KBR Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits.

Oh and no it is the same amount of time no matter where you are going.

Did your husband already have his passport or does that make a difference?

Yes, he was lucky enough to have his passport already (we travel to the mexican beaches all the time) what he told me is on the 3 day he was there in Houston which was Tuesday that is the day you see the dr and have your physical done and it is a all day thing..well the ppl who didnt have a passport left in the middle of doing that to go take care of the passport business....let me tell you it is a very long day for those ppl, so the ones w/ no passport there day started at 3:45 am and was not over until 8:30 pm and the first time they ate was at 3:30!

Better to have the passport beforehand! Hope you make it to visit him before he leaves. Whats he gonna do over there, electrician, plumber ?

I am leaving tomorrow to go see him. We are very lucky to have family in Houston and they have been taking him food, taking him to the store that kind of thing. He is a Journeyman Electrician. R u going to Houston soon?

mellypryor, drop me a line at nicholas77@rocketmail.com. would like some more info

Am also Journeyman Electrician. Talking to recruiter, interested in Iraq.Have expedited passport, should come any day.

mellypryor in Fort Worth, Texas said: I am leaving tomorrow to go see him. We are very lucky to have family in Houston and they have been taking him food, taking him to the store that kind of thing. He is a Journeyman Electrician. R u going to Houston soon?

Mellypryor, Can you please tell me how long it took for your husband to get on with KBR .I'm also a Electrician looking into working over there.

He put his resume in with them and then kept adding jobs to the list and that went on for about 3 months....then once they called him it took about another month due to the wabi test and the dental stuff that he had to do.

Is that Wabi test hard to pass or just common sense. Can you decide when to go to Houston for processing or do they just give you a date???

He said its not hard, its pretty much common sence....but I will tell you my cousin failed the 1st time he took it! I think he just has a bad personality:) The recruter gave him two dates to pick from.

Did your cousin take it again straight away or did he have to wait 6 months?

They told him he had to wait 6 months, but he waited a year. He had his own business.

switch in Austin, Texas said: Is that Wabi test hard to pass or just common sense. Can you decide when to go to Houston for processing or do they just give you a date???

I happened to talk to my recruiter the day after I had scheduled my WABI test and she told me that I didn't have to take it. Not exactly sure why but for some of the trades you no longer have to take it. I leave the 21st for Houston.....ought to be interesting!

What trade are you doing? Does that include electricians? Good luck in Houston..

i am looking for asuitable work in mechanical engineering field.

switch in Austin, Texas said: What trade are you doing? Does that include electricians? Good luck in Houston..

HVAC, I think that includes electricians but you had better check with your recruiter first. At least that's one thing off the list I didn't have to do!

so i got my wabi test scheduled for the 17th (fingers crossed).

That must be a new thing about the Wabi test, maybe its just your trade. I wonder what will happen to everyone in Houston training right now. I guess they evacuated the hotels and postponed flights?

bluecamel in Doha, Qatar said: i really enjoy reading all the speculation about KBR from individual that have never worked for the company. i have been with KBR for just over 4 years. i spent the first 3 years in Iraq (transportation dept) climbed the corporate ladder to upper managemnt and now work with KBR and Shell on the largest construction project in the world.

there are a few contract companies that pay a little more starting out, but the chance for advancement and to make it a career are very slim with those other companies.

I am making almost $165,000 a year and work 8 weeks on 18 days off. I defie anyone to tell me that is not a good job.

bluecamel, I have been trying to get to Dubai(KBR) for a few months. I am a Master Electrician (Electrical Contractor), with Industrial and Commercial expertice. Can you lead me in the right direction? You seem to be the most knowledgeable person I have heard from. Thanks! Steve

I got this comment today on two separate blog posts. Someone really seems to want an answer. Has anyone else had a problem with this? I am trying to get some accurate information. email me at mssparky@mssparky.com or go to my site to read more about KBR at mssparky.com/

Here's the comment:

“Somewhat off topic” for sure, but my brother-in-law was supposed to go to Afghanistan in October as a licenced tradesman, under the new, higher payscales that you’ve mentioned earlier. Now his embarrassed recruiter just informed him that the new payscales were rejected by senior management and his pay would be under the hitherto undisclosed ‘old’ payscales that are but a fraction of what he was told since the start of the recruitment processing.

Have you heard anything similiar? He said he’s not going and doesn’t trust the bait-and-switch tactics.

END OF COMMENT-

Keep in mind I am trying to determine the accuracy of this comment. Please don't take it as fact until you have talked to your recruiter...and signed your contract.

