WS: tool and dye makers used to make the big bucks in Wi. My ex made great $ and got lots of overtime. It supported the 5 of us and allowed me to get 3 college degrees all paid for in cash. We lived frugally but owned a decent home/cars, etc. He always worked for the big companies and when he was laid off he would go work at a smaller place that didn't pay as well and wait to get called back to the bigger place. He was never out of a job more then a week. I suspect you guys are living in a small town which might be why his pay is low. There is a shortage of real tool and dye makers that have been through the 4 year apprenticeship program. Manufacturing jobs allowed people that did not go to college to have middle class life styles and yes Ford understood his workers couldn't buy his cars if not paid enough. You don't have to be greedy to be rich.