I can tell you that prime contractors like Dycom/Mastec/Atlanta Broadband/ETC are not working for peanuts. If your a sub contractor or a sub from another sub...your always be working for peanuts. I'm pretty sure that Dycom/Mastec Groups have most of the crews working cable, so they set the rates.
The Cable MSO are only hurting themself by not paying the folks in the field a decent labor wage rate. I don't care how good you think you are...if your not receving above standard wage rate for quality work....then your not giving them a quality finished product. The end users will get pissed from all the trouble calls and go to the competitors.
Quality work required Quality Craftsmen getting a standard living wage rate plus travel and expense for being a damn Tramp Lineman.
Keep Safe: MicroMan