KBR Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits.

switch in Austin, Texas said: Yes i know. Ive been like that for 6 weeks !!! I sure do feel good today though!

can not wait till the empty feeling goes away I dealt with this years ago when he was in the Navy that was really hard he was gone a year at a time no 4 months with 10 days off so this is something to look forward to.

jdcs wife in riverside, California said: on way to the airport to take JDC ... he's off to Houston....I'll try to keep it together..

Oh we are thinking of you . Good Luck !

Switch I am glad to hear you are feeling better and relieved! I can only imagine the relief...To jdcs's wife I know it is hard with the not knowing, but remember this board and I am sure the support for you here will help get you through the day's...My prayers are with you and all today and everyday...Right now we are packing Gary's bag's, as it is getting closer to his departing there is so much to do...The Dog's know something is up I do believe...We are going to celebrate our Christmas tonight with Gary's daughter and husband and grandson...This way Karson will be able to open his gift's in front of Grandpa lol...Well I am off everyone I hope you all have a wonderful day! ~ Debs~

jdcs wife in riverside, California said: on way to the airport to take JDC ... he's off to Houston....I'll try to keep it together..

Traveling man told me to tell your hubby he's the hilton 1005 Listed under Herzel come by and see him. I guess he wants to meet all the people he met on the Forum.

Host said: What are the average starting salaries, bonuses, benefits and travel requirements like at KBR?

What do you like best about working at KBR? Are there any great perks or special treats for employees?

OK, question. I have been reading through the massive pages of the forum and have a curious question. Now, I understand they do not get paid while processing in Houston. However, I have read some blogs that are saying they do not start getting paid until they are actually in country, on a base camp working and that they can be held over in Dubai, etc before they even reach a base camp...? Is this correct?

futuretimes in Fort Myers, Florida said: OK, question. I have been reading through the massive pages of the forum and have a curious question. Now, I understand they do not get paid while processing in Houston. However, I have read some blogs that are saying they do not start getting paid until they are actually in country, on a base camp working and that they can be held over in Dubai, etc before they even reach a base camp...? Is this correct?

As soon as you set foot on the plane at Houston the clock starts ticking. You dont receive uplifts till you get to Dubai. I think Dubai is 55% . When you get to Baghdad you are at 75%. Im not sure but i think you get 8 hours each day while you are travelling.You do not need to start work before you get hours. They start when you board the plane.

You are on payroll when you board plane in Houston. First day is 8 hours with no uplift, second day 8 hours with 40% uplift all other days while in Badgdad at 8 hours per day with 75% until you arrive at assigned camp.

also you get $500 just before boarding in Houston.
I just vac. sealed flannel sheets,blanket,pillow,
3 bath towels, 4wash, darn thing weighs 10lb.
now he only has 34 left. How did you girls do
it with just 35lbs. I guess keep packing
and when I get to 44, he'll have to wait
for my care package.
I think the wifes are doing their share of work
also, I pat all of us on the back.
WE ARE STRONG!!!

Wow. My brain hurts after reading all this. (most of it anyway). im going over to iraq to drive a truck outside the wire. what kind of clothes do i need? and how long is the time spent in houston now? thanks,Smiffman

sandra defoy in clare, Michigan said: also you get $500 just before boarding in Houston.
I just vac. sealed flannel sheets,blanket,pillow,
3 bath towels, 4wash, darn thing weighs 10lb.
now he only has 34 left. How did you girls do
it with just 35lbs. I guess keep packing
and when I get to 44, he'll have to wait
for my care package.
I think the wifes are doing their share of work
also, I pat all of us on the back.
WE ARE STRONG!!!

They do have bedding there its just not that great. He can buy a pillow at the PX for about $8 unless he likes a special one. My hubby got by without that and now i will send them.Its up to you what you think is more important.

Question to anyone who has met husband somewhere other than the states
the first R&R I was going to meet him, because it takes 4 days
to travel home. Any good Ideas to meet half way. I have been checking
prices and wow, london is about 1300.00 and thats not hotel.
any help would be greatly appreciated.

