Posted 8 years ago
pajrr
(102 items)
I just acquired this 1937 pay scale chart from the Erie Railroad. According to the chart, the fireman leaning out the window of the Erie locomotive shown, was earning $5.77 for an 8 hour day. The engineer of this locomotive was earning $7.32 for an 8 hour day. Pay in steam days was based on the type of job and how much weight the driving wheels of the locomotive carried. The heavier the locomotive weighed, the more money you earned.
While the engineer was making $7.32 a day and the fireman $5.77 doesn't seem like much, they were considered above average paying jobs. You have to take into consideration that in 1937, the average worker made $1,788 a year, a new home cost $4,100, a car cost $760, a loaf of bread cost $0.09, rent was $26/month and a year's tuition at Harvard was $420.
The devaluation of the U.S. $ is just incredible. I'm beginning to compare it with 1920's Germany ! Sorry, we are supposed to use the gov't. invented term, "inflation". Inflation, devaluation ! What's the difference ?
1937----2016, my wages still reflect below average. Thanks for the great history and great photo of the Steamer, love old trains
I charge $40 per hr. (+$20 to drive to the airport) & consider that low pay. I have no idea what wages are on Uncle Sambo's Plantation ! It's just a fun hobby job to me. I'm retired from something. I just can't remember what ! Actually, maybe 3-4 times ! LMFAO !! Still wondering ? So are my neighbours !! LOL !!