Journeyman electrician under IBEW Local 159 in Madison, WI earn $51.70/hr in base wages, or $90.87/hr as a total package with fringe benefits, effective Sep 2026.
View current trade openings and apply
The Local 159 pay scale for 2026 is $51.70 per hour for journeymen in Madison, WI, or about $103,400 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $90.87 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 9/23/26.
| Local 159 journeyman hourly wage | $51.70 / hour |
|---|---|
| Total package (wage + fringe benefits) | $90.87 / hour |
| Annualized at 2,080 hours (base wage) | $103,400 / year |
| First-period apprentice (≈45–50% of scale) | $23.27–$25.85 / hour |
| Wage sheet effective | 9/23/26 |
| Classification | Journeyman Inside Wireman |
Apply now — Gulfstream places electricians candidates with mechanical contractors. These are direct-hire contractor roles, not union dispatch.
A Local 159 apprentice in Madison, WI starts at roughly $23.27 an hour — about 45% of the $51.70 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $38.78 an hour by the fourth year and full scale on turning out. These are the standard percentage steps of scale, not a wage sheet Local 159 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
| 1st period (year 1) | 45% of scale | $23.27 / hour | $46,530 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd period (year 2) | 55% of scale | $28.44 / hour | $56,870 |
| 3rd period (year 3) | 65% of scale | $33.61 / hour | $67,210 |
| 4th period (year 4) | 75% of scale | $38.78 / hour | $77,550 |
| 5th period (year 5) | 85% of scale | $43.95 / hour | $87,890 |
| Journeyman (turned out) | 100% of scale | $51.70 / hour | $103,400 |
Active Gulfstream trade listings in the local's state, with Madison listings first when available. Jobs elsewhere in the state are not necessarily near this hall. Union status is not verified for these jobs; confirm with your recruiter.
IBEW Local 159 runs its own dispatch and out-of-work list — call the hall to confirm hours, books and what to bring. Gulfstream is a private recruiter and does not control hall referral.
IBEW Local 159 does not post an online application we could verify; contact the hall by phone for dispatch or apprenticeship. To be considered for direct-hire roles with mechanical, electrical and sheet metal contractors in this area, apply to Gulfstream. This is not an application to the union.
We'll email you when the IBEW Local 159 rate is updated, plus union-shop electricians openings near Madison, WI. Sign up for rate updates. Free alerts from Gulfstream Strategic Placements. We are not affiliated with IBEW Local 159.
Local 159 wages: $51.70 an hour on the journeyman scale, $90.87 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 9/23/26. That is the most recent Madison, WI sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
Roughly 43% of the IBEW Local 159 package is employer-paid benefits and fringes rather than wages, which is why the package figure and a take-home hourly rate are not the same number.
Unverified: crowd-sourced figure (unionpayscales.com), not confirmed against the local's own wage sheet
Download the IBEW Local 159 pay scale (PDF) — one-page printable rate sheet, effective September 23, 2026.
| Benefit & fringe contributions | $39.17/hr | Derived: total package minus base wage. This is the employer's combined hourly contribution to the funds, not take-home pay. |
|---|---|---|
| What the contributions fund | Health & welfare, pension, annuity, training and industry funds | Standard fund categories in mechanical and electrical agreements. The exact split between funds is set in the local's agreement — the hall or fund office publishes the schedule. |
| Paid on | Every hour worked | Fringe contributions are made per hour worked, so they scale with dispatched hours and are paid to the funds rather than to the member. |
The rates above are the IBEW Local 159 scale used across the Madison, WI area. Members dispatched out of this hall work commercial and industrial electrical, building automation and controls wiring, data and low-voltage systems and service and retrofit work for signatory contractors throughout the Madison metro, so a electrician wage quoted locally is normally this scale plus the fringe package shown in the table.
Gulfstream recruits electrician talent for commercial mechanical, plumbing, piping, sheet metal and building automation contractors in and around Madison. We are a private recruiting firm — we do not dispatch, set, or negotiate Local 159 rates. For current Madison scale, dispatch standing, or apprenticeship intake, contact the hall directly.
IBEW Local 159 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall — call (608) 255-2989 to confirm dispatch procedure, required documents (union card, certifications, ID) and current list standing before traveling in. Contact details are imported from the UA, SMART and IBEW public directories. Gulfstream is a private recruiting firm, is not affiliated with the local, and does not control hall dispatch.
