Journeyman sheet metal workers under SMART Local 18 in Milwaukee, WI earn $55.58/hr in base wages, or $83.25/hr as a total package with fringe benefits, effective Mar 2025.
The Local 18 pay scale for 2026 is $55.58 per hour for journeymen in Milwaukee, WI, or about $111,160 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $83.25 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 3/5/25.
| Local 18 journeyman hourly wage | $55.58 / hour |
|---|---|
| Total package (wage + fringe benefits) | $83.25 / hour |
| Annualized at 2,080 hours (base wage) | $111,160 / year |
| First-period apprentice (≈45 to 50% of scale) | $25.01 to $27.79 / hour |
| Wage sheet effective | 3/5/25 |
Apply now | Gulfstream places sheet metal workers candidates with mechanical contractors. These are direct-hire contractor roles, not union dispatch.
A Local 18 apprentice in Milwaukee, WI starts at roughly $25.01 an hour, about 45% of the $55.58 journeyman scale, and steps up each period, reaching around $41.69 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 18 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
| 1st period (year 1) | 45% of scale | $25.01 / hour | $50,022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd period (year 2) | 55% of scale | $30.57 / hour | $61,138 |
| 3rd period (year 3) | 65% of scale | $36.13 / hour | $72,254 |
| 4th period (year 4) | 75% of scale | $41.69 / hour | $83,370 |
| 5th period (year 5) | 85% of scale | $47.24 / hour | $94,486 |
| Journeyman (turned out) | 100% of scale | $55.58 / hour | $111,160 |
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SMART Local 18 runs its own dispatch and out-of-work list, hall hours above are from the local's official site; call the hall to confirm dispatch procedure, books and what to bring. Gulfstream is a private recruiter and does not control hall referral.
SMART Local 18 pay rates and union rules
Official job-call, referral and apprenticeship pages on the hall's own website. Application windows and requirements are set by the hall; check its page for current dates.
Links checked 2026-10-06 on the hall's site.
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Local 18 wages: $55.58 an hour on the journeyman scale, $83.25 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 3/5/25. That is the most recent Milwaukee, WI sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
SMART Local 18 has not published a current wage sheet to the public rate sources we track, so the figure above is the reporting-wide sheet metal average, not this hall's own scale. 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 Milwaukee, WI area, and local scale in the Milwaukee market is normally set by the hall's current collective bargaining agreement, confirm it with the business office before quoting.
Gulfstream recruits sheet metal talent for commercial mechanical, electrical, plumbing, piping, sheet metal and building automation contractors in and around Milwaukee. We are a private recruiting firm, we do not dispatch, set, or negotiate Local 18 rates. For current Milwaukee scale, dispatch standing, or apprenticeship intake, contact the hall directly.
SMART Local 18 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall, call (262) 798-1818 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.
SMART Local 18 represents skilled sheet metal workers across the majority of Wisconsin, maintaining a primary presence in the Milwaukee metropolitan area and surrounding industrial corridors. The local oversees a diverse workforce specialized in the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of HVAC systems, architectural sheet metal, and industrial ventilation. As the regional authority for the trade, Local 18 ensures that large-scale commercial developments and essential manufacturing facilities meet rigorous airflow and structural standards. The organization serves as the primary labor pipeline for signatory contractors requiring high-precision metal fabrication and complex ductwork installation in a market defined by both heavy industrial legacy and modern healthcare expansion.
The market dynamics for Local 18 are driven by a mix of public infrastructure projects and private sector industrial upgrades. Because the jurisdiction covers significant territory from the southeastern lakefront through the central regions of the state, the local maintains a robust infrastructure for training and dispatch. Their role is critical in the local construction economy, providing a stable, highly trained workforce that supports the operational needs of schools, hospitals, and food processing plants. By centralizing craft standards, Local 18 facilitates a competitive bidding environment for signatory employers while securing standardized benefits and safety protocols for its members throughout the greater Milwaukee region and beyond.
