Journeyman sheet metal workers under SMART Local 80 in Detroit, MI earn $43.65/hr in base wages, or $69.45/hr as a total package with fringe benefits, effective Oct 2025.
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SMART Local 80 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 80 pay scale for 2026 is $43.65 per hour for journeymen in Detroit, MI, or about $87,300 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $69.45 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 10/26/25.
| Local 80 journeyman hourly wage | $43.65 / hour |
|---|---|
| Total package (wage + fringe benefits) | $69.45 / hour |
| Annualized at 2,080 hours (base wage) | $87,300 / year |
| First-period apprentice (≈45–50% of scale) | $19.64–$21.83 / hour |
| Wage sheet effective | 10/26/25 |
A Local 80 apprentice in Detroit, MI starts at roughly $19.64 an hour — about 45% of the $43.65 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $32.74 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 80 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
| 1st period (year 1) | 45% of scale | $19.64 / hour | $39,285 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd period (year 2) | 55% of scale | $24.01 / hour | $48,015 |
| 3rd period (year 3) | 65% of scale | $28.37 / hour | $56,745 |
| 4th period (year 4) | 75% of scale | $32.74 / hour | $65,475 |
| 5th period (year 5) | 85% of scale | $37.10 / hour | $74,205 |
| Journeyman (turned out) | 100% of scale | $43.65 / hour | $87,300 |
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Local 80 wages: $43.65 an hour on the journeyman scale, $69.45 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 10/26/25. That is the most recent Detroit, MI sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
Roughly 37% of the SMART Local 80 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 80 pay scale (PDF) — one-page printable rate sheet, effective October 26, 2025.
| Benefit & fringe contributions | $25.80/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 80 scale used across the Detroit, MI 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 Detroit 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 Detroit. We are a private recruiting firm — we do not dispatch, set, or negotiate Local 80 rates. For current Detroit scale, dispatch standing, or apprenticeship intake, contact the hall directly.
SMART Local 80 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall — call (248) 557-7575 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 80 represents the skilled sheet metal workforce across the Detroit metropolitan area and southeastern Michigan. Since 2014, Gulfstream Strategic Placements has monitored this market as a critical hub for industrial manufacturing and high-precision HVAC fabrication. The local oversees the training and dispatch of craftsmen specializing in the design, fabrication, and installation of air handling systems, architectural sheet metal, and industrial ventilation. As the automotive industry evolves toward electric vehicle production, Local 80 members remain central to the massive retooling projects and new facility construction required by the region’s largest industrial stakeholders and their associated mechanical prime contractors.
The Detroit market is uniquely defined by its concentration of complex industrial piping and sheet metal requirements. Local 80 operates a comprehensive Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) program to ensure that signatory contractors have access to a workforce capable of meeting stringent safety and quality standards. Membership in this local provides access to large-scale commercial developments, healthcare facility expansions, and public infrastructure projects throughout the tri-county area. For the skilled tradesperson, Local 80 offers a pathway to stable employment through a diverse mix of shop fabrication and field installation opportunities that utilize cutting-edge technology including BIM coordination and automated plasma cutting systems.
Based on the schedule effective October 26, 2025, the Journeyman hourly rate for SMART Local 80 is set at $43.65. When accounting for the full fringe benefit allocation, the total compensation package reaches $69.45 per hour. This $25.80 difference covers essential benefits such as healthcare, retirement funds, and training. Apprentices typically begin their career at a percentage of the journeyman rate, often starting around 40-45% and 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 apprenticeship, workers earn approximately 80-85% of the full scale. These figures represent the baseline for building trades work; specific industrial or specialty agreements may apply depending on the job site and contractor designation.
SMART Local 80 maintains jurisdiction over sheet metal work throughout the greater Detroit metropolitan region, encompassing Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, among others. The territory covers a dense mix of urban high-rise construction, suburban commercial centers, and sprawling industrial corridors. The charter includes the fabrication and installation of all HVAC ductwork, kitchen equipment, specialized exhaust systems, and architectural metal roofing. Members are dispatched through the hiring hall to various signatory contractors operating within these boundaries. While most work is localized to the tri-county area, certain project agreements may require travel to outlying regions where Local 80 maintains reciprocity with neighboring locals to ensure consistent labor standards and benefit portability.
The signatory landscape for Local 80 is composed of a robust mix of large-scale mechanical primes and specialized fabrication shops. Many of these firms operate their own high-capacity sheet metal shops, allowing for significant pre-fabrication before components reach the job site. The market supports a high volume of service-oriented contractors who maintain the complex HVAC systems in Detroit’s commercial skyscrapers and healthcare campuses. Additionally, there are numerous architectural sheet metal specialists focusing on decorative facades and roofing for high-end residential and public works. Hiring activity is generally driven by major industrial cycles and institutional upgrades, with contractors constantly seeking detail-oriented tradespeople proficient in both manual shop tools and modern field installation techniques.
