KBR Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits.

Does anyone know something about ITT Company (LOGCAP jobs) and about their pay rates?

By the way, Ms.Sparky, to make comments about electrical issues in Iraq, you should have detail knowledge about the contract, SOW and O&M level of performance accepted by KBR on related places (especially hard standing Iraqi buildings).

Dada in Neverland said: Does anyone know something about ITT Company (LOGCAP jobs) and about their pay rates?

By the way, Ms.Sparky, to make comments about electrical issues in Iraq, you should have detail knowledge about the contract, SOW and O&M level of performance accepted by KBR on related places (especially hard standing Iraqi buildings).

By the way Dada!! I do have detailed knowledge about the Scope of Work and Operations & Maintenance levels. I totally understand how people hide behind those. "Not my job" seems to be mantra in a lot of camps.

Here's some more "not my job" issues. If someone had said BS. enough is enough maybe these Human Trafficking issues wouldn't even be issues. bluecamel are you listening?

Yesterdays Headlines 8-29-08

"KBR, Partner in Iraq Contract Sued in Human Trafficking Case"
mssparky.com/2008/08/kbr-partner-in-iraq-contract-sued-in-human-trafficking-case/

Ms. Sparky… The topic we are talking about is ‘KBR Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits’ or jobs we are looking for. Maybe you can open a new topic where your comments will be useful and welcome.

I was wondering where you heard that KBR is paying 14,000 a month. Is that for a journeyman electrician? I was under the assumption that the pay as of now is 10,600 a month or does everyone have a different salary?

Everyone has a different Salary, Mark

sparkie in Georgetown, Texas said: I was wondering where you heard that KBR is paying 14,000 a month. Is that for a journeyman electrician? I was under the assumption that the pay as of now is 10,600 a month or does everyone have a different salary?

14K is for a licensed Master Electrician. Someone I know was offered that. But who knows. It should very well be different for everyone. I was told by another Licensed Journeyman that he was offered 122K/yr. That would equate to about your $10,600.

I wouldn't believe anything until you see it on your contract. Make sure it is correct and don't let them tell you that it will be fixed in Iraq if it's wrong, because it won't.

Ms Sparky
mssparky.com/

Double that. Last time I had a payroll issue it was 6 months till they fixed it. So when they decided to deposit what they owed me it was almost $4,000.00 . But if you owe them it will come out that day. They have been making mistakes like usual on Health benefits deductions and someone I know they took out over $3,500.00 because of KBR mistake they did not work out payments it was automatic. Good Luck, Mark

Ms Sparky in Portland, Oregon said: Here's some more "not my job" issues. If someone had said BS. enough is enough maybe these Human Trafficking issues wouldn't even be issues. bluecamel are you listening?

Yesterdays Headlines 8-29-08

"KBR, Partner in Iraq Contract Sued in Human Trafficking Case"
mssparky.com/2008/08/kbr-partner-in-iraq-contract-sued-in-human-trafficking-case/

sorry, i was not paying attention too you, i was busy interviewing for a new Asian maid.

Cool a maid. My wife could definatelt use the help with our four children. We hired a Nanny once she was from Brazil. She just wanted a free ride so my wife had to let her go. Have fun,Mark

mgparrothead007 in Bagdad said: Cool a maid. My wife could definatelt use the help with our four children. We hired a Nanny once she was from Brazil. She just wanted a free ride so my wife had to let her go. Have fun,Mark

Better be careful, we will get MsSparky wound up again.

All joking aside, there are a lot of foreign nationals working for a lot less money than they deserve. A maid makes about $150 a month, I pay mine $300 and she is extremely happy.

Contrary to what MsSparky says or thinks, I and others here have done a lot of work to raise the wages for 3rd country Nationalist on this Project. Without being bias, I can tell you with all honesty KBR pays their foreign works almost double and sometimes triple what the other companies on these Projects pay.

