Journeyman sheet metal workers under SMART Local 73 in Chicago & Cook County, IL earn $53.05/hr in base wages, or $98.08/hr as a total package with fringe benefits, effective Oct 2024.
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SMART Local 73 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 73 pay scale is $53.05 per hour for journeymen in Chicago & Cook County, IL, or about $106,100 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $98.08 per hour. That is the rate in force, effective 10/10/24.
| Local 73 journeyman hourly wage | $53.05 / hour |
|---|---|
| Total package (wage + fringe benefits) | $98.08 / hour |
| Annualized at 2,080 hours (base wage) | $106,100 / year |
| First-period apprentice (≈45–50% of scale) | $23.87–$26.53 / hour |
| Wage sheet effective | 10/10/24 |
A Local 73 apprentice in Chicago & Cook County, IL starts at roughly $23.87 an hour — about 45% of the $53.05 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $39.79 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 73 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
| 1st period (year 1) | 45% of scale | $23.87 / hour | $47,745 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd period (year 2) | 55% of scale | $29.18 / hour | $58,355 |
| 3rd period (year 3) | 65% of scale | $34.48 / hour | $68,965 |
| 4th period (year 4) | 75% of scale | $39.79 / hour | $79,575 |
| 5th period (year 5) | 85% of scale | $45.09 / hour | $90,185 |
| Journeyman (turned out) | 100% of scale | $53.05 / hour | $106,100 |
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Local 73 wages: $53.05 an hour on the journeyman scale, $98.08 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 10/10/24. That is the most recent Chicago & Cook County, IL sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
Roughly 46% of the SMART Local 73 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 73 pay scale (PDF) — one-page printable rate sheet, effective October 10, 2024.
| Benefit & fringe contributions | $45.03/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 73 scale used across the Chicago & Cook County, IL 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 Chicago & Cook County 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 Chicago & Cook County. We are a private recruiting firm — we do not dispatch, set, or negotiate Local 73 rates. For current Chicago & Cook County scale, dispatch standing, or apprenticeship intake, contact the hall directly.
SMART Local 73 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall — call (708) 449-0073 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 73 represents the sheet metal workers of Chicago and Cook County, serving as a critical pillar of the Illinois construction industry. Since 2014, our recruitment team has tracked the impact of this local on the Midwest labor market, where its members handle everything from architectural sheet metal and HVAC installation to industrial ventilation and precision testing, adjusting, and balancing. The local maintains a significant presence in the Chicago skyline, providing the skilled labor required for high-rise commercial developments, healthcare facilities, and public infrastructure projects. Because the Chicago market demands high technical proficiency and adherence to strict building codes, Local 73 ensures its members are trained to meet the evolving needs of modern sustainable construction and indoor air quality standards.
The market covered by Local 73 is unique due to the density of both heavy industrial sites and high-density commercial assets within Cook County. As one of the most established labor organizations in the region, it sets the benchmark for sheet metal standards across Northern Illinois. Signatory contractors rely on this union for a pipeline of certified professionals who can navigate complex logistical environments and specialized metal fabrication requirements. For the tradesperson, joining this local offers access to some of the highest-value projects in the Midwest, while for the contractor, it provides a scalable workforce capable of meeting the rigorous demands of Chicago's competitive bidding environment and large-scale mechanical specifications.
Effective October 10, 2024, the journeyman hourly rate for SMART Local 73 is set at $53.05, contributing to a comprehensive total package of $98.08 per hour. This substantial difference of $45.03 represents the fringe benefit contributions that cover health, welfare, and retirement security. For those entering the trade through the apprenticeship program, wages are typically calculated as a progressive percentage of the journeyman rate. Apprentices usually start between 40% and 50% of the base scale, 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 five-year program, apprentices earn near-journeyman wages, ensuring their compensation reflects their increasing autonomy and technical skill set on the job site.
The chartered jurisdiction for SMART Local 73 is centered on Cook County, Illinois, encompassing the entire City of Chicago and its immediate surrounding suburbs. This territory is densely packed with commercial, residential, and industrial opportunities, requiring members to be mobile within the county limits. The jurisdiction covers all aspects of the sheet metal trade, including the fabrication, assembly, and installation of ductwork, architectural metal roofing, and specialty stainless steel equipment. While travel is largely contained within the county, the volume of work within this footprint is among the highest in the country. Members dispatched through the hall are expected to adhere to the local's work rules and collective bargaining agreement regardless of whether the project is a downtown high-rise or a suburban industrial park.
The contractor landscape within Local 73's jurisdiction is characterized by a mix of large-scale mechanical primes and specialized fabrication shops. These signatory contractors range from firms focusing on massive commercial HVAC systems for Chicago's financial district to architectural metal specialists who work on the city's iconic exteriors. Hiring typically follows the ebbs and flows of the regional construction cycle, with significant demand coming from the public sector and large private institutional developments. Contractors signatory to Local 73 benefit from a standardized labor cost model and a pool of workers who have undergone a rigorous five-year training program, ensuring consistency across complex piping and ventilation projects throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.
