Journeyman railroad mechanical workers under SMART Local 78 in Little Rock, AR earn $33.10/hr in base wages, effective Oct 2022. This sheet is more than 2 years old, so confirm the current rate with the hall before quoting it.
The Local 78 pay scale is $33.10 per hour for journeymen in Little Rock, AR, or about $66,200 a year at 2,080 hours. That is the last wage sheet we can source for this local — confirm the current rate with the hall.
| Local 78 journeyman hourly wage | $33.10 / hour |
|---|---|
| Annualized at 2,080 hours (base wage) | $66,200 / year |
| First-period apprentice (≈45–50% of scale) | $14.90–$16.55 / hour |
| Wage sheet effective | 10/21/22 |
| Classification | Sheet Metal Worker |
Apply now — Gulfstream places railroad mechanical workers candidates with mechanical contractors. These are direct-hire contractor roles, not union dispatch.
A Local 78 apprentice in Little Rock, AR starts at roughly $14.90 an hour — about 45% of the $33.10 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $24.83 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 78 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
| 1st period (year 1) | 45% of scale | $14.90 / hour | $29,790 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd period (year 2) | 55% of scale | $18.21 / hour | $36,410 |
| 3rd period (year 3) | 65% of scale | $21.52 / hour | $43,030 |
| 4th period (year 4) | 75% of scale | $24.83 / hour | $49,650 |
| 5th period (year 5) | 85% of scale | $28.14 / hour | $56,270 |
| Journeyman (turned out) | 100% of scale | $33.10 / hour | $66,200 |
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SMART Local 78 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.
SMART Local 78 does not post an online application we could verify; contact the hall by phone for dispatch or apprenticeship. To be considered for direct-hire roles with mechanical, electrical and sheet metal contractors in this area, apply to Gulfstream. This is not an application to the union.
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Local 78 wages: $33.10 an hour on the journeyman scale, effective 10/21/22. That is the most recent Little Rock, AR sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
SMART Local 78's published wage sheet does not break out fringes, so we show only the wage figures it prints.
Unverified: crowd-sourced figure (unionpayscales.com), not confirmed against the local's own wage sheet
Download the SMART Local 78 pay scale (PDF) — one-page printable rate sheet, effective October 21, 2022.
| Benefit & fringe contributions | Not published | The wage sheet does not separate fringes for this local. |
|---|---|---|
| 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 78 scale used across the Little Rock, AR area. Members dispatched out of this hall work commercial construction and mechanical service and retrofit work for signatory contractors throughout the Little Rock metro, so a railroad mechanical workers wage quoted locally is normally this scale plus the fringe package shown in the table.
Gulfstream recruits railroad mechanical workers talent for commercial mechanical, plumbing, piping, sheet metal and building automation contractors in and around Little Rock. We are a private recruiting firm — we do not dispatch, set, or negotiate Local 78 rates. For current Little Rock scale, dispatch standing, or apprenticeship intake, contact the hall directly.
SMART Local 78 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall — call (330) 614-8161 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 78 represents the skilled sheet metal workers across a expansive jurisdiction centered in Little Rock, Arkansas. As a chartered affiliate of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, this local provides the specialized labor force necessary for the state's commercial, industrial, and institutional construction sectors. Members are trained in the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of HVAC ductwork, architectural sheet metal, and industrial ventilation systems. The presence of Local 78 ensures that large-scale mechanical projects in the region meet rigorous standards for airflow efficiency and structural integrity, supporting the infrastructure needs of Arkansas's growing urban centers and manufacturing hubs.
The Little Rock market serves as the anchor for Local 78 operations, where the union maintains its Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) facilities. This local is instrumental in supplying qualified journeymen to signatory contractors who handle complex metal work that non-union shops often cannot scale for. From high-rise ventilation to precision specialty fabrication, the membership provides a level of technical expertise backed by standardized training. For contractors and tradespeople alike, understanding the specific labor dynamics of the Arkansas sheet metal trade is essential for accurate project estimating and career planning within the south-central United States construction landscape, where Local 78 remains the primary labor partner for union-scale mechanical firms.
Based on the figures effective October 2022, the Journeyman hourly rate for SMART Local 78 is $33.10. It is important to note that the supplied data indicates a total package matching the hourly wage, which is atypical for union agreements; users should contact the business office to verify the specific breakdown of employer-paid fringes including health and pension contributions that may sit atop the base rate. Apprentices typically begin at a percentage of the journeyman scale, often starting around 40% to 50% and receiving incremental raises every six to twelve months as they complete required classroom hours and on-the-job training milestones. This progression ensures that as the apprentice gains competency in fabrication and blueprint reading, their compensation reflects their increasing value to the signatory contractor and the job site.
The jurisdiction of SMART Local 78 covers a significant portion of Arkansas, including the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metropolitan area and surrounding regions. The charter includes the installation and fabrication of all light, mid, and heavy-gauge metal products. This encompasses HVAC duct systems, kitchen equipment, siding, decking, and specialized industrial blow pipe systems. Members are dispatched to job sites ranging from municipal government buildings and hospitals to large manufacturing plants. Contractors operating within this territory must adhere to the terms of the Local 78 collective bargaining agreement, which dictates travel pay, subsistence, and shift differentials for work performed outside of the immediate Little Rock dispatch zone.
The signatory landscape for SMART Local 78 is comprised of diverse mechanical firms ranging from large regional primes to specialized architectural sheet metal shops. These contractors rely on the union to provide a scalable workforce that can handle the fluctuations of major commercial developments and industrial shutdowns. The mix includes full-service mechanical contractors who self-perform ductwork alongside their piping divisions, as well as dedicated sheet metal fabricators who operate high-tech shops in the Little Rock area. Hiring typically follows the project cycle, with significant demand coming from the healthcare, education, and industrial sectors throughout central Arkansas, requiring a workforce capable of both shop fabrication and field installation.