Yeah wow only $300.00 a month we were paying ours $1,600.00 a month in the U.S. And alot of pluses also. But I have heard of some companies only paying the tcn's $150-250.00 a month. And they cannot go to a px or anything some of them don't even have access to Iraqi shops . Mark

mgparrothead007 in Bagdad said: Yeah wow only $300.00 a month we were paying ours $1,600.00 a month in the U.S. And alot of pluses also. But I have heard of some companies only paying the tcn's $150-250.00 a month. And they cannot go to a px or anything some of them don't even have access to Iraqi shops . Mark

it is not just the companies that make it rough, but the Countries as well. the work week in Doha is Sunday-Thur, Fri and Sat weekend. Most of the Big Malls and shops make those 2 days "family" day, in order to keep the low income workers out most of which do not have family here. The rich locals do not want too mix with the poor while they shop.

It's called segregation by money, and usually everone outside of that country is considered not worthy or I forgot the word for that one sorry brain freeze today. ,Mark

I have a couple of questions i hope you can answer. I understand health insurance is aetna, is this good? Also how long does it take for my wife and kids insurance to kick in ,is it immediate or a long wait?
In regards to pay, they told me i would have to wait 4-6 weeks after i deploy to Iraq for a check, will i get any partial payment before that? Lastly should anything unforeseen happen to me i want to make sure my family are taken care of, do they offer any extra life insurance etc.What will my family receive should something happen? Thanks

About insurance you can find at www.aetnaglobalbenefits.com

I also have another question please. What are the other companies out in Iraq that are hiring Journeyman Electricians. I have heard that some of them pay more, have better benefits and have more R&R time.

Mark,

I know this is way off topic but I have a question regarding something you said in one of your posts I read on this site.

"....And Some things they turn you away for Diabeties,
High/low blood pressure..."

I have a friend who is currently working with KBR in Iraq and they are trying to help me get on as well. I have been recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I do not have to take insulin, instead control it with diet/exercise. However, since my diagnosis my sugar level has only been high once, which my doctor says is very good. Aware you aware whether KBR considers individuals with Type 2 diabetes? I'm female and also 47 yrs of age, so again am wondering if I have a chance at all considering my friend is 18 yrs younger than I am.

Also, I am interested in trying to get my foot in the door with KBR as a possible Administrative Specialist since I have over 20+ years of Executive/Administrative Assistant experience. Just wondering if I have any kind of a chance. Thank you for any advice you can provide.

--Wondering in Oklahoma

Hello
I am from Macedonia and I am working in Iraq for KBR.
Can someone tell me why new hires like me from January to present have much low base pay than other old employees from Macedonia.
Example: Old Employees, who are working like administrative specialist have 2000$ base pay and the new hires have 900$ base pay. They are working same job in the same condition. I think that is discrimination .There will be changes on better?

Goki Stojkov in Skopje, Macedonia said: Hello
I am from Macedonia and I am working in Iraq for KBR.
Can someone tell me why new hires like me from January to present have much low base pay than other old employees from Macedonia.
Example: Old Employees, who are working like administrative specialist have 2000$ base pay and the new hires have 900$ base pay. They are working same job in the same condition. I think that is discrimination .There will be changes on better?

They are doing it because people are agreeing to go to Iraq and work for it. The best thing to do it get the word out at home and tell them that people in Theater are making twice that. And you can always quit and go home. As far as discrimination goes, not knowing your situation, I can't really say. But it doesn't appear that KBR or other US contractors are bound by the standard US labor laws so I wouldn't waste too much energy complaining about discrimination, harassment, wage inequities or threats to be sent home or transferred to a more hostile location.

Good Luck
Ms Sparky
mssparky.com/

I have recently been informed that KBR's "new hire" electricians are not the only craft being hired in at significant pay increases from those already in Iraq and Afghanistan. Licensed HVAC and Licensed Plumbers are "apparently" being hired in at rates higher than the foremen they will be reporting to. It seems kind of wrong to treat the employees that have endured the heat, the cold, the bugs, the KBR BS, the mortars and rockets like that. Seems kind of like a slap in the face. Those in country are being told it is just an untrue rumor and the new hires are being not to tell anyone what they are making. Now that doesn't sound like the KBR I know and love.

