Joe is a retired cop.  In the 1960s he bought up the existing Kirk inventory.  I'd have to search the wayback machine but he elaborated in some detail a few years ago after I asked him.

Machinists made from $2 to $3 per day.  Machinist helpers made from $1.25 to $1.75 per day.  Hiram Shrunk, foreman of the machinists at the onset of the Krag era, took home $4.5 per day while Drayton, the Master Machinist, drew $6 per day.

For comparison purposes D.C. Leonard (DCL on RIA leather gear of that era) was paid $2.50 per day.

Lesser paid positions were paid piecework.