I met my husband in Barcelona back in March. Airfare for that trip was $507.00 round trip. I booked through expeidia. Hotel was around 600.00 for 7 nights. American dollar does not fare well when converting to Euros. About .60 on a dollar. Great trip, lots to do, transporation was available everywhere. Then have hop on hop off bus for $ 20.00 a day. Meals were inexpensive.

Debbie

sandra defoy in clare, Michigan said: Question to anyone who has met husband somewhere other than the states
the first R&R I was going to meet him, because it takes 4 days
to travel home. Any good Ideas to meet half way. I have been checking
prices and wow, london is about 1300.00 and thats not hotel.
any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sandy,

Having traveled a bit in Europe over the years I can give you a little help.
Overseas travel during the Summer months can be expensive. That's the season most people tend to travel aboard so they really get ya!

Basically it goes like this - "Low Season" months are November to end of March. "High Season" months are April to October. Some countries may even have a Low & High Season scattered in amongst.... it goes with when people vacation and when not and the places where people tend to travel to. In Europe they call vacation "Holiday" or "Hols". Most Western Euro counties give there workers 30 days of Hols each year plus sick days and basic "Bank Holidays". ("Bank Holidays" are like X-Mas, New years and other celebrated days depending on country.... you know like they close the banks here when there's a Holiday. The Europeans call it "Bank Holiday" cuz the banks are closed.;~P

Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, etc is probably going to best bet. There's also Cheaptickets.com and other so called "Discount flight bookers" you may find a deal as well.
All of them pretty much offer about the same price.... just watch out for "Booking Fees" that may jack the price up.

Best advice is to just keep checking back on the various sites to see if they're running any deals, you may get lucky and find a fare a couple hundred bux cheaper.

Okay... here goes my first post after taking JDC to the airport... I was fine until the last 20 minutes.. right before he had to board.. I even got sink to my stomach and felt like throwing up on my way back home..

so instead of going home ...our church was having a festival and I went and help out my mom at the booth she was working.. so that kept my mind off it..
until getting home right now.. :(

He arrived safely.. at the airport everything was fine.. his seabag was 44lbs exactly.. He flew on Continental and they charged $15 to check in his bag... I guess that's their policy..$15 buck for the first check-in...

Just about an hour or so he was waiting for the bus(or van) dont remember what he said.. to take him to his hotel... I guess the shuttle took him to the DPC first... He'll call me when he gets settled in...

do they all stay in the same hotel?? or are there different ones they stay at..

Debs and Switch.. thanks for the positive thoughts...

Debs-and early Christmas... that sounds good for everyone... Im not sure how I'll feel on Christmas..

Coni.. I texted JDC and have him your hubby's info.. I hope they get to connect..

I was trying to tell JDC to look for people of the forum.. he said there were alot of guys there.. I guess he arrived with about 25 people to the DPC and when he was waiting to go to the hotel about 25 more came in to check in...

I'll keep you posted..

to everyone...thanks so much.. today would have been worse if I didnt have you!!

Coni- he just called... he's staying at the Comfort Inn.. I guess they're all at different Hotels.. Hilton, Budget Suites, Comfort Inn etc...I told him to still look for travelingman

he comfirmed that the food at the center is not that great....

He gets picked up in at 5:30am in the morning for his first day ... I'll keep you guys posted...

jdcs wife in riverside, California said: Coni- he just called... he's staying at the Comfort Inn.. I guess they're all at different Hotels.. Hilton, Budget Suites, Comfort Inn etc...I told him to still look for travelingman

he comfirmed that the food at the center is not that great....

He gets picked up in at 5:30am in the morning for his first day ... I'll keep you guys posted...

Well you are on your way !! Its hard to say good bye but stay strong ! He will meet tons of people and feel more comfortable as the days go on. Thats what is so nice about the forum , hopefully he will catch up with someone he has already spoken to !
About the $15 luggage fee. He can claim that back, fills a form out at the processing center and they will send you a check in about 2 weeks. Good luck and keep us posted.

switch in Austin, Texas said: Well you are on your way !! Its hard to say good bye but stay strong ! He will meet tons of people and feel more comfortable as the days go on. Thats what is so nice about the forum , hopefully he will catch up with someone he has already spoken to !
About the $15 luggage fee. He can claim that back, fills a form out at the processing center and they will send you a check in about 2 weeks. Good luck and keep us posted.

