The Major Construction Unions Explained

Journeyman pay rates below reflect typical ranges as of 2025-2026. Actual rates vary by local, region, and contract. Call your local for current figures.

UNITED ASSOCIATION (UA) — PLUMBERS, PIPEFITTERS, WELDERS, HVAC

Pipe trades. Heavy industrial, commercial, residential. Strong apprenticeship. Journeyman scale typically $45–$75/hr plus full benefits, depending on local and region.

INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF BOILERMAKERS

Power plants, refineries, shipyards, field construction. Travel-heavy. Big per diem culture. Journeyman scale typically $42–$70/hr plus benefits.

INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS (IBEW)

Inside wiremen, outside linemen, low-voltage. The largest construction union. Journeyman scale typically $40–$75/hr plus benefits depending on local.

UNITED BROTHERHOOD OF CARPENTERS (UBC)

Carpenters, pile drivers, millwrights, floor coverers, scaffold erectors. Broad jurisdiction. Journeyman scale typically $38–$65/hr plus benefits.

IRON WORKERS INTERNATIONAL

Structural, ornamental, reinforcing, riggers. Hard, dangerous, high-paying. Journeyman scale typically $38–$65/hr plus benefits.

OPERATING ENGINEERS (IUOE)

Cranes, dozers, excavators, stationary engineers. Journeyman scale varies widely by equipment and local — typically $40–$70/hr plus benefits.

LABORERS (LIUNA)

General construction labor, hazmat, tunnel work, pipeline. Often the entry point. Journeyman scale typically $30–$50/hr plus benefits.