistake, he called me that too!! I know what you mean about varying degrees of “I’m an electrician”. I don’t think I could work circles around anyone, but I can get the job done (as right as possible over there) and not get anyone hurt. I worked very hard to maintain my license the 24 months I was there by getting my CEU’s on-line. I just love BLUEVOLT.com
I couldn’t be happier that KBR has raised the bar and the wages for the licensed crafts, electrician, plumber and HVAC, I think that’s great. The ones that deserve it the most are the ones like you who have earned their license, maintained it, and put up with all the crap. I have always thought there should be a raise after each year complete and after two years a raise and some therapy. My freakin’ Electrical GF wasn’t even a damn electrician. Talking electrical and safety to him was like trying to talk to me about Brain Surgery. Of all of KBR’s crap I resent that the most.
I don’t understand why they are telling the new guys to keep their wages a secret! Why are some people reporting the fact that the new hires are getting more money is just a rumor?
I HOPE YOU GET IT!!!
Ms Sparky
Thanks for the information here, and I am interested in the possibility of training and inspecting the military and civilians there.
How were the living facilities and what are the electrical systems like there.
Pictures would be appreciated.
Thanks Joe
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Joe Tedesco, I am honored to have you visit my page. Iraq and Afghanistan need you. I will help in any way I can.
Thank you too! May I set up a page and link to your site on my site? If so send me the content I can post today.
What type of training was available when you were there?
Did they have safety meetings?
Did they use the DOE standards?
I found this information in my mailbox this morning and the content is interesting for sure:
The Story of OSHA (28 minutes 1980)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1N48Z5HerA
This film tells workers how OSHA was set up to stem the tide of
disease, injury, and death, and what their rights are under the law.
It explains the role of NIOSH, how OSHA standards are set, and how
OSHA investigates complaints and seeks abatement.
Worker to Worker (29 minutes 1980)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puRnHE1nNYE
A film showing the many kinds of safety and health problems that
workers encounter on the job. Workers talk about OSHA and NIOSH and
their experience in convincing others that they don’t want to shut the
plant down  they just want a safe work environment.
Can’t Take No More (29 minutes 1980)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v2JTQjiCdc
A quick paced history of occupational health and safety in the U.S.
from the Industrial Revolution to the 1970s, with great old film
footage and narrated by Studs Terkel.
Short excerpts on specific topics (30 seconds to several minutes)
clipped from Can’t Take No More and The Story of OSHA can be viewed at:
ttp://www.youtube.com/user/markdcatlin . More than 170 clips of
workplace and environmental health and safety topics taken from old
government, industrials and other films are posted to this YouTube
channel.
Here’s the best one of all see the electrical code available in Alabama for example!
http://tinyurl.com/6k9jpf
http://www.archive.org/details/gov.al.electrical
This is for Screwball: I know what you’re talking about. I threw in the towell because of the lesser salary we made compared to other occupations there and since all the rampage over the poor wiring - which people like me were telling our ’superiors’ for the last three years. I will be pee’d off if KBR actually increases salaries for new hires and those already working that have proof of certifications. I won’t be PO’d at the particular employees, just KBR for doing what should have been done since the beginning of LogCap3. Stay safe and watch your back. . .
Hello Sparky,
I am an electrical foremen in Iraq working for KBR for close to two years. KBR is recognizing Apprentices, Journeymen,Masters and Qualifiers who are the qualified individuals on the contractors license. Like California for example. and are compensating them accordingly. If you are from a state like Texas that Has licensing regulated by the state for these positions you will be paid accordingly. If you are from a state like California that is regulated by the state like texas and does have a apprentice,journeymen, Qualifier same as Master in California you will be compensated accordingly. Because you have a contractors license does not mean you are the qualifier or Master , it means you are the licensee. This seems to be confusing for many people. And there are some states that are not regulated at all. You pay $25.00 and get a limited contractors license that allows you to do residential work for up to $25,000 and no testing or verification is required.
