Man thats bad logic. 75k affords you more 401k leeway, IRA if you want, and you can reinvest assuming you dont spend all you make. It is unfortunately more lucrative if you are willing to job hop every couple years, and I was able make moves off a lil over 50k for almost two years and am now aiming for 65+. 45k union sounds like you have no hustle or vision and just want that security, which is fine, but is an absolute waste of talents. Main reason i want to get up outta my shop is im not learning much on the job anymore. Anything union is probably gonna have the same issue with less mobility cause you have to "wait your turn".