Thank you!!

Hello Everyone, my husband made it through his week long training at Liberty and is on his way to Spicher. Don't know if that will be his final resting place yet, but hope he finds his permanent home soon.

WARNING: While at Liberty, during the week of training, his bank debit card was accessed and we have had some fraudulent charges on our checking account. Have your other halves keep their valuables with them at all times. Don't think you have found a good hiding place for things. They are at training for 12 hours during the day and who knows who is going through their tent and belongings while everyone is away.

Good luck to all that have arrived in Houston today.

Hi,I to am new to this sight, glad I found it. It has been very helpful to me and I have been reading it for the last couple of hours. My husband left on Nov. 17. I have talked to him everyday since he left. So it makes things alot easier for me. He is also an Electrician, at Camp Echo, he has only been there about a week. So far things seem to be OK. I haven't had time to be sad I have three sons 27, 28, and 29, they don't live with us, but live really close, and they are hovering me. But thank God for family! So I want to thank all of you for all info, it has been very helpful, just wished we found it while we were going through the packing stages. Now that I found you guys I will be checking in regularly. Thanks again

Nice to find someone else at Camp Echo. My husband is a plumber at the same camp. He is on his second year. Would love to speak with you and share some insight into this camp. You can e-mail me afscme3920@aol.com

Debbie

MawMawMoore in Eureka, Missouri said: Hi,I to am new to this sight, glad I found it. It has been very helpful to me and I have been reading it for the last couple of hours. My husband left on Nov. 17. I have talked to him everyday since he left. So it makes things alot easier for me. He is also an Electrician, at Camp Echo, he has only been there about a week. So far things seem to be OK. I haven't had time to be sad I have three sons 27, 28, and 29, they don't live with us, but live really close, and they are hovering me. But thank God for family! So I want to thank all of you for all info, it has been very helpful, just wished we found it while we were going through the packing stages. Now that I found you guys I will be checking in regularly. Thanks again

Maw Maw- Welcome... My husband is an electrician too... Started his first day of processing today.. he arrived in Houston last night..

Wow the board was busy this weekend.

JDCS know I am thinking of you and others whose husbands/ loveones left Sunday.

Money is tight this way too and we are trying to have a bit of a Christmas–think new Pjs and socks for the older ones and toys for the grandbaby before he leaves–he sold his baby/ cycle so that we’ll be able to keep the household going till his first pay. He was sweet enough to offer me some of the proceeds from to beef up our Christmas budget, but I told him we’d manage. You know you really got to want this and plan a head–specially with a family what with it being 6 wks or more before they get their first pay. I am glad they still offering 500.00 advance. The kids and I will manage one way or another, I am more concern with the notion that he have money in his pocket for trip over just in case.

Niece! Great to see your post! So do tell us what you think? Hope you were not disappointed you went to Afghanistan? Is it really like stepping back into another time?

Switch, I am so happy to hear your hubby has found a home–so to speak. Wow, what a nerve racking wait, eh?

Operator thank you again for all the useful info. If all goes as planned we are gonna take a cue from Debbie and her husband and meet somewhere for the 2nd RR. We are thinking Rome with a side trip to Venice.

Jjsvmax, thanks for the warning.

I am a generator mechanic by trade. I was a 3E052 in the Air force journeyman pouwer production mechanic. Now I heard there is always openings for this field overseas. I have posted resume online and applyed for jobs with KBR. I had a recruiter call me and tell me she would call me right back because my resume didn't post right. But after that was straightned out I never got a call back. I find this is very hard to believe that I would not get a call back with the need of generator mechanics. I am curious does anyone have a number I could maybe call and talk to a recruiter. I am realy interested in doing this. Please I could you all the help you can give me. A phone number would be great.

ARplumber, how you doing, all ready to go yet? I am just about ready, now just have to wait and it's killing me,lol, I have never liked the waiting game.

hi rlukens: went and picked up some things for hubby this
morning. he had to work week-end, funny he has 12hr shifts
he worked over every day 2 or more hours, I told
him he was getting used to Afghanistan lol!!
ordered his desert boots,should be here before he
goes.
Barcelona sounds great, going to check on that. thank
you.