So if you are a Licensed Plumber or Licensed HVAC and you absolutely can not go to work anywhere else in the world, apply at KBRJOBS.com Good Luck

Ms Sparky
mssparky.com/

Yeah it is approx 4-6 weeks from when you get into country. The only thing you get is a $500.00 advance when you leave Houston, TX in case you run into trouble when connecting going to your site. Like if your plane is late coming in and you have to spend the night in Germany or AMsterdamn. It gives you cash toi get a hotel and buy food. Please hold onto your cash I have been with KBR for along time and if it's a company who knows about delays it's KBR . I have them buy all my R&R tickets just in case so if something happens they take care of most of the problem. And it might only cost you nothing to maybe $100.00 instead of thousands.

On healt insurance it is aetna. They are ok. And it's immediate coverage for you and your family. Once youstep on that plane it's from that day forward.

You pay $500.00 a month for you and your family. Even with health insurance on the rise that is still not a bad deal. With my family of 6 outsourcing would cost me $1,100.00 a month.SO we keep this policy.

If something happens to you God forbid. In Houston with KBR they have an insurance company there that will sign you up. They test for smoking and stuff there on the spot. SO if your a smoker put it down it will be a higher premium but if you don't disclose you wont get any insurance. They will get a policy up to $1,000,000.00. NO war clauses , SO good luck , Mark

Well on your question on the pay. KBR is now paying all new hires (from what I heard) your base pay what you would actually get paid in your country and the uplift. So if the job pays $900.00 a month plus a 75% uplift it would be that plus the othe hours. NOw at a reduced rate. KBR will still be getting what they charge the Gov. for them plus up to 3%. Cost plus effective. It is also going to be that way in the U.S. also I have not heard a timetable yet. On the expates. But to me they should at least pay the same but thats me. Good luck on that, Mark

So basically should i get blown up or at least loose an arm or leg ,there is no compensation whatever? I mean what exactly does the insurance cover? I am just worried about my family i leave behind, it will probably be just fine but i want all my bases covered. I understand that they offer vision and dental care now right? Thanks for your input...

Another quick question. Does the taxfree year start from January to January or when you leave the US. I mean if i left next month do i start my 87,0000 taxfree again in January if you get my meaning.

sparkie in Texas said: Another quick question. Does the taxfree year start from January to January or when you leave the US. I mean if i left next month do i start my 87,0000 taxfree again in January if you get my meaning.

It's not January to January. You need to find a tax person that knows how to deal with overseas income or you could find yourself owing taxes and penalties. When I am traveling I use Kiwi Tax in Florida. You can do everything my mail and email.

sparkie in Texas said: So basically should i get blown up or at least loose an arm or leg ,there is no compensation whatever? I mean what exactly does the insurance cover? I am just worried about my family i leave behind, it will probably be just fine but i want all my bases covered. I understand that they offer vision and dental care now right? Thanks for your input...

Yep Pretty Much. Go to www.americancontractorsiniraq.com/ she has been helping people deal with AIG and DBA for four years. I don't know anything about the medical, dental, vision insurance. I didn't need to use it.

5-Star Life offers a decent life insurance policy with no war clause. I bought some when I went over.

Ms Sparky
mssparky.com/

Wish you luck. My husabnd in currently in Iraq and he was told he was going to Balad also but when he arrived in Baghdad he was told sorry but you have been assigned to Camp Delta. Being he had never been to Iraq he was sure that Camp Delta would have the same ammenities as Balad. Oh how he was mistaken. He was in a tent for a short time with 40 plus other KBR employees. Then he was moved to a shared "Hooch" with no bathroom. All toilets and showers are in AB units that everyone shares. These hooches are hardly big enough for one person let alone two adults. But he adapted. They the only food available was in the chow hall, no McDonald, no Pizza Hut, etc. He also was getting a lot of bunker time the first few months. He was moved again on a temporary move to Camp Echo and it is even worse then Camp Delta. Mail taked 3-6 weeks to get to them. Your AMT cards are any good at either of these camps, only cash that you get a draw for at mid month. KBR will tell you anything to get you to Iraq. The Human resource departments are rude and unhelpful. They also don't tell you that sure you get R&R for 10 days but your plane ticket will cost you. They only pay $840.00 they you will have to pay the cost of the ticket they purchased at $1600.00 plus dollars and they also laid you over for 16 hours in Atlanta for your connection home.

