Making $70K A Year As A Tile Setter In NYC | On The Job
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2024
- Zandra John is looking forward to making $70,000 this year as a Local 7 tile-setting apprentice in New York City. Before becoming a union worker, John was a teacher's assistant bringing in about $25,000 a year. She accrued $5,000 in student loan debt and relied on food stamps and Medicaid to get by. John has worked on tile setting in the NYC subway, Hudson Yards, and the new Moynihan Train Hall complex.
Zandra John is a 28-year-old union tile setter from Flatbush, Brooklyn. But her mother always wanted her to become a teacher.
Three years into earning a bachelor's in secondary education with a minor in English, John was unable to re-enroll in her program because she was behind on her tuition payments. She already owed $5,000 in student loans and was making $12 per hour (about $25,000 per year) as a teacher's assistant.
While she loved working with kids and liked the idea of becoming an English or special-needs teacher, her teaching assistant job did not have benefits and she relied on Medicaid and food stamps.
"I love kids so much, but I felt like something was missing. I wasn't really doing what I wanted to do," says John. "And while I wanted to finish school, I knew $12 an hour would not pay off my loans, it would not help me pay tuition, it really wouldn't do much but help me get by. So I just went on the internet."
She googled high-paying roles and found herself looking at jobs in construction. She quickly thought of her father.
"My dad was a carpenter, he worked in the train stations. And that's really where I started falling in love with building stuff, fixing things around the house. I would always help him. I wanted to have a career in that field, but I wasn't sure if I would be able to," John says. "It's a man dominated field. And usually, they don't want women there."
Now, John makes roughly $32 per hour as a tile-setting apprentice. With overtime, she expects to make about $70,000 this year and is working towards becoming a journeyman, who make up to $61 per hour in her union, about $126,880 per year.
"Going from $12 an hour to $32 an hour is a huge difference for me," she says. "I can save more. I can help my mom more."
Getting the job
John's first step into construction was enrolling in a free 7-week training program with Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW) - a New York-based organization that prepares, trains and places women in careers in skilled construction, utility and maintenance trades.
"That was really the start of a whole nother journey for me. I would TA in the daytime and I would leave there and go straight to NEW," she remembers.
In June 2018, she graduated from the program and began an eight-week pre-apprenticeship program in tile setting that lead to an official apprenticeship. She says she was drawn to the program because it combined her interest in construction with her artistic hobbies.
"One reason why I love tile is because tile and art, they have a connection. A lot of times when we are putting up tiles it's like a mural. We do a lot of murals. We did a flower mural. We did a cloud mural. We did a mural in LaGuardia," she says. "I love art, so the fact that I can incorporate two things that I love is amazing to me."
Of course, John is the first to say that construction tile setting is not a relaxing hobby. The job can include long days with difficult and dangerous physical labor. She describes an accident in which a pile of bathroom stalls fell on her while she was tiling a bathroom floor.
She also says harassment is common.
"They were kind of tough on me my first day, I'm not going to lie. Being the only woman on the job, sometimes it can get weird because the guys are scared to say 'Good morning,' or they stare at you," says John. "Sometimes guys make little comments like, 'Oh, what made you want to be doing this? Shouldn't you be at home?"
A typical day starts around 5:45 a.m. Her commute into Manhattan takes about 40 minutes. John says she arrives at her sight around 6:45 and work typically begins between 7 and 7:15 a.m.
"When I get in, I get to work. I go to my gang boss, get my tools," she says. "I get my grinder, make sure I have my water, make sure my wet saw is on and I get on my scaffold."
Tasks can include cutting tile with a saw, mixing "mud" that is used to level floors, laying tile or grouting in-between tiles.
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Making $70K A Year As A Tile Setter In NYC | On The Job
She might be making 70k but that mindset is worth a million
70k is not a lot?
@@nuguland_ In most cities, that's a lot. In NYC, it's average.
