Journeyman sheet metal workers under SMART Local 103 in Helena, MT earn $53/hr in base wages, or $69.71/hr as a total package with fringe benefits, effective Oct 2022. This sheet is more than 2 years old, so confirm the current rate with the hall before quoting it.
SMART Local 103 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.
The Local 103 pay scale is $53.00 per hour for journeymen in Helena, MT, or about $106,000 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $69.71 per hour. That is the last wage sheet we can source for this local — confirm the current rate with the hall.
| Local 103 journeyman hourly wage | $53.00 / hour |
|---|---|
| Total package (wage + fringe benefits) | $69.71 / hour |
| Annualized at 2,080 hours (base wage) | $106,000 / year |
| First-period apprentice (≈45–50% of scale) | $23.85–$26.50 / hour |
| Wage sheet effective | 10/21/22 |
A Local 103 apprentice in Helena, MT starts at roughly $23.85 an hour — about 45% of the $53.00 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $39.75 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 103 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
| 1st period (year 1) | 45% of scale | $23.85 / hour | $47,700 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd period (year 2) | 55% of scale | $29.15 / hour | $58,300 |
| 3rd period (year 3) | 65% of scale | $34.45 / hour | $68,900 |
| 4th period (year 4) | 75% of scale | $39.75 / hour | $79,500 |
| 5th period (year 5) | 85% of scale | $45.05 / hour | $90,100 |
| Journeyman (turned out) | 100% of scale | $53.00 / hour | $106,000 |
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Local 103 wages: $53.00 an hour on the journeyman scale, $69.71 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 10/21/22. That is the most recent Helena, MT sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
Roughly 24% of the SMART Local 103 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.
Download the SMART Local 103 pay scale (PDF) — one-page printable rate sheet, effective October 21, 2022.
| Benefit & fringe contributions | $16.71/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 SMART Local 103 scale used across the Helena, MT area. Members dispatched out of this hall work commercial HVAC sheet metal, duct fabrication and installation, architectural sheet metal and test and balance for signatory contractors throughout the Helena metro, so a sheet metal wage quoted locally is normally this scale plus the fringe package shown in the table.
Gulfstream recruits sheet metal talent for commercial mechanical, plumbing, piping, sheet metal and building automation contractors in and around Helena. We are a private recruiting firm — we do not dispatch, set, or negotiate Local 103 rates. For current Helena scale, dispatch standing, or apprenticeship intake, contact the hall directly.
SMART Local 103 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall — call (406) 458-3364 to confirm dispatch hours, 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.
SMART Local 103 represents skilled sheet metal workers, air balance technicians, and architectural metal specialists across the state of Montana. As a member of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, this local provides the specialized labor force required for the region’s commercial HVAC installations, industrial ventilation, and precision metal fabrication. Given the vast geography of the state, Local 103 plays a critical role in maintaining high standards for indoor air quality and structural integrity in both high-desert and mountainous environments. The union operates out of its headquarters in Helena, serving as a central hub for dispatch and administrative oversight for members working on everything from healthcare facilities to large-scale infrastructure projects.
The Montana market for sheet metal labor is characterized by a demand for versatility, as contractors often manage projects across significant distances. SMART Local 103 ensures that its members are trained in the latest CAD technology, CNC plasma cutting, and energy-efficient duct design to meet modern building codes. For signatory mechanical primes and specialized sheet metal contractors, the union provides a scalable workforce that reduces the risks associated with labor shortages in rural areas. By centralizing training through the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, the local maintains a consistent pipeline of journeymen who are proficient in both shop fabrication and field installation, ensuring that complex mechanical systems are executed according to strict engineering specifications.
Based on the figures effective October 21, 2022, a Journeyman in SMART Local 103 earns a base hourly rate of $53.00. When including the fringe benefit package, the total taxable and non-taxable compensation reaches $69.71 per hour. This total package covers essential employer-paid contributions to health, welfare, and retirement funds. Apprentices enter the program at a percentage of the journeyman rate, typically starting around 45-50% and receiving incremental raises every six to twelve months as they complete required classroom hours and on-the-job training milestones. These scheduled increases provide a clear path to the full $53.00 hourly rate over a four to five-year period. Members should verify the current fringe allocations with the Helena business office, as total package distributions are subject to periodic adjustments by the membership.
SMART Local 103 holds a broad charter that covers the entire state of Montana, making it one of the geographically largest jurisdictions in the region. Work performed under this agreement includes the fabrication, assembly, and installation of all HVAC ductwork, architectural sheet metal, siding, and decking. It also encompasses specialized fields such as testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) of environmental systems and industrial lagging. Due to the expansive territory, the local manages dispatch for projects in major hubs and remote sites alike. Laborers and contractors must adhere to the travel and subsistence rules outlined in the collective bargaining agreement when work is performed outside of the immediate Helena zone or the member's home residence radius.
The signatory landscape for SMART Local 103 consists of a diverse mix of full-service mechanical primes and boutique architectural metal shops. Large-scale contractors typically focus on commercial HVAC for institutions like hospitals and universities, while specialized firms handle custom metal roofing and industrial ventilation for Montana's mining and energy sectors. Hiring fluctuates based on state-funded infrastructure cycles and private commercial development. Gulfstream Strategic Placements has tracked the regional labor market since 2014, noting that these signatory firms rely on the union to provide safety-certified workers who can operate independently in the field. This relationship allows contractors to bid on complex projects with confidence in their labor costs and productivity rates.
