Journeyman electrician under IBEW Local 38 in Cleveland, OH earn $48.63/hr in base wages, or $74.69/hr as a total package with fringe benefits, effective Aug 2026.
View current trade openings and apply
Active Gulfstream trade listings in the local's state, with Cleveland 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 38 runs its own dispatch and out-of-work list. Gulfstream is a private recruiter and does not control hall referral.
The Local 38 pay scale for 2026 is $48.63 per hour for journeymen in Cleveland, OH, or about $97,260 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $74.69 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 8/11/26.
| Local 38 journeyman hourly wage | $48.63 / hour |
|---|---|
| Total package (wage + fringe benefits) | $74.69 / hour |
| Annualized at 2,080 hours (base wage) | $97,260 / year |
| First-period apprentice (≈45–50% of scale) | $21.88–$24.32 / hour |
| Wage sheet effective | 8/11/26 |
| Classification | Journeyman Inside Wireman |
A Local 38 apprentice in Cleveland, OH starts at roughly $21.88 an hour — about 45% of the $48.63 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $36.47 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 38 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
| 1st period (year 1) | 45% of scale | $21.88 / hour | $43,767 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd period (year 2) | 55% of scale | $26.75 / hour | $53,493 |
| 3rd period (year 3) | 65% of scale | $31.61 / hour | $63,219 |
| 4th period (year 4) | 75% of scale | $36.47 / hour | $72,945 |
| 5th period (year 5) | 85% of scale | $41.34 / hour | $82,671 |
| Journeyman (turned out) | 100% of scale | $48.63 / hour | $97,260 |
We'll email you when the IBEW Local 38 rate is updated, plus union-shop electricians openings near Cleveland, OH. Sign up for rate updates. Free alerts from Gulfstream Strategic Placements. We are not affiliated with IBEW Local 38.
Local 38 wages: $48.63 an hour on the journeyman scale, $74.69 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 8/11/26. That is the most recent Cleveland, OH sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
Roughly 35% of the IBEW Local 38 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 38 pay scale (PDF) — one-page printable rate sheet, effective August 11, 2026.
| Benefit & fringe contributions | $26.06/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 38 scale used across the Cleveland, OH 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland. We are a private recruiting firm — we do not dispatch, set, or negotiate Local 38 rates. For current Cleveland scale, dispatch standing, or apprenticeship intake, contact the hall directly.
IBEW Local 38 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall — contact the hall to confirm dispatch procedure and what to bring 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 38 represents the electrical workforce in the greater Cleveland metropolitan area, serving as a critical pillar of Northeast Ohio's construction and industrial infrastructure. The local oversees the training and dispatch of inside wiremen, telecommunications workers, and residential electricians who maintain the region's commercial skylines and industrial facilities. Since 2014, Gulfstream Strategic Placements has monitored the labor landscape for Cleveland's electrical sector, noting that Local 38 remains the primary source of skilled labor for large-scale healthcare expansions, stadium renovations, and manufacturing projects. The organization emphasizes safety and technical proficiency, ensuring that signatory contractors have access to a pipeline of state-certified electricians capable of executing complex power and control systems.
The Cleveland market is characterized by a dense concentration of healthcare systems and heavy manufacturing, both of which require high-voltage expertise and specialized electrical installations. IBEW Local 38 operates a comprehensive Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) program that sets the standard for electrical excellence in Cuyahoga County and its surrounds. For contractors, partnering with this local provides a scalable workforce that adheres to the National Electrical Code and local building standards. For the tradesperson, the union offers a structured career path with guaranteed wage increases and robust fringe benefits, providing economic stability within a competitive regional economy that continues to transition toward high-tech industrial and biomedical research sectors.
Based on the figures effective August 11, 2026, the Journeyman Inside Wireman rate is set at $48.63 per hour, contributing to a total compensation package of $74.69 when including all fringe benefits. This total package includes employer contributions to health insurance and multiple retirement vehicles, reflecting a significant premium over non-union averages in the Cleveland market. Apprentices typically begin their five-year program at a set percentage of the journeyman rate, often starting around 40-45% and receiving incremental raises every six to twelve months as they complete required classroom hours and on-the-job training milestones. By the final year of the apprenticeship, workers generally earn approximately 80-85% of the full scale. These structured increases ensure that the worker's pay matches their growing technical ability and productivity on the job site.
The chartered jurisdiction of IBEW Local 38 covers the entirety of Cuyahoga County and portions of surrounding Northeast Ohio territories. This region encompasses the urban core of Cleveland and its extensive suburban network, including the industrial corridors along Lake Erie and the southern logistics hubs. All electrical work performed under the Inside Wireman agreement within these boundaries falls under the local’s dispatch authority, including commercial installations, industrial power distribution, and high-density residential developments. The local manages a referral system to ensure that labor is distributed efficiently across active project sites, maintaining strict adherence to the territorial boundaries established by the International Office to prevent jurisdictional overlap with neighboring locals in Akron or Lorain.