@@nicolestewart2274 oh wow i really thought it was a lot, well thank you for responding
Exactly!! Her mindset is 🔥🔥🔥🔥
@@nuguland_ yea making 70k is on the high end in southern part of Georgia. Now if she wants to make the Big bucks her next move should be going into business for herself.
Zandra, I love your positive can do attitude even after your set back. We are strong 💪🏽 your resilience will get you to the $100k+ bracket soon!
Thank you !!
Janette! I love your channel!!
@@llzandra you’re welcome!
@@MaiMai-ys4yg thank you 😊
This was so inspiring to watch! Go girl!
Love it, she’s resilient and didn’t allow herself to get bullied by those who need to educate and upgrade themselves
Educate??? This isn't a matter of education...this is culture and they are fully aware of what they're doing....every black person in Unions has stories like this....
What's your point?
@@closeredge5198 exactly. They are not uneducated. It’s pure hatred and Whytesupr@ma(y. How they gonna educate a naz!
@@mxiivx7610 This has nothing to do with the subject of the video....my comment pointed out an idea that is very deceptive.....people trying to explain away racism as an 'education ' or 'ignorance ' problem... when it is extremely conscious, intentional and willful
Need to educate? Whether you work in a lumberyard or you are a lawyer. You should always be educating yourself no matter who you are. Unless you want to end up being 50 yrs old and your job is now paying 25 k a year when it use pay 75k when you were in your 20-30s. This isn’t 1960 anymore, if you are not keeping up, then you will get left behind. You want to be in your late 50 or early 60s thinking about learning something new, be my guest. Doesn’t have to be formal education but could be a trade, but never get comfortable. That’s you end up in the street or in bankruptcy.
This is the third episode, I have seen with Black Women in construction. All three from this NEW program in NYC. I am so proud of all you ladies.
More of these stories need to be put out in the “career trajectory” narrative as a whole. Yes, the degree/office path worked for me, but it shouldn’t be put on the highest pedestal for work & financial achievement. As someone who yells at the pieces of an IKEA bookcase when I can’t put them together properly, I salute those who are builders & makers! I also salute people who are trailblazers in their field, just like Zandra is. More of this, please! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Girl, I’m reconsidering my degree/office path. Lol. It hasn’t worked for me yet. I make an okay wage but I feel like I’m not getting anywhere. Thankfully I still got 3 more decades before retirement to figure this out. I just wish I knew my career options when I was younger. I don’t regret going to college. I felt like my life truly began in college, when I found people who accepted me and uplifted me. But I think I should’ve explored career options early on. Like, go to college for a traditional degree and then jump into internships, apprenticeships, training programs, shadowing professionals, etc. To some degree I did do some of those things. I had a bunch of side hustles until I found my first full time gig. But I put too much emphasis on a desk job. I didn’t even try to turn my side hustles into my day job. And, honestly, all the jobs I had before, such as being a nanny, I could’ve earned twice as much by now if I had kept up with it. But my parents didn’t think those jobs would be lucrative. I think my parents and at underestimated the value of a top college educated nanny who could speak fluent English, teach their kids art (another path I didn’t try to pursue, sigh), and teach their kids a foreign language. I also realized some families pay top dollar for the right fit, not necessarily a Montessori trained nanny, but more so values and beliefs. Basically to hire a nanny who would be an extension of the family. Similar eating habits, fitness habits, etc. We need to stop looking down on certain career paths.
@@SL-lz9jr Thank you for sharing your experience! I’m in my 40s & I’m happy to tell you there’s ALWAYS time to change course, but realistically, as you get older, you just have to be more calculated in your moves because time & money (& I’m talking about saving for health expenses as you get older & for retirement) is finite. I felt the same way about university! I felt like I found my peeps! Also, just because I have a degree, I’ve never stopped learning, whether it was to change industries or just for personal interest. If your goals are to change career paths, then absolutely, work towards it! It’ll be scary & there’ll be naysayers, but you have to do what you need to do for your financial, emotional, physical, & mental well-being. This is not directed to you - but I think these days people think getting a formal education is a zero-sum game...like, if what you took in college does equal to a directly-related career, it was all for nothing. There is value in experiencing things first-hand, whether it’s pulling all nighters or realizing you’ve made a career choice that’s not the right fit for you. EVERYTHING can have value if it’s helped you progress in a meaningful way. Good luck! I wish you all the best!
