FYI
Sometimes it is easy to forget what our education is worth.
Here is a breakdown of current values at each educational level.
Without a High school diploma: $24,544 per year
With a High school diploma: $33,852 per year
With some college (no degree, includes certificates of completion): $37,804 per year
With an Associate’s degree (2 years of college): $40,404 per year
With a Bachelor’s degree: $57,616 per year
With a Master’s degree: $69,108 per year
This list does NOT account for additional value garnered through training outside of what is provided through a college. Also these are the wages you SHOULD be making, based purely off your education level, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (no benefit values were calculated into this list). http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm
If you make less than this, I would recommend seeking Union consultation and representation. You DO NOT have to be part of a Union, in order to receive support by one. You can also seek assistance through the National Labor Relations Board: http://www.nlrb.gov/