What are some of the best paying union trade jobs?

I'm considering joining a union for a trade job after high school. Can anyone suggest which trade jobs are considered the best paying within unions? I'd like an idea of what future earnings could look like.

When considering unionized trade jobs that offer competitive pay, there are several opportunities to consider. Here's a list of some of the highest paying union trade jobs:

1. Elevator Installers and Repairers: This job involves installing, fixing, and maintaining elevators, escalators, and similar equipment. Median annual wage is around $97,000.

2. Electricians: Specializing in electrical wiring of buildings, electricians earn median yearly base pay of about $56,000. However, experienced union electricians can earn significantly more.

3. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: These professionals specialize in pipes that carry liquids or gases. Median annual wage is roughly $68,000, with experienced union plumbers often earning more.

4. Ironworkers: This job involves installation and reinforcement of iron and steel in concrete for buildings. Median annual wage is around $55,000.

5. Boilermakers: They specialize in assembling, installing, and repairing boilers and other large containers used to hold liquids and gases. Their median wage is around $69,000 annually.

6. Construction and Building Inspectors: These professionals ensure that construction meets local and national building codes and regulations, zoning regulations, and contract specifications. Median annual wage is about $52,000.

Given these figures, it's important to emphasize that actual earnings can vary significantly depending on the specific job, the level of experience, the locality, and the negotiating power of the union. To get a clearer picture about potential earnings, you might want to research the salary range for the specific trade in your area, and perhaps even reach out to the local union chapter for more detailed information.

It's also beneficial to take into consideration the physical demands and work conditions of these jobs—while they are highly paid, many involve physically demanding tasks and potentially dangerous environments.