Journeyman pipefitters under UA Local 102 in Knoxville, TN earn $36/hr in base wages, or $51.60/hr as a total package with fringe benefits, effective Feb 2026.
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UA Local 102 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 102 pay scale for 2026 is $36.00 per hour for journeymen in Knoxville, TN, or about $72,000 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $51.60 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 2/18/26.
| Local 102 journeyman hourly wage | $36.00 / hour |
|---|---|
| Total package (wage + fringe benefits) | $51.60 / hour |
| Annualized at 2,080 hours (base wage) | $72,000 / year |
| First-period apprentice (≈45–50% of scale) | $16.20–$18.00 / hour |
| Wage sheet effective | 2/18/26 |
| Classification | Combo |
A Local 102 apprentice in Knoxville, TN starts at roughly $16.20 an hour — about 45% of the $36.00 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $27.00 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 102 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
| 1st period (year 1) | 45% of scale | $16.20 / hour | $32,400 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd period (year 2) | 55% of scale | $19.80 / hour | $39,600 |
| 3rd period (year 3) | 65% of scale | $23.40 / hour | $46,800 |
| 4th period (year 4) | 75% of scale | $27.00 / hour | $54,000 |
| 5th period (year 5) | 85% of scale | $30.60 / hour | $61,200 |
| Journeyman (turned out) | 100% of scale | $36.00 / hour | $72,000 |
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Local 102 wages: $36.00 an hour on the journeyman scale, $51.60 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 2/18/26. That is the most recent Knoxville, TN sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
Roughly 30% of the UA Local 102 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 UA Local 102 pay scale (PDF) — one-page printable rate sheet, effective February 18, 2026.
| Benefit & fringe contributions | $15.60/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 UA Local 102 scale used across the Knoxville, TN area. Members dispatched out of this hall work commercial mechanical and process piping, chiller and boiler work, HVAC piping and hydronics and service, retrofit and shutdown work for signatory contractors throughout the Knoxville metro, so a pipefitters wage quoted locally is normally this scale plus the fringe package shown in the table.
Gulfstream recruits pipefitters talent for commercial mechanical, plumbing, piping, sheet metal and building automation contractors in and around Knoxville. We are a private recruiting firm — we do not dispatch, set, or negotiate Local 102 rates. For current Knoxville scale, dispatch standing, or apprenticeship intake, contact the hall directly.
UA Local 102 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall — call 865-523-7413 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.
United Association Local 102 represents plumbers, pipefitters, and service technicians across the Knoxville, Tennessee metropolitan area and the surrounding East Tennessee region. As a primary labor source for the region's industrial and commercial infrastructure, this local provides the skilled workforce necessary for high-stakes environments ranging from university campus expansions to specialized industrial facilities. Since 2014, Gulfstream Strategic Placements has monitored the labor dynamics in this market, noting that Local 102 remains a critical hub for craftsmen seeking stable employment under a collective bargaining agreement that prioritizes safety and technical proficiency. The local's influence extends through a territory characterized by significant energy research, manufacturing, and healthcare development projects.
The Knoxville market is unique due to its proximity to major federal and research installations which demand stringent welding certifications and piping standards. Local 102 members are responsible for the installation and maintenance of complex mechanical systems that drive the local economy. By maintaining a robust apprenticeship program and a referral system for journeymen, the union ensures that signatory contractors have access to a verified pool of labor capable of meeting rigorous project timelines. For the tradesperson, membership in Local 102 offers a structured career path with defined wage increases and a comprehensive benefits package that is often unavailable in the non-union residential or light commercial sectors prevalent in the Southeast.
Based on the schedule effective February 18, 2026, the Journeyman hourly rate for UA Local 102 is set at $36.00, contributing to a total compensation package of $51.60 per hour when fringe benefits are included. Apprentices in the five-year program typically start at a percentage of the journeyman rate, often beginning around 50% and increasing annually as they complete required classroom hours and on-the-job training milestones. These scheduled increases provide a transparent trajectory for new entrants to the trade. The $15.60 difference between the check and the total package covers essential employer-paid contributions to retirement and healthcare funds. Mechanical contractors and piping professionals should verify the most recent wage circular with the Local 102 business office to account for any specific zone pay or shift differentials that may apply to their projects.
The chartered jurisdiction for UA Local 102 covers a multi-county area centered in Knoxville and extending across much of East Tennessee. This territory includes heavy industrial zones, suburban commercial corridors, and rural areas where utility infrastructure is expanding. Work performed under this agreement encompasses the installation, maintenance, and repair of all plumbing, heating, and piping systems. Members are dispatched from the Knoxville headquarters to various job sites, which may include hospitals, water treatment plants, and large-scale manufacturing hubs. Travel requirements vary based on the specific project location relative to the dispatch point, and the agreement governs how labor is utilized across these different geographic zones to ensure consistent standards and fair competition for signatory firms.
The contractor landscape for Local 102 is comprised of a mix of large-scale regional mechanical primes and specialized industrial piping firms. These signatory contractors often handle the most complex mechanical contracts in East Tennessee, including work at major educational institutions and research facilities. While the market features significant competition from non-union shops in the residential sector, the unionized sector remains dominant in heavy industrial and large commercial vertical construction. Hiring fluctuates based on major project cycles, with contractors utilizing the union hiring hall to scale their workforces rapidly for shutdowns, outages, or new construction phases. This allows for a flexible labor model while maintaining high standards for workmanship and site safety.