“Some people go out of their way to make you feel uncomfortable”. I felt this, one of the benefits of WFH is not having to deal with the micro aggressions in the office.
Lucky you
True
YES. I realize was I so relaxed and more focused because of this.
Haven't even thought about this benefit. So true!
Same, I left an office job to work from home before the pandemic started, I was miserable in office.
I’m a Female local 1 plumber I and also went to NEW years ago I totally appreciate these videos. We need more inclusivity in the vast world of construction.
I love these stories. Good for her and the other women in "non-traditional" jobs.
I hope one day she goes back to the school she was a teacher's aide at and explains to kids the different options available besides college to finding a job. She's a great example on career day for "Odd Jobs" and "High Paying No College Experience/Degree Jobs."
Not gonna happen. School's like to keep their numbers up and they'll steer low achieving students into alternative schooling. Having a big percentage of their students accepted into college makes them look better and get money.
i felt this...i grew up pakistani by the projects in jersey city...i wish i could go back to my school and old community one day and at least expoes these kids to all the options out there early on
@@nikolnolastname4473 How do schools get money for their students getting into college? I’ve never heard of that happening. Local funding comes from property taxes.
@@califlorican at no point did I mention funding
@@nikolnolastname4473 You also didn’t mention what you did mean though. I’m just asking how schools get money from kids going to college
Flatbush!!! Also, shout out NEW, helping women become financially independent!!
Came here to say the exact thing. FLATBUSH!! 😂
I have 2 daughters and I hope they grow up to become as strong as this woman, great role model.
& They will ! Thank youu
I reckon you could start a cool side hustle making mosaic tiled art too
True, I can see people paying good money for that
Yes, her work was beautiful!!
And more more money than this.
Many unions don't allow side work, it's dumb I know.
@@DietBajaBlast and why not?
I really enjoyed her story. People tried to bully her but she didn't let them make her feel inferior. If anything it empowered her. I just know that one day she will make way more than all those racist guys and become their boss.
"Shouldn't YOU be at home?!" Hahahaha Zandra don't take no lip
She has fantastic work ethic, its motivating to me. And its seriously f'ed up that she's had to deal with racism and sexism to that degree or any degree. She deserves to feel safe at work. But you can't argue with stupid so good for her for not letting it stop her from getting what she wants.
You remind me of my Mom! Very inspiring and outgoing. My mom is a Yacht Carpenter and She does fiberglass repairs and Paintjobs. She's very talented and has been in the boat business for over 15 years. She introduced me to her boss and i got started as soon as i turned 18! I couldn't be more grateful to building a work related connection with my mom and being taught by her. I am currently 21 and will soon open my own LLC to do boat and yacht repairs.
Love seeing these hardworking women in male dominated fields! You go girl!
You should feel the same way about men in women fields
Hey just wanted to let know that you have a dubbelganger from canada. Her name is Bryanna Nyhof from canada look her up
@Dee yep always one who wants equality
@Dee are u stupid or sum? He just said feel the same way other around which = equality
@@jaedn_5100 Most jobs are male dominated
My mother was a union carpenter as I was growing up. Your experience is precisely the same...only 35 years later. The more things change...
Love this. Wish my state had programs like NYC to actually help people become financially independent. Great job, sis💓💓.
These last two episodes have been create. The stories and people have been very transparent about difficulties in their lives and what they are doing bro overcome them. This women is great. She's going to keep doing her thing regardless of the hate
Trades are where the money is at! Graduated with an MBA and went on to start my own glass company. $75k in the first year and on track to double that. I work alone and I work for myself.
How involved? Do you source the glass? Cut for windows etc?
@@averageliving4Life i get the glass from a whole supplier that only sells to glass glaziers. I only replace the glass units I don’t do any actual window frame installations.
