"I really expected it to be more. A construction worker in the South can make that much if he shows up on the job."

Bullshit. In what trade, in what state in the South, can a guy make 110K? I have done all kinds of construction work in the South, since 1966, I am an expert framing carpenter and log home builder and never got anywhere near that. That is why I have a big pay upgrade, driving an 18 wheeler across Texas for $70K.