As of March 5, 2025, the journeyman hourly rate for SMART Local 18 is established at $55.58, contributing to a comprehensive total package of $83.25 when including fringes. This $27.67 difference covers essential benefits including health insurance and pension contributions. For those entering the trade through the apprenticeship program, wages are structured as a percentage of the journeyman rate, typically starting around 40% to 50% for first-year learners. These rates increase incrementally as the apprentice completes mandatory classroom hours and on-the-job training milestones. By the final year of the five-year program, apprentices often earn 80% to 90% of the full scale. This progression ensures that labor costs remain proportional to the skill level provided to the signatory contractor while offering a clear pathway to middle-class earnings.
The signatory contractor landscape for SMART Local 18 consists of a high concentration of specialized mechanical firms and dedicated sheet metal fabrication shops. These employers range from large regional primes capable of managing multi-million dollar HVAC contracts to boutique architectural metal firms focusing on exterior envelopes. The hiring environment is characterized by a demand for welders, detailers, and field installers who can navigate complex blueprints and Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows.
The hourly rate of $55.58 is the gross amount paid on the member's paycheck, while the $83.25 total package includes an additional $27.67 per hour in benefits. These fringes cover health insurance, retirement funds, and training costs, which are paid by the employer above the base wage. This allows members to receive full benefits without deductions from their take-home pay.
Yes, many signatory contractors require specific AWS welding certifications, particularly for industrial exhaust or structural support work. The Local 18 JATC provides the training and testing facilities for members to earn and maintain these credentials. Additionally, OSHA 10 or 30 safety training is a standard requirement for all members working on major commercial or industrial job sites.
Local 18 operates a referral hall where members are dispatched to signatory contractors based on their skills and the chronological order of their registration on the out-of-work list. Contractors can request workers with specific skill sets, such as layout specialists or certified welders. This system ensures fair employment opportunities and helps contractors quickly scale their workforce for large projects.
Journeymen in good standing with other SMART locals may be able to transfer through the official reciprocal process. This usually involves contacting the Local 18 Business Manager to discuss current work volume and traveler needs. Transfers are subject to the local's bylaws and the availability of work within the Wisconsin jurisdiction to ensure local members are prioritized.
SMART Local 18 is seated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (WI). We hold published wage sheets for 16 locals across Wisconsin, compare nearby scales before you take a call.
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We are a commercial MEP recruiting firm serving Milwaukee and the rest of Wisconsin, including contractors signatory to SMART Local 18. Our office is in South Corona, California and we place 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 18 pay scale for 2026 is $55.58 per hour for journeymen in Milwaukee, WI, or about $111,160 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $83.25 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 3/5/25.
SMART Local 18 wages for 2026: journeyman Sheet Metal Workers rate of $55.58 per hour in Milwaukee, WI, with a total package of $83.25 per hour including fringe benefits, effective 3/5/25. Apprentices are paid a graduated percentage of that rate. Confirm any increase since 3/5/25 with the SMART Local 18 business office.
The SMART Local 18 wage sheet on this page lists the journeyman scale of $55.58 per hour ($83.25 per hour total package), effective 3/5/25, plus the apprentice percentage steps. The official sheet is published by the SMART Local 18 business office; figures here come from that published schedule, so confirm any increase dated after 3/5/25 with the hall.
Local 18 apprentices earn a graduated percentage of the $55.58 per hour journeyman rate, typically starting near 40 to 50% ($25.01 to $27.79 per hour) in the first period and stepping up each period to 100% at turnout. The exact percentage schedule is set by the SMART Local 18 JATC, so confirm the current apprentice sheet with the training center.
Journeyman sheet metal workers under the SMART Local 18 agreement make $55.58 an hour in base wages, or $83.25 an hour counting the fringe package, per the wage sheet effective 3/5/25. Overtime, shift premiums, and travel or subsistence pay are added on top under the local's CBA.
$55.58 per hour base wage and $83.25 per hour total package for a journeyman in Milwaukee, WI, effective 3/5/25. Annualized at 2,080 hours that is roughly $111,160 before overtime.
A Local 18 apprentice in Milwaukee, WI starts at roughly $25.01 an hour, about 45% of the $55.58 journeyman scale, and steps up each period, reaching around $41.69 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 18 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
About $25.01 an hour, or roughly $50,022 a year at 2,080 hours, based on the standard 45% first-period step of the $55.58 journeyman rate effective 3/5/25. Apprentices also earn benefit contributions and paid classroom progression; the JATC sets the exact percentage.