Business has been recession proof, covid proof, and during the riots i was busier than ever.
She sounds so happy :,) it’s an untraditional route and look at how much joy she has, I love this
3:37
“The more you work, the more you make.”
People who truly believe this and take pride in their work will prosper, be self sufficient, and fulfilled. Keep proving the haters wrong.
That’s false. The smarter you work the more you make
@@SOGFLY1 it doesn't work like that for everyone. Not everything is a forex trading.
@@tondaniraluswinga2590 It does. Smart work makes you more money.
@@SOGFLY1 in this case how would u suggest she works smarter? Since u know it all?
If you work as a tile setter you get paid by the hour. More work = more money. Both statements are true there is not just one way to earn more.
Omg! You can really see in her eyes that she found her calling! So happy for her. I want to be next!
She's terrific! Super inspiring.
Congratulations Z, this is a huge deal and highly inspirational to watch on the last day of Black History Month. Despite the negative jackasses out there, we must continue to have the courage to set positive and transformational trends when the opportunity is there. More of us are needed at the table of decision makers. Peace to you and your family sister.
Thank youuu!
"Shouldn't you be at home?"
That's some 🐮💩!
Why would a guy be better at tiling than a woman?
I dont think she was quoting them, just mimicking the sentiment she felt. What the guys said was really "what made you get into construction" and she inferred it as negative
Why wouldn't they?
I mean if we’re looking at the amount of male vs female tilers then yeah but I get what you’re trying to say😂
@@Earlyalexbadstandup When I applied to do a Business course, the male interviewer asked me "what made YOU *scans me up and down with disgust* want to do a Business course", I refused to engage in explaining myself. So I asked him, "what type of course do you think I should be doing?", he pointed to the table behind for Health and Social care for looking after the elderly. He felt should not want to go for higher positions but should only want to do caring or assistant work. She didn't infer it as negative, the insinuation made was negative!
Because of Strength size and speed which translates to more production on the real world which is all that matters for the companies btw not trying to stir anything just being true
Resilient, hardworking and so inspiring. She's a great role model .
See this is why you have to take your life into your own hands and not listen to what your parents want you to do. If she was still trying to become a teacher trying to please her mother she would still be struggling. Teachers, even in NYC, don't make $70k a year. She would have to go to school and get her master's degree to make that much as a teacher.
Such a positive and driven woman. Love her outlook!
Side note: anyone in construction, especially SWIMMING POOL construction, should consider Arizona for a while. It is BOOMING right now; companies can hardly meet demand. So much so that people have to often wait WEEKS just to get an initial phone call or appointment. It’s Crazy!
I work in the stone fabrication trade in the Yuma area of Arizona, but since since their is an abundance of cheap immigrant labor and unlawful business practices, I get paid a very low wage.☹️ Unless if I find a better company, I am switching my career to real estate.
Im honestly mad at myself for not going into a trade.
The name checks out.
You still can!
You can always just go to trade school. It's literally only 2 years and considerably cheaper than normal colleges and universities. Just bite the bullet and do it man life's short for you to be living in constant regret
Just a quick counterpoint:
Although I think trades are a fantastic option, they are more vulnerable to an economic downturns. There will be far more "tile setters" laid off than people in miscellaneous office jobs. Even the office workers that do get laid off are more easily able to jump into something else. Also, trades tend to have sudden plateau in income since there is limited room for advancement. They also tend to be more physically demanding and you may not be able to work the job into your 60s.
People that work trades need to be smart with their emergency funds and retirement planning for them to still come out ahead in the end.
Not trying to dismiss the value of a trade at all, but I think it's always worth mentioning that many career paths have their own benefits and drawbacks.
@@OneNewHope the physical demands of it are definitely something worth mentioning. Many people that I know who are in a trade have physical problems yet they haven't even reached age 50 yet. It's decent money, but can deteriorate your health real fasf
She lives near me - hey Zandra neighbor!👋🏿👋🏿
I'm rooting for her, she's a great role model!
