How Much Do Union Workers Make? (2025 Complete Guide)
Union membership is one of the most impactful financial decisions a trade worker can make. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, union workers earn a median of $1,263 per week compared to $1,016 for non-union workers — a 24% premium. In the building trades, the premium is often even higher. Here's the complete breakdown of what union workers earn by trade in 2025.
Union vs. Non-Union Wage Comparison by Trade (2025)
| Trade | Union Journeyman (Major Metro) | Non-Union Equivalent | Union Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician (IBEW) | $90,000 – $130,000 | $55,000 – $70,000 | +40–60% |
| Plumber (UA) | $85,000 – $130,000 | $52,000 – $68,000 | +40–60% |
| HVAC (UA/SMART) | $75,000 – $100,000 | $48,000 – $65,000 | +35–50% |
| Ironworker (IWI) | $80,000 – $120,000 | $48,000 – $62,000 | +45–60% |
| Carpenter (UBC) | $70,000 – $95,000 | $42,000 – $58,000 | +40–55% |
| Pipefitter (UA) | $85,000 – $120,000 | $55,000 – $72,000 | +40–55% |
| Elevator Installer (IUEC) | $100,000 – $155,000 | $70,000 – $90,000 | +40–65% |
| Boilermaker (IBB) | $72,000 – $100,000 | $52,000 – $68,000 | +30–45% |
| Sheet Metal (SMART) | $70,000 – $105,000 | $46,000 – $62,000 | +38–52% |
| Painter (IUPAT) | $58,000 – $82,000 | $36,000 – $50,000 | +40–55% |
Benefits Are Where the Real Gap Is: These wage comparisons don't include benefits — and benefits are where the union advantage becomes overwhelming. A typical union contractor contributes $8–$15 per hour to a combination of pension, health insurance, vacation fund, and apprenticeship fund. Non-union workers often receive minimal or no benefits. A union journeyman electrician earning $45/hour effectively receives $58–$60/hour in total compensation.
The Full Union Compensation Package
Understanding union compensation means looking at the full package:
- Defined Benefit Pension: Many union trades provide pensions paying $2,000–$6,000/month in retirement after 20–30 years of service. The present value of this benefit is $500,000–$1.5 million.
- Health Insurance: Union health plans typically cover the worker and their family with no or very low premium contributions. Value: $15,000–$25,000 annually.
- Vacation and Holiday Pay: Union contracts typically provide 2–4 weeks of paid vacation plus 8–12 paid holidays annually.
- Annuity Funds: Many unions maintain 401k-style annuity funds in addition to pension plans.
- Training and Safety: Union apprenticeship training is free to members. Safety training (OSHA, first aid) is employer-paid.
Major Trade Unions in the US Building Trades
| Union | Full Name | Trades Covered |
|---|---|---|
| IBEW | International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers | Electricians, linemen, telecom |
| UA | United Association | Plumbers, pipefitters, HVAC, refrigeration |
| UBC | United Brotherhood of Carpenters | Carpenters, millwrights, drywall |
| IUEC | International Union of Elevator Constructors | Elevator mechanics |
| SMART | Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation | Sheet metal workers, HVAC fabrication |
| IWI | Ironworkers International | Structural ironworkers, rodmen, riggers |
| IBB | International Brotherhood of Boilermakers | Boilermakers, blacksmiths, welders |
| LiUNA | Laborers' International Union of North America | Construction laborers, hazmat |
How to Join a Union
- Find your local union hall (IBEW, UA, UBC, etc.) at their national website
- Apply during open application periods — some locals have waitlists
- Pass aptitude test, drug screen, and background check
- Complete pre-apprenticeship program or meet experience requirements
- Enter apprenticeship — typically 4–5 years with increasing wages
See our Career Directory for trade career guides and apprenticeship resources. Also read Is a Union Benefits Package Worth More Than a Higher Salary?
Find Training Programs in Your State
Get matched with local schools offering programs in your target career — free.