IBEW Local 159 represents inside wiremen and electrical professionals across south-central Wisconsin, centering its operations in the Madison metropolitan area. Since 2014, Gulfstream Strategic Placements has monitored this market as a hub for both commercial development and heavy industrial infrastructure. The local maintains jurisdiction over high-voltage power distribution, lighting systems, and integrated building automation for a diverse range of facilities including state government complexes, healthcare institutions, and educational campuses. The presence of a highly skilled union workforce ensures that large-scale capital projects in the region meet rigorous safety and technical standards required by the National Electrical Code.
The Madison market is particularly robust due to the steady demand for sustainable energy solutions and complex data center infrastructure. Local 159 members provide the specialized labor necessary for these technical installations, which require a mix of traditional conduit work and sophisticated instrumentation control. As the regional economy expands, the local remains a primary source of qualified electricians for signatory contractors handling multi-million dollar contracts. The relationship between the union and the a mechanical contractor Association (NECA) establishes a stable labor environment, providing predictable costs for developers while ensuring workers receive competitive compensation and comprehensive healthcare and retirement protections through collectively bargained agreements.
Effective June 12, 2025, the Journeyman Wireman hourly rate for IBEW Local 159 is set at $50.00, contributing to a total compensation package of $76.19 per hour when fringe benefits are included. This package represents a substantial investment in the electrician's long-term stability and health. For those entering the trade, the apprenticeship progression provides a structured increase in earnings based on a percentage of the Journeyman scale. Apprentices typically start at a designated percentage, such as 40% or 45%, and receive incremental raises every six to twelve months as they complete required classroom hours and on-the-job training milestones. These wage steps ensure that as the apprentice gains competency in residential, commercial, and industrial systems, their pay reflects their growing value to the signatory contractor and the union.
The chartered jurisdiction of IBEW Local 159 spans the south-central portion of Wisconsin, primarily focused on Dane County and its surrounding territories. This area includes the state capital, where the concentration of public works and university-led construction is highest. Members are dispatched from the Madison business office to various job sites, ranging from suburban commercial developments to rural industrial facilities. The jurisdiction covers all inside electrical work, including the installation and maintenance of electrical systems in buildings, power plants, and renewable energy sites. Workers must adhere to the local's referral procedures, ensuring that labor is allocated efficiently to signatory contractors across the entire geographic footprint of the local's charter.
The signatory contractor landscape in Madison is composed of a mix of large-scale mechanical-electrical firms and specialized service contractors. These firms range from national primes capable of managing multi-year industrial build-outs to smaller shops focused on commercial tenant improvements and municipal upgrades. Hiring typically follows the demand of the regional construction cycle, with significant peaks during major healthcare expansions or university capital improvements. Signatory contractors benefit from a pool of pre-vetted, highly trained labor, which reduces their overhead related to recruitment and safety training. This collaborative environment ensures that project timelines are met with high-quality craftsmanship, maintaining the local's reputation in the Wisconsin construction market.
The hourly wage of $50.00 is the gross pay reflected on a member's paycheck before taxes. The total package of $76.19 includes an additional $26.19 in employer-paid benefits such as health insurance, pension contributions, and training funds. These fringes are paid by the contractor on behalf of the worker and are not deducted from the base hourly rate, representing the full cost of labor.
While the Journeyman license is the primary requirement, many industrial projects in the Madison jurisdiction require additional certifications such as OSHA 30, NFPA 70E arc flash safety, or specialized instrumentation certificates. The JATC training fund provides members with access to these courses to ensure they remain qualified for the most technical roles within the signatory contractor network.
Electricians from other IBEW locals, known as travelers, must sign the Book 2 referral list at the Madison hall. When local demand exceeds the available Book 1 (resident) workforce, travelers are dispatched to signatory contractors based on their position on the list. All travelers are expected to adhere to Local 159's specific CBA terms and Madison-area work rules during their tenure.
Transferring an apprenticeship involves a review process by the Madison Area JATC. An applicant must generally be in good standing with their current program and demonstrate that their completed curriculum aligns with Local 159's standards. Because apprenticeship slots are tied to local man-hours and contractor demand, transfers are not guaranteed and are handled on a case-by-case basis by the trustees.
IBEW Local 159 is seated in Madison, Wisconsin (WI). We hold published wage sheets for 16 locals across Wisconsin — compare nearby scales before you take a call.
Gulfstream Strategic Placements recruits mechanical construction and service staff for contractors nationwide, union and open shop. These are markets where we run the most searches: Inland Empire mechanical recruiter · Portland mechanical recruiter · Dallas–Fort Worth mechanical recruiter · Los Angeles mechanical recruiter. Post a role.