Ms Sparky
mssparky.com/

Dear Sir : I received your message ,Thanks , I am from iraq ,baghdad, Working now as aconsultant mechanical eng. i finished my study in 1984 in baghdad, I am mechanical eng.I worked in this field for about 25 years and now i worked also in the teaching stuff in the universty and technical schools in iraq .. I want to work with your great company if it is possible ...thanks.
Best Regards.
Eng.kamal.

Hi,I am new to all this "Iraq,100,000+" money a year,tax free, and I would like to know where would a 30+ year construction business man go exactly to find a job in Iraq?I am an expert in drywall,plumbing,electrical,and anything that goes with building or rebuilding commerical or residential sites.I work 12 to 14 hours a day now 6 days a week (at least),so I am not scared of work.My family is struggling and this is the first time in my life that I am in dire need of work.I have tried everything.I thought at first with all my experience I would have no problem finding a job,but we are just about starving in my small town.I don't have or know any other trades but construction.I figured at least a heavy duty equipment operator would have come my way, but nothing so far.I am going to lose everything my wife and I have built over the years if I don't do something quickly.I am willing to do anything at this point and go anywhere.I am not scared of travel and I am a SURVIVOR in any environment.Can someone help or give me some ideas? Thanks for any help you can offer!!!Me and my family appreciate it in advance!!

Hello this is Mark. I believe I can give you some important information on finding a job. Sounds like you have alot of experience. SO please email me at mgparrothead007@yahoo.com., and I will give you alot of information that could help you out. Hopefully , Thanks and Good luck, Mark

Well I can try and shed the light on that matter about the pay. What KBR is doing "from what I've seen and heard" Everyone coming into theater will be coming in at the rate of what you would be paid in your country plus uplift of 75% for Iraq not sure what Afghanistan is at this moment. But say you are a Truck Driver from Bosnia and your pay rate in Bosnia $900.00 and then your uplift of 75% of that added on. for and then the hourly rate would be approx. 186 hrs divided by 900.00 is your hourly rate which is not much and to me not worth it. SO instead of making on the old scale $6,000.00 for truck driver from Bosnia it's now going around $3,000.00 give or take a little. If my figures are close . I think it's not good for over here. To do that if thats close to what ther escale is mine is just approx. and an educated guess. So thats about all I have on that question is there anyone else out there that has something different or knows more on that subject, Thanks, Mark and Good Luck

Steve Lane in Melbourne Beach, Florida said: bluecamel, I have been trying to get to Dubai(KBR) for a few months. I am a Master Electrician (Electrical Contractor), with Industrial and Commercial expertice. Can you lead me in the right direction? You seem to be the most knowledgeable person I have heard from. Thanks! Steve

Steve, Dubai is KBR Middle east headquarters, no construction work for KBR (that i am aware of)going on, just office jobs. The next Big Project over in this area is the Freedom Bridge between Qatar and Bahrain. i am also looking into that as my contract here in Qatar with KBR/Shell draws down.

bluecamel in Doha, Qatar said: Steve, Dubai is KBR Middle east headquarters, no construction work for KBR (that i am aware of)going on, just office jobs. The next Big Project over in this area is the Freedom Bridge between Qatar and Bahrain. i am also looking into that as my contract here in Qatar with KBR/Shell draws down.

Thanks! I have been contacting other companies via online recuiters...good idea???

I have a strong background in Office Administration, managing Executive level personnel and Public Relations roles. I've recently submitted my resume for several Administrative/Clerical positions with KBR LOGCAP. What are the average salaries of Administration in the LOGCAP program and what are the MOST prominent concerns while on contract? Also, I'm sure this question has been asked before but what are the on/off schedule if selected for the LOGCAP system (i.e, how many months there and when will I be able to come back home) Thanks everyone!

TXgirl713 in Houston, Texas said: I have a strong background in Office Administration, managing Executive level personnel and Public Relations roles. I've recently submitted my resume for several Administrative/Clerical positions with KBR LOGCAP. What are the average salaries of Administration in the LOGCAP program and what are the MOST prominent concerns while on contract? Also, I'm sure this question has been asked before but what are the on/off schedule if selected for the LOGCAP system (i.e, how many months there and when will I be able to come back home) Thanks everyone!

As of right now salaries are 87500 yr for most just getting in with kbr but subject to change when logcapIV is implamented. Major concerns on project are working 12hrs a day 7 days a week. Long days but then there is nothing else to do but work and sleep. 14 days R&R every 4 months , So anyone in Houston (greenspoint) area that can give update to what IKE did in the area. All flights were cancelled into Houston so wondering how the processing at KBR is going to be affected?