Tell her we out here rooting for her, her mama and them plantains.
I love how energetic and positive she is. It's sad how she was making so little as a teaching assistant though. Teachers should make at least 2x more than they do. They provide an immeasurably important service to the world too.
No they shouldn’t most teachers are mediocre and don’t deserve more Pay . Their Pay should be earned not just given a 100k salary to yell at kids .
Ooh that plantain is making me hungry!
Lol
Love stories like this 🤗. I like how she was able to transform her life by making a career change that was challenging yet rewarding.
So inspirational. Wishing you all the best in your path to becoming an journeyman Zandra.
Thank youu!
She's on a good path. If she gets the saving and investing in order too, she'll be financially independent long before her peers retire.
She gotta move out the city to save more
The union is set up with a retirement pension plan.... She good!
I really admire her tenacity and work ethic. She’s an inspiration.
As a female engineer I hear you, you get tired of the male species real quick lol
I love that you are sharing and showcasing opportunities outside of the office! Thank you Zandra for sharing your story, I know it will be so inspiring to many people.
I needed this, Keep on fighting for your goals. You are everything ✨ I hear you & see you !
Zandra John with that attitude, you’ll be on your way to a million per year. Stay blessed, you deserve it all and more! 💜
I love this! Wishing you the best from Europe, Zee!
Yessss i love this...all of it!!! Her spirit, tenacity, not settling, her father even taking the time to teach her, her love for her family...shes going places beyond her wildest dreams
Love her! She’s so positive! And a go getter! I wish her all the best!
She’s a true warrior. Pure respect
I love what NEW is doing . Hopefully we get more programs like this across the globe
This is so inspiring. Going after your passion is something that fear keeps a lot of us from. Respect. Zandra is such a role model. Thank you.
Her perseverance and attitude are so inspiring! Great to know she has a good support system from her family and mentor program. Wishing her all the best!
I really like her insightfulness and honesty.
This lady is another great example of the people that make this country work. These type of stories need way more exposure to inspire others to get off their entitlement mindset & realize that no one is going to do a better job at improving your life than yourself.
Love this episode! She has such a good outlook on life. Thanks for sharing your story, Zandra!
I love this! I'm going to show it to my students. I've been trying to expose them to more post-secondary options besides just college and the common trades we all hear about. Tile setting looks awesome.
You keep doing you, Zandra! Your attitude is beautiful and will get you far in life
I’ve watched a dozen of these and this episode is by far my favorite. This woman is so impressive!!
I’m glad Black people are putting their best foot forward despite all the bs in society.
I love her empowering herself and women!! Yes Queen!!!
Who's here before Graham Stephan reacts 😂
Right here lol
Ha! Same
Me
that was amusing at first. but now his suggestions are mostly about draining all joy from life.
He should have her tile his pool, get that woman some jobs in LV.
LOVE! She’s amazing! Reminds me of my mom, super hardworkers!!
Loved seeing her interesting story ❣️She’s changing the game‼️💛
Zandra your perseverance is admirable! It’s sad we STILL live in a society where people get joy in bringing others down. But your strength and support from others will carry you to the top!
And as a NYer get that car! So much more gets done in the day.
I really loved this episode. It was very educational in the fact that I learned a lot about a new feel that I was not even exposed to. Love seeing peoples journeys on here!
She’s so inspiring- thank you for breaking barriers :)
I Love this story. Zandra can be a setter and can use her teaching background to help others learn.
Awesome to see some alternative professions and not 6 figures jobs, it more relatable for many of us
Keep going!! It's not a you problem, it's a them problem!! Do what you love. You are an inspiration.
Your energy is so awesome, I hope for you a special kind of success in your industry so that you are totally fulfilled.
Amazing and inspiring Zandra... You go girl! 🙌🏾💚
She’s amazing!! So uplifting and positive. Keep it up 💪
Teachers should be making 70k minimum and teacher's assistants/aide should make 60k minimum
Teachers in NYC start at 60k and cap salary is 120K. IDK why people think teachers do not make good money... Especially when you consider all the time off....