The signatory contractor landscape for IBEW Local 38 is diverse, ranging from national mechanical and electrical primes to specialized local shops. These firms handle a wide variety of work including institutional builds for Cleveland’s major hospital systems, public infrastructure projects, and large-scale commercial office renovations. There is also a strong presence of contractors focused on long-term maintenance and service for the region’s industrial plants and data centers. Hiring is generally conducted through the union’s referral hall, where contractors request manpower based on project needs. This system allows for high labor mobility and ensures that contractors can quickly scale their crews for peak demand periods without the overhead of permanent recruitment for every position.
An Inside Wireman is trained for commercial and industrial settings, including high-voltage systems and complex motor controls. A Residential Wireman focuses specifically on wood-frame housing and smaller apartment complexes. The Inside Wireman program is longer and results in a higher hourly wage due to the broader scope of work and technical requirements involved in heavy commercial construction.
Yes, through the Cleveland Electrical JATC, journeymen can access advanced courses to stay current with evolving technology. This includes certifications in EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure), fire alarm systems, instrumentation, and OSHA safety updates. Staying current with these certifications is essential for maintaining eligibility for specialized dispatch requests from signatory contractors.
Members from other IBEW locals can work in Cleveland by signing the 'Book 2' referral list at the Local 38 hall. Work is offered to Local 38 members on Book 1 first. Travelers must be in good standing with their home local and provide a travel letter. This system allows for labor mobility when the Cleveland market has more work than its local membership can handle.
Yes, experienced electricians can join through a process often called 'organizing.' You will likely need to provide proof of your work history and may be required to take a written and practical exam to determine your skill level. Depending on your results, you may be brought in as a Journeyman or placed at a specific level within the apprenticeship to bridge any knowledge gaps.
IBEW Local 38 is seated in Cleveland, Ohio (OH). We hold published wage sheets for 31 locals across Ohio — 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: Dallas–Fort Worth mechanical recruiter · Los Angeles mechanical recruiter · San Diego mechanical recruiter · Houston mechanical recruiter. Post a role.
We are a mechanical, plumbing and electrical construction recruiting firm serving Cleveland and the rest of Ohio, including contractors signatory to IBEW Local 38. 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 38 pay scale for 2026 is $48.63 per hour for journeymen in Cleveland, OH, or about $97,260 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $74.69 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 8/11/26.
Journeyman electrician under the IBEW Local 38 agreement make $48.63 an hour in base wages, or $74.69 an hour counting the fringe package, per the wage sheet effective 8/11/26. Overtime, shift premiums, and travel or subsistence pay are added on top under the local's CBA.
$48.63 per hour base wage and $74.69 per hour total package for a journeyman in Cleveland, OH, effective 8/11/26. Annualized at 2,080 hours that is roughly $97,260 before overtime.
A Local 38 apprentice in Cleveland, OH starts at roughly $21.88 an hour — about 45% of the $48.63 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $36.47 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 38 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
About $21.88 an hour, or roughly $43,767 a year at 2,080 hours, based on the standard 45% first-period step of the $48.63 journeyman rate effective 8/11/26. Apprentices also earn benefit contributions and paid classroom progression; the JATC sets the exact percentage.
Around $31.61 an hour at the standard 65% third-period step, moving to about $36.47 an hour in the fourth period and $48.63 an hour at full journeyman scale. Confirm the published step schedule with the Local 38 training center.
Local 38 wages: $48.63 an hour on the journeyman scale, $74.69 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 8/11/26. That is the most recent Cleveland, OH sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
The current published IBEW Local 38 journeyman rate is $48.63 an hour ($74.69 total package), effective 8/11/26 — roughly $97,260 a year at 2,080 hours before overtime. Confirm the effective agreement with the local.
Yes — a one-page printable IBEW Local 38 rate sheet is available at /rate-sheets/ibew-local-38-pay-scale.pdf, showing the $48.63 hourly scale, the $74.69 total package and the 8/11/26 effective date, with the source it was read from. It is a free download — no sign-up needed.
The current IBEW Local 38 journeyman rate is $48.63/hour, with a total package of $74.69/hour including fringe benefits, effective 8/11/26. At 2,080 hours that works out to roughly $97,260 per year in base wages before overtime. Rates change with each CBA cycle — confirm with the Local 38 business office before relying on the figure.
The $48.63/hour figure is the base journeyman wage that lands on the paycheck. The $74.69/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 38 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 $48.63/hour journeyman rate, a first-period apprentice would be in the $21.88–$24.32/hour range. The exact percentage schedule is set by the local's JATC.
IBEW Local 38 is headquartered in Cleveland, OH 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 38 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 38 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 38 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 38 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 8/11/26 schedule; check with the Local 38 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 38 against neighboring jurisdictions and other electricians markets.
The IBEW Local 38 hall is at 1590 E 23rd St, Cleveland, OH 44114, serving Cleveland, OH and the surrounding jurisdiction.
IBEW Local 38 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall. Contact the hall 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 38 does not publish a phone number in the directory data we import; check the local's official site for current contact details.
$48.63/hr in base wages for journeyman inside wireman, or $74.69/hr counting employer-paid benefits and fringes, effective August 11, 2026 per the unionpayscales.com wage sheet.
August 11, 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 $48.63/hr base is wages only. Employers contribute roughly $26.06/hr more per hour worked to health and welfare, pension, annuity and training funds, which is the difference between the base and the $74.69/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 Sep 23, 2026 (7 days ago). Always confirm the current step with the hall before relying on it for an offer.