Journeyman sheet metal workers under SMART Local 33 in Cleveland, OH earn $43.06/hr in base wages, or $61.21/hr as a total package with fringe benefits, effective Jan 2025.
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SMART Local 33 runs its own dispatch and out-of-work list. Gulfstream is a private recruiter and does not control hall referral.
The Local 33 pay scale for 2026 is $43.06 per hour for journeymen in Cleveland, OH, or about $86,120 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $61.21 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 1/17/25.
| Local 33 journeyman hourly wage | $43.06 / hour |
|---|---|
| Total package (wage + fringe benefits) | $61.21 / hour |
| Annualized at 2,080 hours (base wage) | $86,120 / year |
| First-period apprentice (≈45–50% of scale) | $19.38–$21.53 / hour |
| Wage sheet effective | 1/17/25 |
| Classification | Sheet Metal Journeyman |
A Local 33 apprentice in Cleveland, OH starts at roughly $19.38 an hour — about 45% of the $43.06 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $32.30 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 33 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
| 1st period (year 1) | 45% of scale | $19.38 / hour | $38,754 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd period (year 2) | 55% of scale | $23.68 / hour | $47,366 |
| 3rd period (year 3) | 65% of scale | $27.99 / hour | $55,978 |
| 4th period (year 4) | 75% of scale | $32.30 / hour | $64,590 |
| 5th period (year 5) | 85% of scale | $36.60 / hour | $73,202 |
| Journeyman (turned out) | 100% of scale | $43.06 / hour | $86,120 |
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Local 33 wages: $43.06 an hour on the journeyman scale, $61.21 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 1/17/25. 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 30% of the SMART Local 33 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 SMART Local 33 pay scale (PDF) — one-page printable rate sheet, effective January 17, 2025.
| Benefit & fringe contributions | $18.15/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 33 scale used across the Cleveland, OH 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland. We are a private recruiting firm — we do not dispatch, set, or negotiate Local 33 rates. For current Cleveland scale, dispatch standing, or apprenticeship intake, contact the hall directly.
SMART Local 33 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.
SMART Local 33 represents sheet metal workers throughout Northern Ohio and parts of West Virginia, maintaining a stronghold in the Cleveland metropolitan market. This labor organization manages a workforce skilled in the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of complex HVAC systems, architectural sheet metal, and industrial ventilation. As a dominant force in the Great Lakes construction sector, Local 33 provides labor to signatory contractors working on large-scale commercial developments, healthcare facilities, and manufacturing plants. The Cleveland market remains a critical hub for sheet metal work due to the region's concentration of heavy industry and ongoing urban revitalization projects that require high-precision air handling and moisture protection systems.
The strength of Local 33 lies in its centralized training and collective bargaining power, ensuring that sheet metal professionals receive standardized compensation across the jurisdiction. The local manages multiple districts to cover a vast geographic area, but the Cleveland headquarters serves as the primary administrative and training center for the region. Because the trade involves both shop fabrication and field installation, members must master specialized equipment including CNC plasma cutters, press brakes, and various welding technologies. For contractors, partnering with this local ensures access to a pre-screened workforce that has met rigorous safety and proficiency standards, which is essential for maintaining project timelines in the competitive Northern Ohio construction landscape.
Effective January 17, 2025, the Journeyman hourly rate for SMART Local 33 in the Cleveland district is established at $43.06. When combined with the fringe benefit package, the total compensation reaches $61.21 per hour. Apprentices enter the program at a percentage of the Journeyman rate, typically starting around 40-45% for first-year trainees and scaling upward annually based on the completion of required classroom hours and on-the-job training milestones. By the final year of the five-year apprenticeship, workers generally earn approximately 80% of the full scale. These incremental raises are contingent upon satisfactory performance and attendance in the JATC program. All members should verify their specific district and classification with the union hall, as small variations may exist depending on the specific project type or geographic zone.
The jurisdiction of SMART Local 33 is expansive, covering a significant portion of Northern Ohio including the Cleveland, Akron, and Youngstown corridors, as well as reaching into the panhandle of West Virginia. The union is responsible for all work related to the drafting, fabrication, and installation of ductwork, commercial roofing components, and kitchen equipment within these boundaries. Members are dispatched through the hall based on contractor demand and specialized skill sets. The territorial reach ensures that signatory contractors can maintain a consistent labor force when traveling between major municipalities in the region. Work performed under this agreement includes all traditional sheet metal applications in commercial, industrial, and residential settings as defined by the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers.
The contractor landscape for SMART Local 33 consists of a diverse mix of large-scale mechanical primes and specialized fabrication shops. These signatory firms range from national mechanical contractors that handle massive a mechanical contractor and ductwork projects to localized architectural sheet metal specialists focusing on exterior envelopes and custom metalwork. Hiring is generally dictated by the project pipeline in the healthcare, education, and public works sectors. Since 2014, Gulfstream Strategic Placements has monitored the regional labor demand, noting that contractors in the Cleveland market frequently seek individuals with dual expertise in both field installation and shop production to maximize efficiency across varied project scopes.