I'll be glad to share any additional facts to anyone interested.I have much more to share. By the way my hushand is still in Iraq on his 15 month now.

pennaman73 in Fort Wayne, Indiana said: That's awesome man. I have a few questions to ask if you don't mind. How long was your resume in? How long and in depth was your resume? Did you submit a cover letter? Do you have your passport already? I would be so grateful if you could answer those questions for me.

Thanks.

My husband is currently in Iraq and his resume had no cover page and was about 2 pages long. KBR got him his passport while in Houston.

Debbie Creery in Gatesville, Texas said: My husband is currently in Iraq and his resume had no cover page and was about 2 pages long. KBR got him his passport while in Houston.

Debbie-I would love to chat with you via email.

Ms Sparky
mssparky@mssparky.com
www.mssparky.com

toosignal in El Paso, Texas said: Another quick question. I know that the first two weeks in Houston are non paid time, I was just wondering how long it takes to get your first pay check deposited. I've heard rumor that it can be up to six weeks....scary. Any information will be appreciated.

Payroll ends on the last Saturday of each month and payroll will be direct deposited on the following Thursday or Friday. You will receive a $500.00 draw before to board plane for Iraq. Good luck.

Hey Debbie,
got a few questions. can you email me at nicholas77@rocketmail.com

Hey Debbie,
You said your husband got a lot of BUNKER TIME the first few months, What does that mean?

He was at Camp Delta, G-3 site. They had mortar attacks nightly for several months. No one was injuried or died but a lot of buildings damaged. When the sirens go off to indicate incoming artillary all hands must report to bunkers for the safety until the all clear siren goes off. Hope that explains.

Debbie

SOmewhere we have a communication error. There is extra life insurance. That you can take out in Houston, TX at KBR. With upto $1,000,000 coverage. That is the only insurance that allows your family compensation if you get killed or something bad like that. Plus KBR will Pay your family $100,000 if you get killed in hostile action. But if you loose an arm or leg or something I think they pay $50,000.00. So if you take out the extra coverage which you should do. DO it. Just to CYA. Good Luck, MArk

Starts from when you start with that they will explain in Houston. Good Luck, Mark

Well I would not call it dental and vision and stuff thru KBR it is a savings card it doesn't work anywhere. They have laughed off a couple of my friends and even my wife when they saw the card. I don't know where it works but not where I live. Mark

You are right but I also have to say we are in a war zone and we have to take it as it comes. I was a convoy driver and we slept when we could in trucks beside trucks we had no A/C and we were in the green army trucks, windows down and wal-mart Armour. With heat inside the trucks at 150-160 f degrees. All day long. There are many things that we are not prepared for but we take the heat either way. But we prevail and get'er done. Because our family and these large checks are why we are here. So I hope you husband has a better time and good luck to you, Mark

Bunker time , would mean that he was keeping his tail-end safe from Lead rockets or morters evan small arms fire and possibly sniper fire. We had that here in the green zone from Easter on this year. In a weeks time we recieved about 800 rockets and morters . I hate being a sitting duck . It's much better now though. Thanks to the military, Mark

mgparrothead007, you say you're in the Green Zone. I was there for 4 years at the palace service desk. I'm looking to come back, but i'm not sure I want to go back with KBR. You wouldn't happen to have any contacts in Houston that might be able to help me out? My email is lilkiki78@hotmail.com. Thanks

My husband is not in the Green Zone, he is on a G site base south west of Baghdad.Don't have any contacts in Houston and my husband will never work for KBR after he finish's this year. He hates it. Sorry I couldn't help you out.

Debbie

bluecamel in Doha, Qatar said:

GOOD MORNING BLUECAMEL 'RON'
I FOUND YOUR RESUME FOR KBR ON THI SITE BUT CAN NOT FIND IT NOW CAN YOU POST IT FOR ME AGAIN.
WAS GREAT INFORMATION YOU GAVE.
LIKE READIND YOUR COMMENTS.
THANK YOU,
HAVE A BLESSED DAY

Does anyone know if the prep training in Houston has paid Hotel and meals until you are jetted off. I understand they don't pay you until you physically are up in the air and headed to the destination. Also is there a specific bank that KBR uses to deposit the checks. Can you bring your own laptops and is that even suggested to help with the computer usuage time allowed? Is it also true that you have to take your own prescriptions with you and make sure someone from back home will mail you your refills? Any other information would be helpful. I have applied but I still await the green light.

