Raises are achieved merely by putting in hours, not by job performance. If you can't do the job, they won't keep you on. If you do a good job, you can expect to come in the next day and do the same thing week after week. The potential of making a lot of money is there, but there are a few reasons why all of that money might not be in your pocket when you come home. First is housing.
Most employees stay in bunkhouses provided by the employer.
Most of these people eat whatever the bunkhouse cook puts on the table. So you don't have to cook or worry about finding a place to live. But if you take this route, you can cut those paychecks in half now. Most employers will have you sign a contract to guarantee that you will stay with the company for so long and they can pull these living expenses out of your checks. Cash is also needed at the start to buy your rubber uniform of boots, pants and gloves.