Well as far as I know Houston is empty right now. I heard that they were pushing people thru with only being there for less than a week. So they possibly sent everyone home who was still there. They won't be able to process until it opens up in Greenspoint with transportation and the Airport and the hotels. Depends on how bad the damage was. It could possibly be a month with all the power outages for 4 million people. And stuff. They canceled alot trips for people until the Airport reopens from The middle East. But then when it reopens or they find out how close they can get to another airport they will let people leave from here on Emergency leaves or early R&R's. At the Houston Airport and the other one that is closed for now. Anyway good luck to everyone who is waiting to go to Houston at this time just hope it reopens pretty fast. Knowing KBR in Houston they will figure something out. Soon. Talk to you later , Mark

mgparrothead007 in Bagdad said: Well as far as I know Houston is empty right now. I heard that they were pushing people thru with only being there for less than a week. So they possibly sent everyone home who was still there. They won't be able to process until it opens up in Greenspoint with transportation and the Airport and the hotels. Depends on how bad the damage was. It could possibly be a month with all the power outages for 4 million people. And stuff. They canceled alot trips for people until the Airport reopens from The middle East. But then when it reopens or they find out how close they can get to another airport they will let people leave from here on Emergency leaves or early R&R's. At the Houston Airport and the other one that is closed for now. Anyway good luck to everyone who is waiting to go to Houston at this time just hope it reopens pretty fast. Knowing KBR in Houston they will figure something out. Soon. Talk to you later , Mark

I am actually a native Houstonian who decided to sit out Ike. Right now I am living off of a gas generator. Fortunately, the generator is powering my computer, a couple of fans, a lamp, cable TV and my refrigerator. We stocked up on gas before the storm hit. Water is still running in my area. There are parts of Houston that is still flooded, tons of power lines are down and millions are without power. Due to this situation, in a city that stretches over 600 square miles there are only a handful of grocery and gas stores open, there are no traffic lights, both airports are shut down amongst many other things. I have never witnessed Houston in this type of situation before however my neighbors and many Houstonians are making the most of the situation, remaining calm, helping each other and doing what needs to be done to get our city back on track. Hopefully after all of this KBR and other companies can pick up where they left off and get me overseas!!! :-) Hang in there Houston!!!

T in Foley, Alabama said: As of right now salaries are 87500 yr for most just getting in with kbr but subject to change when logcapIV is implamented. Major concerns on project are working 12hrs a day 7 days a week. Long days but then there is nothing else to do but work and sleep. 14 days R&R every 4 months , So anyone in Houston (greenspoint) area that can give update to what IKE did in the area. All flights were cancelled into Houston so wondering how the processing at KBR is going to be affected?

Thank you for the information. It is greatly appreciated!!

I am new to this and wonder what the difference is between
LOGCAP III and LOGCAP IV?

LOGCAP III is the government contract that KBR worked under until August 31. The new contract is called LOGCAP IV. All new work orders are billed as LOGCAP IV charges. Hope this answers your question.

Does anyone know what happened in Houston ? Did they send everyone home? I guess that everyone processing has been delayed... Also does anyone know anything about health benefits , what the copay is for doctors and the prescription copay/ thanx

Thanks for the info. I have heard that IV pay much less than III, does any one know?

As far as I know U.S. workers are making the same as LOGCAP III, except there is rumor that if you have a license for HVAC, PLumbing or Electrical you will be paid more. My husband is a Master Plumber in country now but no one can confirm any pay increase for the trades I listed. Employee hired from other countries are making less under LOGCAP IV. Hopefully by the end of this month when payroll comes again we will be able to confirm the base pay for the above trades.

Well we are not under LOGCAP IV yet. At least in Iraq they are going to be switching in Kuwait and Afghanistan. And Iraq last. But they keep on changing on time and stuff. But thats when these other companies will be coming in and taking 66 2/3% of what KBR has now. Although if these companies do not get enough employees to cover the switch KBR will get back the contracts. SO thats why they took our cell phones away in Afghanistan, Kuwait and Iraq. Go figure still ok money but oh well. Money is great for Tier one and up they get major money and Bonuses. Except for awhile I heard there bonuses will be taken away for awhile so no more $12,000,000.00 dollar bonuses and they don't really do the work we do tier 2 employees do the work along with tcn's and fn's and we get a $10.00 phone card for christmas. Had a bad day I guess thats why I'm complaining. It's all good though because my bills are paid and my family still taken care of. Have fun , M