Thanks in advance

hey mgparrothead007,

i have applied for many jobs in the past months or two and no responses. i have also noticed on the KBR websites job bank that there are fewer and fewer warehouse/logistics and trade jobs being offered. are they downsizing over there? i would like to know so that i am not wasting my time here. also, what is Mantech all about and i have heard that general dynamics is hiring for people over there? what do they do over there? thanks.

Sasha,

During the 2 to 3 week training/inprocessing in Houston, the hotel stay and meals at the processing center are free. If you want to eat at someplace other than the processing center (highly recommended, Yuck!),you will have to pay for it yourself. On the day you fly, they will give you a $500 cash advance which will come out of your first paycheck.Whatever bank you tell KBR to send your money to, that's where they will deposit it, it doesn't mater.You can take a personal computer if you want to, no guarantee you'll be able to use it, and yes, they recommend you take at least 6 months worth of your meds, you'll need to arrange for your refills to be sent to you somehow. Hope this helps. I'm a rehire going back through Houston next week for processing again, not looking forward to it. Good luck!

Thank you KiKi in the ATL for your expedient response. I hope you don't mind but are you female? A friend of mine through a friend, is over here from KBR for the moment and he loves it. He did mention that there is no Co-Ed anything and I would imagine after working 12 hour shifts, you would be too tired anyway. How was the transition for working 7 days straight with those type of shifts? Also you mentioned that you were not looking forward to Houston. Do you mean the processing part or what? Do you all stay more in containers and how hot or cold does it get at night. I understand you only take about 40 pds over, mostly Kakhi's are something? If you don't mind, what job are you doing over there and was it easy for you to get in. Sorry for the 100 questions :)

I just thought of another question. By the time HOU calls you for processing or this 2-3 week period. Do you leave immediately after that last week or is there a break to go back home before jetting off to Iraq? I live in Texas so I didn't know whether to bring my own vehicle during the training and if there would be time to get it back home before taking off or if you go to training, rent a car (maybe) and then leave for abroad? Is it difficult or disturbing to get rest due to bombing, or times when you have to go into the trenches? Or are you guys just so tired after your 12 hour shifts that you learn to not hear anything after a while. Thanks to anyone who knows this answer!

Yes Sasha, I am female. As far as the 12 hr 7 day shift goes, it's something you will need to get used to. Me personally, I was pretty tired at the end of the day and went to bed early on most nights, but it does make time go by really fast.I said I wasn't looking forward to Houston because I've been through twice and believe me, it's not fun, with all the paperwork and classes and waiting around and more classes, oh and you can't forget "banana suit training", drink plenty of water on this day, you'll be hot for a while.Where I was at in the Green Zone, we stayed in containers. It all depends on where you go.In the summer time, the temperature is hot as hell, and at night it's still hot as hell,150 degrees plus, but most places have AC so don't worry.I don't remember what the weight limit is, but i'm pretty sure it's 2 40 pound bags and 1 carry on if I remember correcty. It might have changed since last year.I wore mostly jeans and shirts, but you can take khaki's too. it's not required though.I am an Admin Specialist. I worked at the old embassy in Baghdad for for years and just came home in July. I decided I wanted to go back, so I called up my old supervisor and they requested me back.

Sasha,When you finish inprocessing, you leave immediately, no break to go home.It would probably be best if you left your vehicle and just flew.Or just rent a car when you get to Houston. I know it might be inconvenient but they have buses to take you from the hotel to the processing center.As far as mortars and rockets, it depends on where you go. The Green Zone used to get hit a lot and we had to go to the bunkers quite a bit, but I don't think we've been hit since Easter, and believe me that was very scary, we had a few people get killed.

Kiki:

Do you have time to chat we me? If so hit me up at Mss_sasha@yahoo.com
I hope to hear from you and appreciate your input :)