Breaking into the industry.

I am a young eager machine operator/ programmer that may be looking for employment in the near future. I am currently coming up on my review at my current employer. I am happy here but would like to know what the current rate for someone with my skills, and who is handling my responsibilities is worth. If my current employer cannot hit close to this mark then I am afraid I must look elsewhere. I have 2 years of formal training in a Community College for Machine operation up to 4 axis. I have 1 year experience as a 4 axis mill programmer, 6 months 5 axis setup and operator, and 4 months setup/operator/programmer on a mill/turn lathe. I am well versed in mastercam covering all the areas listed above. I am familiar with Fanuc, Haas, and fadal control systems as well as mach 3. I have successfully machined production and prototype parts to tight tolerance in various plastics, Aluminum, Stainless and Chromoly steels, foam up to 25LB and MDF.

My current responsibilities include Programming/setup/operation of 2 Komo Routers, 1 Mori seiki mill (occasionally 4 axis) and a mori seiki mill turn lathe. Our mainstay is plastics but we occasionaly work with steels and aluminum as well. The company I am working with is located in the Portland Oregon Area. My 90 day review is quickly approaching and while I am confident in my work and my value to the company I do not have much knowledge in how that translates to pay. I would like to know roughly what I am worth. If my current employer and I are not able to agree on a fair wage I will be looking for work elsewhere. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Regards,
Jay