Union welders are members of the Steamfitters -- an affiliate of the United Association. To become a journeyman, they attend a five year long school while serving their apprenticeship. The scale varies from locality to locality, but for example, in the Steamfitters Local 602, Washington DC, here is the scale.
1st year apprentice, $18.36 hour straight time
2nd year apprentice $20.96
3rd year apprentice $23.54
4th year apprentice $27.32
5th year apprentice $29.50
Journeyman $36.87
Once accepted, apprentices attend school for free and are placed with a participating employer so also work full time.
Non-union welders make about $15.00 an hour.
1st year apprentice, $18.36 hour straight time
2nd year apprentice $20.96
3rd year apprentice $23.54
4th year apprentice $27.32
5th year apprentice $29.50
Journeyman $36.87
Once accepted, apprentices attend school for free and are placed with a participating employer so also work full time.
Non-union welders make about $15.00 an hour.