@@milesboyd1 That's NYC and certain schools, that's not everywhere and SHE in particular was making 20k
@Brian Abisdid That isnt the case at all.
@@TheBlackDorothyZbornak lol. She lives in NYC. So that's why that point is relevant. Plus, the DOE pays everyone the same rate and adjusts depending on time in the field and education. Charter does not, but they do not start people for less than 60. And she was def not going to school to teach at a Catholic or private school.... 2, she was studying to be a teacher but gave up. She would be making more now if she had of stuck with it.
@@milesboyd1 Staring salary for nyc teachers is 57k, she was a TEACHER'S ASSISTANT not simply 'studying to be a teacher' making 20k she had a segree, was assisting teachers and making poverty wages, what arent you understanding about that not being okay?
Zandra, you’re so awesome! You inspire me. :)
LOVE this woman's positive attitude! You can tell by her spirit that she is an artist. Loved this episode. Thank you for sharing, so interesting! "I'm gonna show you that I belong here." - Yes!!!
Zandra you exude positivity and drive! Keep it up and keep rising. You are a true trailblazer! Let them be mad. That means you are doing your job!! 🤑🤑 Love and light sista!! ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾👏🏽
This is awesome. Can't wait for Graham's reaction commentary to this one!
Zee I'm so proud of you and your accomplishment. You've got that determined spirit , the only way is up for you. Keep striving to be the best in everything.
Thank you aunty !!
Member of Local 7 for 34 years, Zandra, great video- we had worked together in the subway on a few jobs, nothing can stop you now ✊.
its nice to see a woman making it a field like yours and proving to others that anything is possible. it was a pleasant surprise to see you are st.lucian,made me proud. continue the good work.
Congratulations Queens. More blessings and success to you on your journey 🇯🇲
So proud of you. Keep up the great work.
Sending you love and encouragement!!!!
I’m so proud of you sis 👌🏾
Thank youu sis!
I’m so proud of you Zandra !! 😊! You can even start your business one day !
Zandra, you're amazing. You're inspiring other women doing this!!! Keep fighting.
Great episode.
Doing what she love and getting paid well too!
Zandra you’re incredible! More power to you!
This is truly awesome and love this job!!! Includes artistry you bet!!❤️
I love her honesty and transparency 💞
Sounds like an amazing profession. Being creative, working hard and working alone. Love it!
Thanks for sharing this inspiration video! Proud of you! Keep on pushing, you have what it takes great work ethic and positive attitude, that will get you far in life! Glad your back working! Black girl magic! 👏🏾👏🏾 God bless! ❤️💕🙏🏾
You know those channels you subscribe to and are happy that they consistently post, this is it!!!! You have loyal followers so keep em coming
Very inspirational. More blessings to her and her journey.
ZANDRA YOU ARE AMAZING!!! I love your confidence although you did struggle this past year..it’s something we all go through and i’m so glad you prospered!! Your story is inspiring and I love how you don’t let those trash men bring you down! My mother works in construction as well and she always tries to get me to get into it and I was never interested but I didnt know jobs such as tiling were a thing to be honest. Thanks for your knowledge!
Wish she would’ve seen an attorney when they made those discriminatory comments... she’d no longer have to work in those hostile conditions
And work somewhere else in NYC with the same hostile conditions?
@@berksarioz969 no her settlement would be great enough that she would only work if she truly wanted too. She’s a woman working for the city and being sexual discriminated against that caused her anxiety. The city of New York does not want those kinds of federal claims
I love your positivity as well keep up the great work NYC needs you and more people like you. GOD BLESS
You rock, women folks can do anything!
My mom was a single parent and was rock-solid ...
Keep shining sis..
Love and respect from 🇮🇳
This is amazing. Well done! Keep it up👌🏾
The sassyness is too real I love it!
You are amazing, great interview!
Great story Zee much love from Cleveland. It's great to hear good news these days.🙏🏽🎆🙏
Amazing & inspiring! Best wishes for your future! 🙏