Shop workers focus on the fabrication of components using shears, brakes, and welding equipment in a controlled environment. Field workers are responsible for the installation of these components at the job site, requiring knowledge of rigging, blueprints, and structural integration. Most Local 33 members are trained in both areas to provide maximum flexibility for signatory contractors.
Yes, through the JATC, members can obtain certifications in welding (AWS), Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TABB), Fire Life Safety, and BIM/Detailing. These certifications often lead to higher demand for a specific worker and are essential for maintaining the high standards required by industrial and healthcare clients in Northern Ohio.
Local 33 covers a large geographic area divided into districts. While members are generally dispatched to projects within their home district, they may travel to other districts or neighboring locals under 'reciprocal agreements.' These agreements ensure that fringe benefits like pension and health insurance are credited back to the member's home funds.
Apprentices are typically required to provide a basic set of hand tools, such as snips, hammers, tape measures, and screwdrivers. A specific 'tool list' is provided upon enrollment. Larger power tools, specialized fabrication machinery, and safety equipment like fall protection are supplied by the signatory employer per the collective bargaining agreement.
SMART Local 33 is seated in Cleveland, Ohio (OH). We hold published wage sheets for 31 locals across Ohio — compare nearby scales before you take a call.
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Journeyman scales as last published by each local. Rates change every contract cycle — confirm with the hall.
The Local 33 pay scale for 2026 is $43.06 per hour for journeymen in Cleveland, OH, or about $86,120 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $61.21 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 1/17/25.
Journeyman sheet metal workers under the SMART Local 33 agreement make $43.06 an hour in base wages, or $61.21 an hour counting the fringe package, per the wage sheet effective 1/17/25. Overtime, shift premiums, and travel or subsistence pay are added on top under the local's CBA.
$43.06 per hour base wage and $61.21 per hour total package for a journeyman in Cleveland, OH, effective 1/17/25. Annualized at 2,080 hours that is roughly $86,120 before overtime.
A Local 33 apprentice in Cleveland, OH starts at roughly $19.38 an hour — about 45% of the $43.06 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $32.30 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 33 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
About $19.38 an hour, or roughly $38,754 a year at 2,080 hours, based on the standard 45% first-period step of the $43.06 journeyman rate effective 1/17/25. Apprentices also earn benefit contributions and paid classroom progression; the JATC sets the exact percentage.
Around $27.99 an hour at the standard 65% third-period step, moving to about $32.30 an hour in the fourth period and $43.06 an hour at full journeyman scale. Confirm the published step schedule with the Local 33 training center.
Local 33 wages: $43.06 an hour on the journeyman scale, $61.21 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 1/17/25. 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 SMART Local 33 journeyman rate is $43.06 an hour ($61.21 total package), effective 1/17/25 — roughly $86,120 a year at 2,080 hours before overtime. Confirm the effective agreement with the local.
Yes — a one-page printable SMART Local 33 rate sheet is available at /rate-sheets/smart-local-33-pay-scale.pdf, showing the $43.06 hourly scale, the $61.21 total package and the 1/17/25 effective date, with the source it was read from. It is a free download — no sign-up needed.
The current SMART Local 33 journeyman rate is $43.06/hour, with a total package of $61.21/hour including fringe benefits, effective 1/17/25. At 2,080 hours that works out to roughly $86,120 per year in base wages before overtime. Rates change with each CBA cycle — confirm with the Local 33 business office before relying on the figure.
The $43.06/hour figure is the base journeyman wage that lands on the paycheck. The $61.21/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 33 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 $43.06/hour journeyman rate, a first-period apprentice would be in the $19.38–$21.53/hour range. The exact percentage schedule is set by the local's JATC.
SMART Local 33 is headquartered in Cleveland, OH 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 33 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 33 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 33 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 33 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 1/17/25 schedule; check with the Local 33 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 33 against neighboring jurisdictions and other sheet metal workers markets.
The SMART Local 33 hall is at 12515 Corporate Dr, Parma, OH 44130, serving Cleveland, OH and the surrounding jurisdiction.
SMART Local 33 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.
SMART Local 33 does not publish a phone number in the directory data we import; check the local's official site for current contact details.
$43.06/hr in base wages for sheet metal journeyman, or $61.21/hr counting employer-paid benefits and fringes, effective January 17, 2025 per the unionpayscales.com wage sheet.
January 17, 2025. The source wage sheet is more than 18 months old, so a mid-term raise may already be in effect. Confirm the current step with the local's business office before extending an offer.
No — the $43.06/hr base is wages only. Employers contribute roughly $18.15/hr more per hour worked to health and welfare, pension, annuity and training funds, which is the difference between the base and the $61.21/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.
Moderate 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.