Well, hubby is set for processing starting Jan. 4th and then he's off to Sharana Afghanistan. We went yestday and got all of his cold weather gear. That cost a FORTUNE since he had almost nothing for the cold (except for camo for hunting which is out)!! Here in Houston he pretty much wears shorts 365 days a year...if it's cold he throws on a jacket and beanie, lol!

Okay, since he's leaving after Christmas I'm getting him gifts that will be useful for his trip. If you have any amazing ideas throw them my way!! :)

GOODMORNING i am also going there as a medic, has anyone told you what the weather is like and other then the list what to take ?

Hi davsgirl, and donnie, seems like we are all going to Sharana if it doesn't change, ill cook for you guys:)and the weather their in the winter is down right freezing. Ive been investigation, gets as low as -20 to -30 at night!!! seems like if i dont go there after preparing will be a letdown,lol, hope to go cuz seems like they are building this base up and we will be a part of that and am looking forward to helping out and doing my part.

Hi there everyone, my husband is there in Sharana. He said that it was suppose to rain there, and the temp was now. He mentioned something about freezing rain. I am not from the east coast so I am not sure what that means. I just got back from the post office. I sure hope his packages get there before Christmas. I think he's really going to thank me for the electric blanket. I sure feels different not having him around, specially in places that we go together. I can't sit in the same spot that we use to at church because I can hear him singing and I start to cry. Sorry for getting so mushy on you all. Even though he's been gone since Nov. 9, it doesn't get any easier.

Question about pay...

I guess JDC has to fill out paperwork to either pay taxes on his paycheck and wait for tax season for the refund??? What are some of you guys doing??

Debbie, Switch, Wirenutts...what did you guys do???

Matthew Bowser what's your email?

Hmm.. after reading my own post I dont think it made sense...

I just wanted to know if any of your hubby's are having taxes witheld...?? what do paychecks look like if they do? JDC hasnt worked for 2 months.. so we are just getting by..

any advice...

Mathew, I wish I had some answers for you. This is agreat forum, the info is priceless. But, I wish there would be more input from other trades such as mechanics(light wheeled, heavy, tracked, generator, etc.) about salary's, benefits and working conditions. Anybody going through Houston or in country, your feedback would be apprieciated. Also, how long before most of you recieved a call from KBR after submitting a resume ? I just submitted mine last Thursday for Light Wheeled Mechanic.

Does any one no what they are checking for and what they are doing in the physical test

donnie vinyard in ocala, Florida said: Does any one no what they are checking for and what they are doing in the physical test

-Lung Capacity, Pulmonary Function Testing
-40+ years are required to take an EKG
-Chest Xray
-Hearing Test
-Vision Test
-Blood Pressure Test
-7-8 Vials of blood are withdrawn for testing
-and of course, drug testing (urine)

what is the blood psi to be ?

rlukens3 in robeline, Louisiana said: Hi davsgirl, and donnie, seems like we are all going to Sharana if it doesn't change, ill cook for you guys:)and the weather their in the winter is down right freezing. Ive been investigation, gets as low as -20 to -30 at night!!! seems like if i dont go there after preparing will be a letdown,lol, hope to go cuz seems like they are building this base up and we will be a part of that and am looking forward to helping out and doing my part.

Dave's going as a carpenter to Sharana. I've done my fair share of research and yep I'm thinking it's gonna be pretty cold when he gets there in January! Wow, if it hits the high 60's I'm cranking up the heat and crawling under my blanket...I can't even imagine WORKING out in -30 degree weather!

YOU GUYS ARE TOUGH AND US BACK AT HOME APPRECIATE YOU!!

Well this forum really does work. The recruiters look at this. I posted this morning and I just had a recruiter call me. Sounds like I have an in and at least I got a phone number. She said they were looking to fill almost 300 gen mech positions wow. I just wanted to let everyone know this forum is a great source of info I am coming to find out. Info on pay, Benefits and such would be nice though. Thanks all Matt

jdcs wife in riverside, California said: Hmm.. after reading my own post I dont think it made sense...

I just wanted to know if any of your hubby's are having taxes witheld...?? what do paychecks look like if they do? JDC hasnt worked for 2 months.. so we are just getting by..

any advice...

