You are pretty much getting ripped. General helpers get $12, minimum for 40 hr week. But you set up machinery, and do finishing (and veneering?) which are tricky skills. I wish I had somebody to change my planer and jointer blades!
Casey

$10/hour generally strikes me as very low, especially since you're in the NYC area where I assume living expenses and wages are somewhat higher than in the northern Ohio area where I live. Generalities aside, though, this situation doesn't sound much like a typical job and probably shouldn't be looked at as if it were one. You don't have regular hours; for the last several months you've hardly worked with this guy at all. When he called and asked you to help with this big kitchen, did he tell you when to show up or did you negotiate what days and times you could make it? Could he have "fired" you if you'd told him you didn't have time? Are you really an employee, or more like a subcontractor?

If you were willing to accept the inflexibility and greater time commitments that go with a regular full-time job then you'd probably be worth considerably more on the open market, but it doesn't sound as if you've offered your services in that broader market. This guy, without you, is a one-man shop. It may be that he only uses you because you're ridiculously cheap. Somebody would probably pay you better, but it may not be the guy you're working with now, or allow you the flexibility you now enjoy.

Thanks for your input.

I'm completely free to choose my own hours, tho he was very slow last fall when I stopped working anyway. It's not a regular job, so he wouldn't "fire" me. It's a small town, we know lots of the same people, and now it's more like we're friends. But I was beginning to fear he might be kind of taking advantage. I don't need the money and I DO need my time right now. I'm working these days more as a favor than anything. I need to take the advice I'd give my kids, which is to decide what's reasonable and then stand up for yourself. They're better at it than I am!

He has a TERSA system, which makes blade changing really easy. They seem great, but are really expensive.

So it seems I can ask $12 or $15 or so? Thanks again!

What will you do if he says 'no'?

It's always a fine line when your working with or for a friend. That being said regardless of your age or weather you need the money or not you are being taken advantage of.
I start of guys with no experience at $8.00 hr and if they are still around after 3 months they will get a raise.

Someone with your ability should be getting a minimum of $15.00hr probably closer to $18.00 - $20.00.I'm in Morris County , NJ so my numbers should be the same as what his would be.

Come work for me I'll bump ya up to $15hr . I need full timers though.

Good luck.

stocky, thanks for your message, it's good to know. I would think Morristown is about the same as where I am. As for the friend situation, we worked together first and then got on a friendly basis. So it's easier than the other way around, as far as asking for a raise.

jon, If he says no I'll tell him (nicely) it's not worth my while, since I really should be doing other things anyway. I want to start on the cabinets for my own kitchen, and there are dozens of other projects I need to finish, not to mention all the usual responsibilities of a a parent and homeowner.

I think the reason he's so laid back with my hours is b/c he knows he's getting me cheap (as my husband says)!

I wouldn't say to him, "it's not worth my while". I encourage to show appreciation for the flexible hours and the experience you have gained while working there. Then, politely ask if there is any room in his budget for a $3 per hour increase. If he says no, then offer him a weeks notice and move along.

Be sure to make it clear that you are not shopping for another job elsewhere, nor are you comparing this job and benefits to others, but that you truly do have family responsibilites that are more important than working outside the home. It must be worth your time if you're away from your family. If not. Be at home. :)

I think you'll be surprised by his willingness to keep you.

Michael

Update: I spoke to him today and I'm happy to say I got a 50% increase! He asked me how much I wanted, then just offered me $15/ hour --even retroactively from the beginning of June! I won't be working much because I have so much to do at home, and he understands that. But I feel more appreciated now, and it will be good to earn more when I do work.

Thanks everyone, your input was important!

Next up, tell him you want a share of the company :)

glad it worked out for ya.

Glad to hear it work out for you. If you are happy with it, that's what matters in the end. For what its worth, if I had you in my shop doing that kind of work, I'd be paying you $30 an hour plus a travel fee.