Independent salary reference. Not affiliated with the BLS, United Association (UA), or any plumbing union. All wage figures cite the source; individual earnings vary by employer, certifications, and market.
2026 Pay Comparison
Union vs Non-Union Plumber Pay:
25-40% Total Compensation Difference
Updated 17 April 2026
The base wage gap is real, but the total compensation gap is where union membership truly separates itself. Here is the full picture.
Union Journeyman Base
$35 - $50/hr
Non-Union Journeyman Base
$25 - $38/hr
Union Total Package
$50 - $80+/hr
Annual Dues
$600 - $1,200
Full Comparison Table
| Factor | Union (UA) | Non-Union |
|---|---|---|
| Journeyman base hourly | $35 - $50/hr | $25 - $38/hr |
| Health insurance | Full family coverage (employer-paid) | Partial or none |
| Pension | Defined benefit (guaranteed income) | 401(k) if offered |
| Annuity fund | $2 - $5/hr contributed | None |
| Training cost | Free through JATC (4-5 years) | May cost $1,000 - $5,000 |
| Apprenticeship pay | 50-90% of journeyman rate | Varies, often lower |
| Overtime rules | Strictly regulated (1.5x weekdays, 2x holidays) | FLSA minimum (1.5x weekdays) |
| Job security | Seniority-based layoff rules | At-will employment |
| Geographic portability | Work with any UA contractor nationally | Depends on contractor network |
| Annual dues | $600 - $1,200/yr (~2% of wages) | None |
| Total package (equivalent) | $50 - $80+/hr | $25 - $40/hr |
| Wage gap summary | +25-40% total comp vs non-union | Base comparison |
UA Local Wage Scales (Representative Locals)
UA Local wage scales are set in multi-year collective bargaining agreements. The base wage is just the start; the total package includes health, pension, annuity, and training contributions that significantly exceed the base.
| UA Local | Location | Journeyman Base | Est. Total Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| UA Local 1 | New York City, NY | $59.80/hr | $95+/hr |
| UA Local 130 | Chicago, IL | $54.50/hr | $85+/hr |
| UA Local 393 | San Jose, CA | $54.00/hr | $82+/hr |
| UA Local 32 | Seattle, WA | $49.30/hr | $76+/hr |
| UA Local 38 | San Francisco, CA | $68.00/hr | $100+/hr |
| UA Local 149 | Houston, TX | $40.00/hr | $62+/hr |
| UA Local 68 | Columbus, OH | $42.00/hr | $65+/hr |
Rates sourced from published UA Local agreements (2025-2026). Verify current scales with your Local before making decisions.
What "The Package" Actually Means
Many plumbers see a "$45/hr" union base and compare it to a non-union "$38/hr" offer and think the difference is only $7 per hour. That is wrong. The package adds substantially more.
Example: UA Local journeyman at $45/hr base
Base hourly wage$45.00/hr
Employer health insurance contribution+ $12.00/hr
Pension fund contribution+ $6.50/hr
Annuity fund+ $3.00/hr
Training fund+ $1.00/hr
Vacation/holiday fund (some Locals)+ $2.00/hr
Total package value$69.50/hr
A non-union plumber at $38/hr who pays their own health insurance ($600/mo, $7.20/hr equivalent) and contributes 5% to a 401(k) ($1.90/hr) has a total compensation of about $47/hr. The union package at $69.50/hr is still 48% higher.
When Non-Union Makes Sense
Choose Union When...
- +You are in a major metro where UA Locals are strong
- +You value pension and healthcare security
- +Commercial and industrial work is your career focus
- +You want structured apprenticeship with free training
- +You plan to stay in the trade for 20+ years
- +You value defined overtime rules and job protections
Non-Union Often Works When...
- -You are in a rural or suburban market with minimal UA presence
- -You want to go self-employed quickly (master license + independence)
- -You prefer residential service work with flexible scheduling
- -Local union has a long waitlist and you need to start now
- -You want to own a business within 5-7 years
- -You prefer geographic flexibility across states
Frequently Asked Questions
Do union plumbers earn more than non-union plumbers?
Yes, significantly more in total compensation. Union journeyman plumbers earn $35 to $50/hr base versus $25 to $38/hr non-union. When health insurance, pension, and annuity contributions are included, the union package is 25 to 40 percent higher in total compensation.
How much are union plumber dues?
UA dues typically run $600 to $1,200 per year, capped at about 2 to 2.5 percent of gross wages. They are tax-deductible and represent a small fraction of the benefits received.
What does the package mean in union plumbing?
The package is the total compensation bundle: base wage plus employer contributions to health insurance, pension, annuity, and training fund. A $45/hr base with a full package adds $15 to $25/hr in contributions, making the total package $60 to $70+/hr in equivalent value.
How do I join a plumbers union?
Apply through your nearest UA JATC (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee) at ua.org. Pass an aptitude test, get on the waiting list, and enter as an apprentice when accepted. Application windows vary by Local.
Can I switch from union to non-union or vice versa?
Yes. Leaving a union is straightforward, though leaving before pension vesting forfeits contributions. Going union from non-union typically requires applying through the JATC apprenticeship process or, if you are a journeyman, contacting your Local about joining.
Is the union pension worth it?
Union defined-benefit pensions are among the most generous retirement benefits available to trades workers. Many UA Locals pay $50 to $100 per month per year of service, so 30 years generates $1,500 to $3,000/month in guaranteed pension income plus Social Security.
Journeyman Plumber SalaryHow union vs non-union rates compare at journeyman level, by state.Master Plumber SalaryWhy many union masters go independent and what they earn.Plumber Salary by StateStates with strongest union presence correlate directly with highest pay.Self-Employed Plumber IncomeWhy many plumbers leave unions to go independent, and what they gain and lose.