We are a commercial mechanical construction recruiting firm serving Madison and the rest of Wisconsin, including contractors signatory to IBEW Local 159. Our office is in South Corona, California and we place union-scale tradespeople and field leadership nationwide.
Gulfstream Strategic Placements, 4160 Temescal Canyon Road, Suite 401, Corona, CA 92883. Phone (951) 208-7780. Email hello@gulfstreamsp.com. Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM Pacific.View our verified Google Business Profile
Journeyman scales as last published by each local. Rates change every contract cycle — confirm with the hall.
The Local 159 pay scale for 2026 is $51.70 per hour for journeymen in Madison, WI, or about $103,400 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $90.87 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 9/23/26.
IBEW Local 159 wages for 2026: journeyman Electricians rate of $51.70 per hour in Madison, WI, with a total package of $90.87 per hour including fringe benefits, effective 9/23/26. Apprentices are paid a graduated percentage of that rate. Confirm any increase since 9/23/26 with the IBEW Local 159 business office.
The IBEW Local 159 wage sheet on this page lists the journeyman scale of $51.70 per hour ($90.87 per hour total package), effective 9/23/26, plus the apprentice percentage steps. The official sheet is published by the IBEW Local 159 business office; figures here come from that published schedule, so confirm any increase dated after 9/23/26 with the hall.
Local 159 apprentices earn a graduated percentage of the $51.70 per hour journeyman rate — typically starting near 40–50% ($23.27–$25.85 per hour) in the first period and stepping up each period to 100% at turnout. The exact percentage schedule is set by the IBEW Local 159 JATC, so confirm the current apprentice sheet with the training center.
Journeyman electrician under the IBEW Local 159 agreement make $51.70 an hour in base wages, or $90.87 an hour counting the fringe package, per the wage sheet effective 9/23/26. Overtime, shift premiums, and travel or subsistence pay are added on top under the local's CBA.
$51.70 per hour base wage and $90.87 per hour total package for a journeyman in Madison, WI, effective 9/23/26. Annualized at 2,080 hours that is roughly $103,400 before overtime.
A Local 159 apprentice in Madison, WI starts at roughly $23.27 an hour — about 45% of the $51.70 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $38.78 an hour by the fourth year and full scale on turning out. These are the standard percentage steps of scale, not a wage sheet Local 159 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
About $23.27 an hour, or roughly $46,530 a year at 2,080 hours, based on the standard 45% first-period step of the $51.70 journeyman rate effective 9/23/26. Apprentices also earn benefit contributions and paid classroom progression; the JATC sets the exact percentage.
Around $33.61 an hour at the standard 65% third-period step, moving to about $38.78 an hour in the fourth period and $51.70 an hour at full journeyman scale. Confirm the published step schedule with the Local 159 training center.
Local 159 wages: $51.70 an hour on the journeyman scale, $90.87 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 9/23/26. That is the most recent Madison, WI sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
The current published IBEW Local 159 journeyman rate is $51.70 an hour ($90.87 total package), effective 9/23/26 — roughly $103,400 a year at 2,080 hours before overtime. Confirm the effective agreement with the local.
Yes — a one-page printable IBEW Local 159 rate sheet is available at /rate-sheets/ibew-local-159-pay-scale.pdf, showing the $51.70 hourly scale, the $90.87 total package and the 9/23/26 effective date, with the source it was read from. It is a free download — no sign-up needed.
The current IBEW Local 159 journeyman rate is $51.70/hour, with a total package of $90.87/hour including fringe benefits, effective 9/23/26. At 2,080 hours that works out to roughly $103,400 per year in base wages before overtime. Rates change with each CBA cycle — confirm with the Local 159 business office before relying on the figure.
The $51.70/hour figure is the base journeyman wage that lands on the paycheck. The $90.87/hour total package adds employer-paid fringes — health and welfare, pension, annuity, apprenticeship training, and industry funds. Contractors bid work off the total package, so that is the number that matters when comparing electricians labor costs across locals.
Apprentices under the IBEW Local 159 agreement are paid a graduated percentage of the journeyman rate, typically starting near 40–50% in the first period and stepping up each six-month or annual period until reaching 100% at turnout. Against the current $51.70/hour journeyman rate, a first-period apprentice would be in the $23.27–$25.85/hour range. The exact percentage schedule is set by the local's JATC.
IBEW Local 159 is headquartered in Madison, WI and dispatches electricians manpower throughout its chartered jurisdiction. Work performed inside that territory falls under the local's collective bargaining agreement and wage schedule, even when the contractor is based elsewhere and travels in.