We are not having taxes withheld. We need our money !!
Havent got a clue what they would take out..

hi just spoke to my hubby...we are having taxes withheld....he said they took aproximately $2800.00. now i got to figure out how to get it back! lol

i can relate...i miss my husband terribly...i bought him a laptop and sent it to him and today for the first time i my little girls and i chatted with him with yahoo messenger and webcam! it was funny because he was like "Its nice to see you" and he looked different he has lost weight and i can see it in his face plus his go-t is all scruffy not nice and neat the way it normally is!

i thought 87000.00 was tax free

Hey everyone, sorry i've been extremely busy these past few days and the drama here has been mounting it seems. Hubby was told that he was paid on Friday but I dont have any money in my account to show that. So between him and I we have been going round and round with payroll. Add to that drama, we were at my sisters house yesterday and her car was broken into. Then when I got home I found out that my neighbor was found not breathing yesterday. They have no clue why!! He is in ICU now and has not regained consiousness. Scary!! So it has been a crazy weekend.
Time does start to fly, it has been almost a month since hubby left. He was told that he might be changing camps, yet again! yipee! I want to send this package to him already!
Welcome to all the newbies! This board is a great source of information AND entertainment! It defintiely helps in passing the time.

Kristi88 in florala, Alabama said: i can relate...i miss my husband terribly...i bought him a laptop and sent it to him and today for the first time i my little girls and i chatted with him with yahoo messenger and webcam! it was funny because he was like "Its nice to see you" and he looked different he has lost weight and i can see it in his face plus his go-t is all scruffy not nice and neat the way it normally is!

That's too cool! I'm buying dh a mini laptop for Christmas that only weighs like 3 lbs. so it'll be easy for him to carry around. We're gonna get webcams too! He and I play online poker so I'm hoping we can still do that from a distance and he can play online chess with our 9 year old!

Technology is gonna make this so much easier! When we first got married in 97 and he was military it was all paper letters and care pacakages, lol!

The closest insight to pay is set based on what site you go to and what position you hold you will not find out this information until you speak with a recruiter and you are placed on a conference call. Benefits such as insurance are carried out through Aetna Global which is available to you and your family as well as life insuance.
Tax-Free is true but that is based upon and open ended year contract meaning you work for us for the full year and you only come to the states on your recommended R&R's and are not in the states for more than 30 days (10 vacation days every 120 days on the project). Once you pass this point (or stay in the states longer), taxes start being deducted at the end of the year from Uncle Sam and there is nothing that KBR can do about this. And the taxes that are deducted are HUGE!

Normal Blood Pressure - Blood pressure reading below 120/80 is considered normal.

High Blood Pressure - Blood pressure of 140/90 or higher is considered high blood pressure. If one or both numbers are usually high, you have high blood pressure.

Low Blood Pressure - Blood pressure that is too low is known as hypotension. The similarity in pronunciation with hypertension can cause confusion.

High Blood Pressure Range

Systolic pressure (mm Hg) Diastolic pressure (mm Hg) Stages of High Blood Pressure
210 120 Stage 4
180 110 Stage 3
160 100 Stage 2
140 90 Stage 1

Normal Blood Pressure Range

Systolic pressure (mm Hg) Diastolic pressure (mm Hg) Pressure Range
130 85 High Normal Blood Pressure
120 80 Normal Blood Pressure
110 75 Low Normal Blood Pressure

Low Blood Pressure Range

Systolic pressure (mm Hg) Diastolic pressure (mm Hg) Pressure Range
90 60 Borderline Low blood Pressure
60 40 Too Low Blood Pressure
50 33 Dangerously Low Blood Pressure

I found this information online, it maybe of some help to you. I would just go to your PCP (Primary Care Physcian) and be checked to see how your BP (Blood Pressure) checks out previously to being processed for KBR just to alieveate any problems once processing in Houston.

so are you taxed the whole year and at the end of the year given a lump some back if you fulfill your year contract?

and how long does it take to get yopur first pay ? i no pay starts when you get on the plane and head for you base am i corretc?

Any info on generator mechanic pay would be great along with living conditions.

Timesheets are turned in for processing the last Saturday of each month. It takes 5-10 days for the paycheck to be deposited into the bank account.