New apprentices are typically required to provide a basic set of hand tools, including snips, tape measures, hammers, and screwdrivers. The local or the JATC provides a specific tool list upon acceptance. Specialty power tools and heavy fabrication equipment are provided by the signatory contractor on the job site or in the shop.
Yes, Local 80 provides extensive welding training and certification through its JATC. Members can earn AWS and sheet metal specific certifications in MIG, TIG, and Stick welding. These credentials are vital for industrial projects and specialized exhaust system fabrication frequently required in the Detroit automotive and manufacturing sectors.
Local 80 utilizes an out-of-work list to manage dispatches. When signatory contractors need additional labor, they request workers from the hall, who are then referred based on their position on the list and specific skill sets. Members can also seek work through direct solicitation if the current collective bargaining agreement allows for name-hires.
Detroit has a high demand for specialized sheet metal roles. Local 80 members can pursue advanced training in Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) or Building Information Modeling (BIM). These specialists often command steady work due to the technical requirements of modern healthcare and laboratory facilities throughout southeastern Michigan.
SMART Local 80 is seated in Detroit, Michigan (MI). We hold published wage sheets for 22 locals across Michigan — 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 80 pay scale for 2026 is $43.65 per hour for journeymen in Detroit, MI, or about $87,300 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $69.45 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 10/26/25.
Journeyman sheet metal workers under the SMART Local 80 agreement make $43.65 an hour in base wages, or $69.45 an hour counting the fringe package, per the wage sheet effective 10/26/25. Overtime, shift premiums, and travel or subsistence pay are added on top under the local's CBA.
$43.65 per hour base wage and $69.45 per hour total package for a journeyman in Detroit, MI, effective 10/26/25. Annualized at 2,080 hours that is roughly $87,300 before overtime.
A Local 80 apprentice in Detroit, MI starts at roughly $19.64 an hour — about 45% of the $43.65 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $32.74 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 80 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
About $19.64 an hour, or roughly $39,285 a year at 2,080 hours, based on the standard 45% first-period step of the $43.65 journeyman rate effective 10/26/25. Apprentices also earn benefit contributions and paid classroom progression; the JATC sets the exact percentage.
Around $28.37 an hour at the standard 65% third-period step, moving to about $32.74 an hour in the fourth period and $43.65 an hour at full journeyman scale. Confirm the published step schedule with the Local 80 training center.
Local 80 wages: $43.65 an hour on the journeyman scale, $69.45 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 10/26/25. That is the most recent Detroit, MI sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
The current published SMART Local 80 journeyman rate is $43.65 an hour ($69.45 total package), effective 10/26/25 — roughly $87,300 a year at 2,080 hours before overtime. Confirm the effective agreement with the local.
Yes — a one-page printable SMART Local 80 rate sheet is available at /rate-sheets/smart-local-80-pay-scale.pdf, showing the $43.65 hourly scale, the $69.45 total package and the 10/26/25 effective date, with the source it was read from. It is a free download — no sign-up needed.
The current SMART Local 80 journeyman rate is $43.65/hour, with a total package of $69.45/hour including fringe benefits, effective 10/26/25. At 2,080 hours that works out to roughly $87,300 per year in base wages before overtime. Rates change with each CBA cycle — confirm with the Local 80 business office before relying on the figure.
The $43.65/hour figure is the base journeyman wage that lands on the paycheck. The $69.45/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 80 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 $43.65/hour journeyman rate, a first-period apprentice would be in the $19.64–$21.83/hour range. The exact percentage schedule is set by the local's JATC.
SMART Local 80 is headquartered in Detroit, MI 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 80 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 80 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 80 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 80 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 10/26/25 schedule; check with the Local 80 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 80 against neighboring jurisdictions and other sheet metal workers markets.
The SMART Local 80 hall is at 17100 W 12 Mile Road 2nd Fl Southfield MI 48076, serving Detroit, MI and the surrounding jurisdiction. Hall phone: (248) 557-7575.
SMART Local 80 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall. Call the hall at (248) 557-7575 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 80 can be reached at (248) 557-7575. Contact details are imported from the union's public directory listing — confirm hours with the hall.
$43.65/hr in base wages for journeyman, or $69.45/hr counting employer-paid benefits and fringes, effective October 26, 2025 per the unionpayscales.com wage sheet.
October 26, 2025. Pulled from the local's current published CBA wage sheet on unionpayscales.com and cross-checked at build time. High confidence for offer benchmarking.
No — the $43.65/hr base is wages only. Employers contribute roughly $25.80/hr more per hour worked to health and welfare, pension, annuity and training funds, which is the difference between the base and the $69.45/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.
High 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.