Most locals require applicants to be at least 18, legally able to work in the U.S., hold a high school diploma or GED, pass a basic math/aptitude assessment and a drug screen, and be physically able to perform electricians work. Some Local 159 programs give preference to applicants inside the jurisdiction or to veterans. Eligibility rules are set by the local's Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC), so confirm the current criteria with the hall before applying.
Apprenticeship applications go through the IBEW Local 159 JATC, not through a contractor or a recruiter. Applications typically open in defined intake windows each year: you submit the application with proof of age, education, and residency, sit for an aptitude test, and then interview. Ranked applicants are placed on an eligibility list and indentured as signatory contractors call for apprentices. Gulfstream Strategic Placements does not process apprenticeship applications — contact the Local 159 training center directly.
Electricians apprenticeships generally run four to five years — roughly 8,000–10,000 hours of on-the-job training plus several hundred classroom hours per year. Apprentices earn a paycheck the entire time, stepping up through the wage periods until they turn out as journeymen at 100% of scale.
Signatory contractors hire through the local's hiring hall, so working under the IBEW Local 159 agreement generally means being a member or being organized in through the local's process. Journeymen from other locals can travel in by signing the out-of-work book, subject to the local's referral rules and manpower needs. Non-union electricians professionals are usually placed with open-shop contractors instead — we recruit for both.
Rates move with the collective bargaining agreement, typically on a fixed anniversary date each year of a three- to five-year contract, with negotiated increases split between the base wage and the fringe package. The figures on this page reflect the 9/23/26 schedule; check with the Local 159 business office for any increase that has taken effect since.
Wage rates vary widely by local and market. Use the Union Pay Scale Explorer to sort every UA and SMART local by hourly wage, total package, and annualized pay so you can benchmark Local 159 against neighboring jurisdictions and other electricians markets.
Yes — the openings section on this page lists current electricians roles near Madison, WI, and you can apply directly through the apply form on this page. These are direct-hire positions with mechanical contractors that Gulfstream recruits for, not union dispatch or hall referrals. For the hall's out-of-work list, contact the Local 159 business office.
The IBEW Local 159 hall is at 5303 Fen Oak Dr, Madison, WI 53718, serving Madison, WI and the surrounding jurisdiction. Hall phone: (608) 255-2989.
IBEW Local 159 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall. Call the hall at (608) 255-2989 to confirm dispatch hours, required documents (union card, certifications, ID) and current list standing before traveling in — Gulfstream does not control hall dispatch.
IBEW Local 159 can be reached at (608) 255-2989. Contact details are imported from the union's public directory listing — confirm hours with the hall.
Apply through the local's joint apprenticeship training committee (JATC). Most programs open applications on a set schedule and require an aptitude test and interview. For IBEW Local 159's current application window and requirements, contact the hall at (608) 255-2989.
Each Electricians local sets its own intake process, and it varies. The common paths: apprenticeship through the JATC; organizing in as an experienced worker, since journeymen and technicians already working in the trade can usually apply directly to the hall for membership; or transferring from another local of the same international with a transfer card from your current hall. For fees and requirements, contact the hall at (608) 255-2989.
We haven't found an official source for IBEW Local 159's dues or membership rules. To confirm, contact the hall at (608) 255-2989.
We haven't found an official source for IBEW Local 159's member benefits. To confirm, contact the hall at (608) 255-2989.
IBEW Local 159's sourced journeyman inside wireman union rate is $51.70/hr in base wages and $90.87/hr for the total package, effective September 23, 2026. The rate applies to the listed classification and source area; apprentice, foreman and specialty classifications may differ.
$51.70/hr in base wages for journeyman inside wireman, or $90.87/hr counting employer-paid benefits and fringes, effective September 23, 2026 per the unionpayscales.com wage sheet.
September 23, 2026. Pulled from the local's current published CBA wage sheet on unionpayscales.com and cross-checked at build time. High confidence for offer benchmarking.
No — the $51.70/hr base is wages only. Employers contribute roughly $39.17/hr more per hour worked to health and welfare, pension, annuity and training funds, which is the difference between the base and the $90.87/hr package.
No. Gulfstream Strategic Placements is a private mechanical construction recruiting firm. We are not affiliated with the local, we do not run dispatch, and we do not set or negotiate union rates. We publish the local's own sourced figures as a reference for members and contractors.
High confidence — last cross-checked against the source on Oct 5, 2026 (14 days ago). Always confirm the current step with the hall before relying on it for an offer.