I am and have been a Licensed , Bonded and Liability insured contractor from the State of California since 1988 and have completed a two year vocational school program in Industrial Electricity and graduated in 1976. I have well over 30 years experience working in all phases of electrical work and can tell you that working over here in Iraq poses several challenges. And to be able to have a higher wage is helps to get a higher quality of electrician.
As the new people come off the boat they are being paid considerably more based on their license classification, than when I came on board and we will be getting paid more as well,when our new PAN is established this month at HR.
From my experiences over here and at the base where I am located a large Air Base. We provide the military with excellent service and most electricians with licenses or not do an excellent job in most instances.
Regards,
Mark
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thanks for the comment. I found that most electricians want to do a good job. And if they were provided the right tools and material and supportive management, there were for the most part, able to do that. I am curious if anyone in theater has received their raises yet? Have you heard of any reneging going on with the recruiters and the news hires? Have people actually come in under the new pay scale? Thanks Again.
I am interested in working in Iraq. I have a Masters License. Thanks, Brian
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Email me at mssparky@mssparky.com. After I have tried to talk you out of it. I’ll give you the info you need.
I am currently here at a site in Iraq and the management is so confused it is sad. Even more sad is our HR department, I have been an electrician for 20 years, tested out as a Inside Wireman and passed the JW test. These people told me it was not good enough. I have been here for 6 months and I am sick to my stomach when I see the work that has been done here.
Now they want it fixed today, Their butts are on the line.
I Hope the Pay comes soon, I have heard some of the guys from Houston are making the higher wage and it burns me up.
I wish I worked at MWR
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Be Patient. Be safe. The SBH Inspectors will be there soon. I took out a couple things to protect your identity.
i was wondering how safe is it to go and do electrical work in iraq and when they say you will be in a military base is it true, or do you work outside the base. im getting mixed stories. KBR is paying journeyman wages @120,00 for one year. does that sound right to anyone thats their. But most of an importance is it safe to be there?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I can’t tell you it’s safe to work in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are both war zones. The risk is always there. As far as working for KBR as an electrician. You will 99.9% work on a US Military Base or State Department Facility. The wages you stated sound like the new wages being offered.
Thank you for the feedback muchly appreciated. A few more questions if i will. How were you transported from the airport to the working facilities. What about the living and dining facilities, What about acess to showering daily? And also any access to a telephone or internet. Thank you again.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
You will probably be bussed from the airport to Camp Victory where you will then be manifested to travel to your camp. Either by plane, armored convoy or blackhawk. Living facilities can vary from trailer to tent. You should be able to shower daily and it is highly recommended. Telephone and internet varies from camp to camp.
Well Im here in Iraq and have been here for 2 years and I can tell you for a fact that some electricians that have been here have gotten the pay raise and some havent. the pay was retroactive to 9/1/08 The base pay rate is 3.750 for a journeyman and 5.000 for a master plus up lift.If a electrician goes home and gets his license then the pay starts the Sunday after he turns in his license to H.R. By they way the are giving LWOP
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thanks. Have they actually seen it on their checks?
I hit post my comment and I dident finish as I said they are giving LWOPs to go take your test. They need us journeyman real bad. The pay after taxes and yes you pay taxes{S.S. FICA and any money over what are goverment lets us make with out paying income tax} is about 9.400 But remember thats 84 hours a week, 2,604 hours a month but if you come here as an electrician be ready to work many more hours and thats no time and a half. Also task force safty is here so the heat is on.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Is 2606 hours a month a typo?? I am glad Task Force Safe is there!!! Go test where? I can’t believe they are making you LWOP to go test. What a cheap ass company!
Spark 1
I think you need a calculator you can never work 2,604 hours a month.
Jones
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I think it’s a typo. Fat finger syndrome.
I was wondering what life is like in the base or green zone if you will. If someone that is currently there or have been there, would you be kind and willing to post what your experience is or was like? I previously posted a few questions above. I dont want to go there and risk my life for that money, I actually wanna help a family member with surgery, they dont have insurance and have to pay cash for it. muchly appreciated, thank you again.
