Do sound men deserve more than the musicians?

I play mostly in Maryland (but also va, pa and dc) and the soundmen/production companies usually earn about $250-450 per gig. For this, they are providing a full audio rig and a complete light show. They transport, set up and run all their own systems. All band members get their own monitor and custom mix. It seems to be well spent, since good production can make or break a band. Although, it is tough to realize each band member typically can net between $100-325 per gig(depending on the room).
As much stuff as I have to haul, set up and break down each night....it still pales in comparison to all the power amps, monitors, lighting rigs, etc that they bring in. Still seems slightly unfair though, because without the bands themselves hiring the soundmen, they wouldn't have the work.
The major exception being in the rooms that have "built in" house pa/light systems. At those venues, they are paid usually a salary or flat rate that's more in line with what the other bar employees earn.
 
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