Due to the industrial nature of the East Tennessee market, UA Local 102 members frequently hold certifications for stick, TIG, and MIG welding on carbon and stainless steel. Many projects involve high-pressure steam and process piping, requiring welders to maintain UA-certified status, which is facilitated through the local's training center in Knoxville.
Yes, Local 102 includes provisions for mechanical service technicians who focus on the maintenance and repair of large-scale HVAC systems. The JATC provides specific coursework and hands-on training for refrigeration cycles, controls, and equipment diagnostics, ensuring technicians can service complex commercial and industrial environments throughout the jurisdiction.
Travelers from other UA locals must report to the Local 102 business office and provide a valid travel card. While local members are prioritized for dispatch, large-scale industrial outages or major construction projects frequently require supplemental manpower, at which point travelers are dispatched according to the terms of the national or local agreement.
The $36.00 hourly wage is the gross amount paid on the member's weekly paycheck before taxes. The $51.60 total package includes an additional $15.60 per hour in employer contributions toward healthcare, retirement funds, and training, which are not deducted from the hourly wage but are paid on top of it.
UA Local 102 is seated in Knoxville, Tennessee (TN). We hold published wage sheets for 15 locals across Tennessee — 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 102 pay scale for 2026 is $36.00 per hour for journeymen in Knoxville, TN, or about $72,000 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $51.60 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 2/18/26.
Journeyman pipefitters under the UA Local 102 agreement make $36.00 an hour in base wages, or $51.60 an hour counting the fringe package, per the wage sheet effective 2/18/26. Overtime, shift premiums, and travel or subsistence pay are added on top under the local's CBA.
$36.00 per hour base wage and $51.60 per hour total package for a journeyman in Knoxville, TN, effective 2/18/26. Annualized at 2,080 hours that is roughly $72,000 before overtime.
A Local 102 apprentice in Knoxville, TN starts at roughly $16.20 an hour — about 45% of the $36.00 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $27.00 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 102 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
About $16.20 an hour, or roughly $32,400 a year at 2,080 hours, based on the standard 45% first-period step of the $36.00 journeyman rate effective 2/18/26. Apprentices also earn benefit contributions and paid classroom progression; the JATC sets the exact percentage.
Around $23.40 an hour at the standard 65% third-period step, moving to about $27.00 an hour in the fourth period and $36.00 an hour at full journeyman scale. Confirm the published step schedule with the Local 102 training center.
Local 102 wages: $36.00 an hour on the journeyman scale, $51.60 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 2/18/26. That is the most recent Knoxville, TN sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
The current published UA Local 102 journeyman rate is $36.00 an hour ($51.60 total package), effective 2/18/26 — roughly $72,000 a year at 2,080 hours before overtime. Confirm the effective agreement with the local.
Yes — a one-page printable UA Local 102 rate sheet is available at /rate-sheets/ua-local-102-pay-scale.pdf, showing the $36.00 hourly scale, the $51.60 total package and the 2/18/26 effective date, with the source it was read from. It is a free download — no sign-up needed.
The current UA Local 102 journeyman rate is $36.00/hour, with a total package of $51.60/hour including fringe benefits, effective 2/18/26. At 2,080 hours that works out to roughly $72,000 per year in base wages before overtime. Rates change with each CBA cycle — confirm with the Local 102 business office before relying on the figure.
The $36.00/hour figure is the base journeyman wage that lands on the paycheck. The $51.60/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 plumbers & pipefitters labor costs across locals.
Apprentices under the UA Local 102 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 $36.00/hour journeyman rate, a first-period apprentice would be in the $16.20–$18.00/hour range. The exact percentage schedule is set by the local's JATC.
UA Local 102 is headquartered in Knoxville, TN and dispatches plumbers & pipefitters 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 plumbers & pipefitters work. Some Local 102 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 UA Local 102 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 102 training center directly.
Plumbers & Pipefitters 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 UA Local 102 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 plumbers & pipefitters 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 2/18/26 schedule; check with the Local 102 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 102 against neighboring jurisdictions and other plumbers & pipefitters markets.
The UA Local 102 hall is at 1216 Broadway N E Knoxville, TN 37917, serving Knoxville, TN and the surrounding jurisdiction. Hall phone: 865-523-7413.
UA Local 102 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall. Call the hall at 865-523-7413 to confirm dispatch hours, required documents (union card, certifications, ID) and current list standing before traveling in — Gulfstream does not control hall dispatch.
UA Local 102 can be reached at 865-523-7413. Contact details are imported from the union's public directory listing — confirm hours with the hall.
$36.00/hr in base wages for combo, or $51.60/hr counting employer-paid benefits and fringes, effective February 18, 2026 per the unionpayscales.com wage sheet.
February 18, 2026. 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 $36.00/hr base is wages only. Employers contribute roughly $15.60/hr more per hour worked to health and welfare, pension, annuity and training funds, which is the difference between the base and the $51.60/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.