Why do local jobs tend to pay more up north?

I think a lot of the stuff you’re seeing in WV is most likely related to drilling in the Marcellus shale. I drove tri axle water tank up there for a few years back around 2011, the money is there. If the drilling boom takes off again, those cheap rents aren’t going to exist, I lived in Washington PA and a lot of the locals were priced out by big money out of towners. Something to think about. If there’s any west PA locals on here I’m sure they remember the stickers on a lot of the vehicles up there “TAFT” This Ain’t F’ing Texas . Not everyone was happy to see the boom.

 

Having driven local freight in NYC and western Long Island, I wouldn't take a job there for anything less than $28/hour. It takes a lot of skill to drive a 53' trailer around THAT traffic and not have a accident every day. Also, it would only pay for very modest living quarters in an outer borough or (more likely), New Jersey.

 

Even local heavy haul companies don't pay more than $18 an hour there, or are there not any local heavy haul companies? United Rentals, Sunbelt, Ahern, I would think at least any of those would pay a little more than 18 for sure, unless you don't have any experience and can't get how to chain down a boomlift, scissor lift or telehandler fairly quick.