Yes, members can obtain certifications in specialized areas such as Fire Life Safety, TABB (Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau), and various welding processes. These certifications are often required for work on high-spec commercial and industrial projects across Montana and are facilitated through the local's training center.
Given the size of Montana, the collective bargaining agreement includes specific provisions for travel pay and subsistence (per diem). These rates are triggered when a project site exceeds a certain distance from the contractor's shop or the worker's home, ensuring members are compensated for the extensive transit required in the state.
Journeymen in good standing with other SMART locals may request a transfer or work as a traveler in Montana depending on the current work list volume. This process requires a clearance card from your home local and approval from the Local 103 business manager based on local bylaws.
New apprentices are generally required to provide a basic set of hand tools, such as snips, hammers, and measuring tapes. A specific 'tool list' is provided upon indenture. Large power tools and specialized shop equipment are provided by the signatory contractor under the terms of the agreement.
SMART Local 103 is seated in Helena, Montana (MT). We hold published wage sheets for 5 locals across Montana — compare nearby scales before you take a call.
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We are a mechanical, plumbing and electrical construction recruiting firm serving Helena and the rest of Montana, including contractors signatory to SMART Local 103. Our office is in South Corona, California and we place union-scale tradespeople and field leadership nationwide.
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Journeyman scales as last published by each local. Rates change every contract cycle — confirm with the hall.
The Local 103 pay scale is $53.00 per hour for journeymen in Helena, MT, or about $106,000 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $69.71 per hour. That is the last wage sheet we can source for this local — confirm the current rate with the hall.
Journeyman sheet metal workers under the SMART Local 103 agreement make $53.00 an hour in base wages, or $69.71 an hour counting the fringe package, per the wage sheet effective 10/21/22. Overtime, shift premiums, and travel or subsistence pay are added on top under the local's CBA.
$53.00 per hour base wage and $69.71 per hour total package for a journeyman in Helena, MT, effective 10/21/22. Annualized at 2,080 hours that is roughly $106,000 before overtime.
A Local 103 apprentice in Helena, MT starts at roughly $23.85 an hour — about 45% of the $53.00 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $39.75 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 103 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
About $23.85 an hour, or roughly $47,700 a year at 2,080 hours, based on the standard 45% first-period step of the $53.00 journeyman rate effective 10/21/22. Apprentices also earn benefit contributions and paid classroom progression; the JATC sets the exact percentage.
Around $34.45 an hour at the standard 65% third-period step, moving to about $39.75 an hour in the fourth period and $53.00 an hour at full journeyman scale. Confirm the published step schedule with the Local 103 training center.
Local 103 wages: $53.00 an hour on the journeyman scale, $69.71 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 10/21/22. That is the most recent Helena, MT sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
Yes — a one-page printable SMART Local 103 rate sheet is available at /rate-sheets/smart-local-103-pay-scale.pdf, showing the $53.00 hourly scale, the $69.71 total package and the 10/21/22 effective date, with the source it was read from. It is a free download — no sign-up needed.
The current SMART Local 103 journeyman rate is $53.00/hour, with a total package of $69.71/hour including fringe benefits, effective 10/21/22. At 2,080 hours that works out to roughly $106,000 per year in base wages before overtime. Rates change with each CBA cycle — confirm with the Local 103 business office before relying on the figure.
The $53.00/hour figure is the base journeyman wage that lands on the paycheck. The $69.71/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 sheet metal workers labor costs across locals.
Apprentices under the SMART Local 103 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 $53.00/hour journeyman rate, a first-period apprentice would be in the $23.85–$26.50/hour range. The exact percentage schedule is set by the local's JATC.
SMART Local 103 is headquartered in Helena, MT and dispatches sheet metal workers 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 sheet metal workers work. Some Local 103 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 SMART Local 103 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 103 training center directly.
Sheet Metal Workers 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 SMART Local 103 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 sheet metal workers 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 10/21/22 schedule; check with the Local 103 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 103 against neighboring jurisdictions and other sheet metal workers markets.
The SMART Local 103 hall is at 11831 Beverly Park Rd, B-2 Everett WA 98204, serving Helena, MT and the surrounding jurisdiction. Hall phone: (406) 458-3364.
SMART Local 103 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall. Call the hall at (406) 458-3364 to confirm dispatch hours, required documents (union card, certifications, ID) and current list standing before traveling in — Gulfstream does not control hall dispatch.
SMART Local 103 can be reached at (406) 458-3364. Contact details are imported from the union's public directory listing — confirm hours with the hall.
$53.00/hr in base wages for journeyman, or $69.71/hr counting employer-paid benefits and fringes, effective October 21, 2022 per the unionpayscales.com wage sheet.
October 21, 2022. Source wage sheet is over three years old and a new CBA cycle is likely in force. Use only as a historical baseline — pull current rates directly from the local before quoting.
No — the $53.00/hr base is wages only. Employers contribute roughly $16.71/hr more per hour worked to health and welfare, pension, annuity and training funds, which is the difference between the base and the $69.71/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.
Stale — verify — last cross-checked against the source on Sep 1, 2026 (14 days ago). Always confirm the current step with the hall before relying on it for an offer.