Yeah LOGCAP IV will more than likely pay less because KBR will have to make more money with less contracts. And KBR will be paying your country wage plus uplift that they will possibly knock down also. SO if you get paid $9.00 an hour for food prep in your country you will get paid $9.00 an hour in Iraq plus uplift in Iraq we are on a 75% uplift So you wil possibly make about $4-$5,000 a month instead of the old rate $7000.00 +/- . SO there they go with more money for less I believe. Anyway won't know the true numbers until they put them out. Who knows they might pay more for some positions thatn others, Good Luck, M

Is your husband under LOGCAP IV? AND were any Benefits better? ANd is anything else different? Please let me know, Mark

mgparrothead007 in Bagdad said: Is your husband under LOGCAP IV? AND were any Benefits better? ANd is anything else different? Please let me know, Mark

My husband came in under LOGCAP III last year but he said that all work orders now are under LOGCAP IV. His benefits and money are same as when he started. Lots of rumors that licensed trades are getting a big raise but that has not been confirmed by anything in writing. And like he said until he sees it on a check he don't beleive it. HR and his supervisor told him the raise is coming but no proof yet. KBR likes to keep eveyone in the dark and pitted against each other. So we will see.

Yeah he wont know till payday. But if he goes to Finance and payroll they have to tell him. To give him disclosure for his pay. They have to be held responsible. I heard KBR is going back to court for the last appeal. Which will probrobly last a year on the overtime lawsuit. On which they owe alot of people Billions in unpaid overtime thru the past 5 years. But they will probrobly file bankruptcy like they did in the asbestos lawsuit that was $6,000,000,000.00 or $7,000,000,000.00 dollars. That they kept as profit and then wrote off the bad debt more profit. Anyway enough of that by me. Who knows what will happen? Anyway please let me know if its good or bad when he recieves his first check. Everyone over here is wondering what will happen? With the pay. Good Luck, M

mgparrothead007 in Bagdad said: Yeah he wont know till payday. But if he goes to Finance and payroll they have to tell him. To give him disclosure for his pay. They have to be held responsible. I heard KBR is going back to court for the last appeal. Which will probrobly last a year on the overtime lawsuit. On which they owe alot of people Billions in unpaid overtime thru the past 5 years. But they will probrobly file bankruptcy like they did in the asbestos lawsuit that was $6,000,000,000.00 or $7,000,000,000.00 dollars. That they kept as profit and then wrote off the bad debt more profit. Anyway enough of that by me. Who knows what will happen? Anyway please let me know if its good or bad when he recieves his first check. Everyone over here is wondering what will happen? With the pay. Good Luck, M

Ok so with all of this happening and rumors of LOGCAP IV not paying as much etc. etc. do you think its wise for a "newbie" (such as myself) to work on a contract basis with KBR right now? I'm starting to think maybe I looked into this just a tad bit too late, or would it be that now is the best time to jump on board? I just don't want to bite the bait too soon without knowing the full scope of the stability of LOGCAP. Feedback highly appreciated.

Yeah if I were you I would still jump on. It's more tax free money except for F.I.C.A. But it's still a $7,000-$8,000 check. And at least you can get your foot in the door. And stuff. So still go with KBR and follow the flow, Good Luck, M

Mark I applied for Admin. Spec.-Mail. What can I expect as far as pay (ballpark) if hired? And do the other Companies offer this type of position, or is the mail handled by one company? I have been with the postal service for 10 yrs. Carrier, Clerk, And Postmaster And Clean record! but I am a smoker, is this a problem w/ KBR? Sorry for so many Questions,Eddie.....

Sorry, one more Question, what do you mean they took away cell phones? Can you have cell phones? Thanks for any info....

They voluntarily asked employees to turn in their cell phones to HR and they would be given a receipt and it would be returned for R&R or demobbing. Mst employees kept their phones but they were told if seen using a cell phone in country they would be on next plane home. Some employees are still using their's but my husband
turned his off and placed in his footlocker till he comes home.

Debbie Creery in Gatesville, Texas said: They voluntarily asked employees to turn in their cell phones to HR and they would be given a receipt and it would be returned for R&R or demobbing. Mst employees kept their phones but they were told if seen using a cell phone in country they would be on next plane home. Some employees are still using their's but my husband
turned his off and placed in his footlocker till he comes home.

Thank you for responding. Do you communicate with email?What is his job?

man, this waiting for KBR to get back up and running in Greenspoint is almost as bad as the 15 hour flight to Dubai! Na, just joking. Found out the hotels in Greenspoint have the power on, emailed the Marriott and got a responce, so maybe the processing center will be back up this week. Hope so. Now just to wait on another flight, the IAH opens tommorrow.

What is the deal with the cell phones? I would like to talk to my family and I was under the impression that is the only way you can.