Members have access to training for AWS welding certifications, fire damper inspection, and TAB (Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing) certification. These credentials allow sheet metal workers to perform specialized tasks on high-spec projects, such as laboratories and healthcare facilities, where precision airflow and safety standards are mandated by building codes and engineering specifications.
Yes, the jurisdiction includes architectural metal components such as metal roofing, wall panels, flashing, and decorative trim. While many associate the union primarily with HVAC ductwork, the training program includes significant instruction in the bending, soldering, and installation of various architectural metals used in modern commercial facades and historical renovations.
While Local 78 is centered in Little Rock, its jurisdiction is broad. Members may be required to travel to job sites across various Arkansas counties. Furthermore, through the SMART international network, members in good standing may occasionally travel to other locals' jurisdictions during peak labor demand periods, provided they follow the proper traveler protocols and dispatch rules.
Apprentices start at a set percentage of the $33.10 journeyman rate. As they progress through the five-year program, their percentage increases annually or semi-annually upon successful completion of work hours and school modules. This ensures that pay stays commensurate with the worker's growing skill set in fabrication, welding, and field installation.
SMART Local 78 is seated in Little Rock, Arkansas (AR). We hold published wage sheets for 6 locals across Arkansas — 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 78 pay scale is $33.10 per hour for journeymen in Little Rock, AR, or about $66,200 a year at 2,080 hours. That is the last wage sheet we can source for this local — confirm the current rate with the hall.
SMART Local 78 wages: journeyman Railroad Mechanical Workers rate of $33.10 per hour in Little Rock, AR, effective 10/21/22. Apprentices are paid a graduated percentage of that rate. Confirm any increase since 10/21/22 with the SMART Local 78 business office.
The SMART Local 78 wage sheet on this page lists the journeyman scale of $33.10 per hour, effective 10/21/22, plus the apprentice percentage steps. The official sheet is published by the SMART Local 78 business office; figures here come from that published schedule, so confirm any increase dated after 10/21/22 with the hall.
Local 78 apprentices earn a graduated percentage of the $33.10 per hour journeyman rate — typically starting near 40–50% ($14.90–$16.55 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 78 JATC, so confirm the current apprentice sheet with the training center.
Journeyman railroad mechanical workers under the SMART Local 78 agreement make $33.10 an hour in base wages, 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.
$33.10 per hour base wage for a journeyman in Little Rock, AR, effective 10/21/22. Annualized at 2,080 hours that is roughly $66,200 before overtime.
A Local 78 apprentice in Little Rock, AR starts at roughly $14.90 an hour — about 45% of the $33.10 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $24.83 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 78 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
About $14.90 an hour, or roughly $29,790 a year at 2,080 hours, based on the standard 45% first-period step of the $33.10 journeyman rate effective 10/21/22. Apprentices also earn benefit contributions and paid classroom progression; the JATC sets the exact percentage.
Around $21.52 an hour at the standard 65% third-period step, moving to about $24.83 an hour in the fourth period and $33.10 an hour at full journeyman scale. Confirm the published step schedule with the Local 78 training center.
Local 78 wages: $33.10 an hour on the journeyman scale, effective 10/21/22. That is the most recent Little Rock, AR sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
Yes — a one-page printable SMART Local 78 rate sheet is available at /rate-sheets/smart-local-78-pay-scale.pdf, showing the $33.10 hourly scale 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 78 journeyman rate is $33.10/hour, effective 10/21/22. At 2,080 hours that works out to roughly $66,200 per year in base wages before overtime. Rates change with each CBA cycle — confirm with the Local 78 business office before relying on the figure.
Apprentices under the SMART Local 78 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 $33.10/hour journeyman rate, a first-period apprentice would be in the $14.90–$16.55/hour range. The exact percentage schedule is set by the local's JATC.
SMART Local 78 is headquartered in Little Rock, AR and dispatches railroad mechanical 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 railroad mechanical workers work. Some Local 78 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 78 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 78 training center directly.
Railroad Mechanical 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 78 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 railroad mechanical 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 78 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 78 against neighboring jurisdictions and other railroad mechanical workers markets.
Yes — the openings section on this page lists current railroad mechanical workers roles near Little Rock, AR, 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 78 business office.
The SMART Local 78 hall is at 8201 Merriwood Court Sherwood AR 72120, serving Little Rock, AR and the surrounding jurisdiction. Hall phone: (330) 614-8161.
SMART Local 78 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall. Call the hall at (330) 614-8161 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 78 can be reached at (330) 614-8161. Contact details are imported from the union's public directory listing — confirm hours with the hall.
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 78's current application window and requirements, contact the hall at (330) 614-8161.
Each Railroad Mechanical 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 (330) 614-8161.
We haven't found an official source for SMART Local 78's dues or membership rules. To confirm, contact the hall at (330) 614-8161.
We haven't found an official source for SMART Local 78's member benefits. To confirm, contact the hall at (330) 614-8161.
SMART Local 78's sourced sheet metal worker union rate is $33.10/hr in base wages, effective October 21, 2022. The rate applies to the listed classification and source area; apprentice, foreman and specialty classifications may differ.
$33.10/hr in base wages for sheet metal worker, 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.
The published wage sheet for this local prints wages without a separate fringe line, so we do not show a benefit figure. The hall's fund office can provide the contribution schedule.
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 Oct 5, 2026 (14 days ago). Always confirm the current step with the hall before relying on it for an offer.