Around $36.13 an hour at the standard 65% third-period step, moving to about $41.69 an hour in the fourth period and $55.58 an hour at full journeyman scale. Confirm the published step schedule with the Local 18 training center.
Local 18 wages: $55.58 an hour on the journeyman scale, $83.25 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 3/5/25. That is the most recent Milwaukee, WI sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
The current published SMART Local 18 journeyman rate is $55.58 an hour ($83.25 total package), effective 3/5/25, roughly $111,160 a year at 2,080 hours before overtime. Confirm the effective agreement with the local.
Yes, a one-page printable SMART Local 18 rate sheet is available at /rate-sheets/smart-local-18-pay-scale.pdf, showing the $55.58 hourly scale, the $83.25 total package and the 3/5/25 effective date, with the source it was read from. It is a free download, no sign-up needed.
The current SMART Local 18 journeyman rate is $55.58/hour, with a total package of $83.25/hour including fringe benefits, effective 3/5/25. At 2,080 hours that works out to roughly $111,160 per year in base wages before overtime. Rates change with each CBA cycle, confirm with the Local 18 business office before relying on the figure.
The $55.58/hour figure is the base journeyman wage that lands on the paycheck. The $83.25/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 18 agreement are paid a graduated percentage of the journeyman rate, typically starting near 40 to 50% in the first period and stepping up each six-month or annual period until reaching 100% at turnout. Against the current $55.58/hour journeyman rate, a first-period apprentice would be in the $25.01 to $27.79/hour range. The exact percentage schedule is set by the local's JATC.
SMART Local 18 is headquartered in Milwaukee, WI 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 18 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 18 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 18 training center directly.
Sheet Metal Workers apprenticeships generally run four to five years, roughly 8,000 to 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 18 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 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 3/5/25 schedule; check with the Local 18 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 18 against neighboring jurisdictions and other sheet metal workers markets.
Yes, the openings section on this page lists current sheet metal workers roles near Milwaukee, 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 18 business office.
The SMART Local 18 hall is at 2201 Springdale Road Waukesha WI 53186, serving Milwaukee, WI and the surrounding jurisdiction. Hall phone: (262) 798-1818. The hall office is open Mon to Fri 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM (per the local's official site).
The SMART Local 18 hall office is open Mon to Fri 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, as published on the local's official website. Dispatch and out-of-work list procedures can differ from office hours, call (262) 798-1818 to confirm before traveling in.
SMART Local 18 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall. Call the hall at (262) 798-1818 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 18 can be reached at (262) 798-1818. The hall office is open Mon to Fri 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, per the local's official site.
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 SMART Local 18's current application window and requirements, contact the hall at (262) 798-1818.
Each Sheet Metal Workers 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 (262) 798-1818.
We haven't found an official source for SMART Local 18's dues or membership rules. To confirm, contact the hall at (262) 798-1818.
We haven't found an official source for SMART Local 18's member benefits. To confirm, contact the hall at (262) 798-1818.
SMART sheet-metal directory territorial statement, edition September 2, 2026, page 14, Partial published coverage. Checked 2026-10-27.
Local Jurisdiction: (Including the ENTIRE STATE OF WISCONSIN (with the exception of Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas and Iron Cos., WI)
Unmapped partial, restricted or ambiguous clause: (Including the ENTIRE STATE OF WISCONSIN (with the exception of Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas and Iron Cos., WI)
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No comparable official rate held. No trade average or another hall’s rate is substituted.
Confirm the current agreement, classification, zone and effective schedule with the hall; a package is not take-home pay.
Membership fees, dues and admission rules are not verified in our held official records. Confirm directly with the hall.
Rates and sources · Membership and apprenticeship · Official hall contact · Send a recruiting inquiry to Gulfstream · Compare Rates
Recruiting inquiries go to Gulfstream, not SMART Local 18. Membership, dispatch and apprenticeship applications must go directly to the hall. Gulfstream is union-independent and recruits for commercial mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractors.
We fill union-covered and salaried roles for union and merit-shop mechanical contractors: project managers, superintendents, estimators and service staff. Hall dispatch stays with the local.