The base wage of $53.05 is the hourly amount reflected on a member's paycheck before taxes. The total package of $98.08 includes an additional $45.03 per hour paid by the employer into fringe benefits such as pension, annuity, and health insurance. These benefits are not deducted from the base wage but are paid in addition to it, providing a high level of total compensation.
Local 73 specifically holds the charter for Cook County. Adjacent areas like Lake, DuPage, or Will counties fall under the jurisdiction of other SMART locals. However, signatory contractors often move between these territories. If a member is asked to work outside Cook County, they should verify travel pay rules or reciprocity agreements between the locals involved to ensure proper benefit contributions.
Wage increases are negotiated as part of the multi-year collective bargaining agreement between the union and signatory contractor associations. These increases usually take effect on a set annual schedule, often in the summer or fall. The current rate effective October 2024 represents the most recent adjustment to the scale, reflecting the cost of living and market demand in Chicago.
Local 73 prioritizes safety and technical certifications, including OSHA 10/30, aerial lift operation, and welding certifications (AWS). Members are also encouraged to specialize in areas like Fire Life Safety (fire damper inspection) and TAB (Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing), as these credentials often lead to more consistent work opportunities with specialty mechanical contractors in the Chicago market.
SMART Local 73 is seated in Chicago & Cook County, Illinois (IL). We hold published wage sheets for 32 locals across Illinois — 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 73 pay scale is $53.05 per hour for journeymen in Chicago & Cook County, IL, or about $106,100 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $98.08 per hour. That is the rate in force, effective 10/10/24.
Journeyman sheet metal workers under the SMART Local 73 agreement make $53.05 an hour in base wages, or $98.08 an hour counting the fringe package, per the wage sheet effective 10/10/24. Overtime, shift premiums, and travel or subsistence pay are added on top under the local's CBA.
$53.05 per hour base wage and $98.08 per hour total package for a journeyman in Chicago & Cook County, IL, effective 10/10/24. Annualized at 2,080 hours that is roughly $106,100 before overtime.
A Local 73 apprentice in Chicago & Cook County, IL starts at roughly $23.87 an hour — about 45% of the $53.05 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $39.79 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 73 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
About $23.87 an hour, or roughly $47,745 a year at 2,080 hours, based on the standard 45% first-period step of the $53.05 journeyman rate effective 10/10/24. Apprentices also earn benefit contributions and paid classroom progression; the JATC sets the exact percentage.
Around $34.48 an hour at the standard 65% third-period step, moving to about $39.79 an hour in the fourth period and $53.05 an hour at full journeyman scale. Confirm the published step schedule with the Local 73 training center.
Local 73 wages: $53.05 an hour on the journeyman scale, $98.08 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 10/10/24. That is the most recent Chicago & Cook County, IL sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
Yes — a one-page printable SMART Local 73 rate sheet is available at /rate-sheets/smart-local-73-pay-scale.pdf, showing the $53.05 hourly scale, the $98.08 total package and the 10/10/24 effective date, with the source it was read from. It is a free download — no sign-up needed.
The current SMART Local 73 journeyman rate is $53.05/hour, with a total package of $98.08/hour including fringe benefits, effective 10/10/24. At 2,080 hours that works out to roughly $106,100 per year in base wages before overtime. Rates change with each CBA cycle — confirm with the Local 73 business office before relying on the figure.
The $53.05/hour figure is the base journeyman wage that lands on the paycheck. The $98.08/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 73 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 $53.05/hour journeyman rate, a first-period apprentice would be in the $23.87–$26.53/hour range. The exact percentage schedule is set by the local's JATC.
SMART Local 73 is headquartered in Chicago & Cook County, IL 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 73 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 73 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 73 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 73 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 10/10/24 schedule; check with the Local 73 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 73 against neighboring jurisdictions and other sheet metal workers markets.
The SMART Local 73 hall is at 4550 Roosevelt Road Hillside IL 60162, serving Chicago & Cook County, IL and the surrounding jurisdiction. Hall phone: (708) 449-0073.
SMART Local 73 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall. Call the hall at (708) 449-0073 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 73 can be reached at (708) 449-0073. Contact details are imported from the union's public directory listing — confirm hours with the hall.
$53.05/hr in base wages for journeyman, or $98.08/hr counting employer-paid benefits and fringes, effective October 10, 2024 per the unionpayscales.com wage sheet.
October 10, 2024. 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 $53.05/hr base is wages only. Employers contribute roughly $45.03/hr more per hour worked to health and welfare, pension, annuity and training funds, which is the difference between the base and the $98.08/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.