Ms.Sparky,
I am thinking about going to Irag Or Afghanistan,I don’t know which would be better? I have already been contacted by KBR,But I have alot of questions i’d like to ask you.I have been in the Electrical Business for almost 15 yrs,And now Own/operate my own business,I’m A Licensed & Insured Master Electrical Contractor.I’d like to know what good questions I should be asking them (KBR) to protect myself & guarantee the money I receive,Like how much should I ask for?w/ what kind of benefits?And do you work 7 days a week and for more than 12 hrs a day?Do you get any days off?And do I have to take a 1 yr contract or can it be a month to month?Is there any life Insurance to protect my family if something happens to me?And I know that there is really no safe place to work in either place but witch place & where in that country is the best to work at?I have many more questions but I’ll start with these!Thankyou in advance !!!Nip
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Let me see if I can answer your questions. First…don’t put to much stock in what the recruiter tells you. It is their job to get you to sign your contract.
You don’t get to choose where you go. And once you get there, they can move you at anytime.
Wages are not negotiable. It’s should be $5000 base for a master. $3750 base for journeyman plus uplift.
You work 7 days a week, minimum 12 hours a day…OT is straight time, %75 uplift on first 40 hours only.
The contract is a one year, but you can quit and they can fire you at anytime.
There is life insurance available.
I hope that answers some of your questions.
What is %75 up-lift,And is it all tax free?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Base Pay $5,000.00/month
International Bonus 5% 250.00/month
Area Differential 35% 1,750.00/month
Hazardous Conditions 35% 1,750.00/month
That’s 8,750.00 based on a 40 hour work week.
Estimated overtime at straight time would be approx $5451 per month.
Estimated wages are $14,201/month
It’s not all tax free. There are several restrictions. Get with a tax person that knows how to deal with overseas work. Not all do.
so thats 14,000 a week?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
A Month. I need to clarify that one comment. Sorry
I think i’m getting confused I think if i’m understanding this correctly is the base pay is 5,000 a week plus 14000 a month so the total would for one month is 34000 ? is this right ?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
No. It’s $5000 base per month plus uplift. Your total monthly pay for a Master Electrician is approx $14000/month. It’s very confusing the way they figure it.
Anything on medics and living conditions around Jalalabad? I have completed the hiring process and have been invited to Houston. On the medical side of the screening process. I have a small umbilical hernia, my surgeon is not concerned about it, but I’ve heard it could disqualify me. Is this true?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I doubt seriously that will disqualify you. Seriously…I saw some very unhealthy people going over there. Some of which I had to wonder if they even had a pulse!!
I don’t know too much about Afghanistan. It is getting colder there. So take some warm clothes. I believe most of them are still in tents. As a medic though you might luck out.
Keep me posted.
Hi all, yeah we just got the add over here in the uk and i am gonna go for it…….. please tell me in detail the daily routine do you start work have to stop for morter attack do you have armed gaurd that are more intrested in letting kidnappers taking you ? etc all i know is 12 hrs 7 days will the trip from base to work be blown up……..? i think this will help a lot of peeps make there mind up i`m going for the crack regardless……lol
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Here’s the routine. Get up. Go to breakfast. Go to work. Go to lunch. Go to work. Go to dinner. Go the the hooch. Take a shower (PLEASE). Watch a little TV. Go to sleep. Repeat daily for 12 weeks then go on R&R. Normally, if there are mortar attacks (IDF) you go to a bunker or hard building. They are getting fewer and fewer. You don’t have to worry about insurgents. But I would definitely look out for those KBR managers. They are much more brutal and ruthless. The only time you have to worry about kidnappers is if you make your buddies mad and they sell you to them.
Stay Safe
Hi Ms Sparky, I’m an aussie sparky doin remote mine work as a supervisor. Experiance in many roles, 13 years as tradesman(journeysman?) Are this mob going to give me a go ya reckon? 110/240 they’re all volts. Its the amps that kills ya after all;)
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I would think they would. http://www.kbrjobs.com
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