Typical salaries for union trade jobs?

As I plan my career path, I'm interested in what kind of salary to expect from a union trade job. How do salaries compare between different trades and locations?

Salaries for union trade jobs can vary significantly, based on factors such as the specific trade, the individual's level of experience, the location of the job, and the exact terms of the union contract.

In general, unionized trade jobs often pay higher salaries compared to their non-union counterparts, due to collective bargaining agreements negotiated by the union. This generally results in better wages and benefits for its members.

Specific numbers can widely vary, but here's a bit of a breakdown:

- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Based on figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was about $56,330 in 2020. On the high end, professionals in this field can earn over $97,170.

- Electricians: According to the BLS, the median annual wage for electricians was around $56,900 in 2020, with higher earners making over $98,260.

- Construction and Building Inspectors: The BLS reports a median annual wage of about $62,860 for this profession in 2020, but highly experienced individuals can earn over $101,600.

As for location, wages often reflect the cost of living in different areas. States with a high cost of living like New York, California, and Massachusetts tend to have higher average salaries for trades. Likewise, major metropolitan areas tend to offer higher wages than rural areas.

Please keep in mind that these figures are median wages, meaning that half of workers in these trades earned more and half earned less. Actual salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as expertise, years in the trade, geographical location, and the specifics of the union contract. It's always a good idea to research specific job roles and speak with professionals in the field for the most accurate expectations.