Journeyman pipefitters under UA Local 137 in Springfield, IL earn $43.89/hr in base wages, or $69.60/hr as a total package with fringe benefits, effective Apr 2025.
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UA Local 137 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 137 pay scale for 2026 is $43.89 per hour for journeymen in Springfield, IL, or about $87,780 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $69.60 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 4/1/25.
| Local 137 journeyman hourly wage | $43.89 / hour |
|---|---|
| Total package (wage + fringe benefits) | $69.60 / hour |
| Annualized at 2,080 hours (base wage) | $87,780 / year |
| First-period apprentice (≈45–50% of scale) | $19.75–$21.95 / hour |
| Wage sheet effective | 4/1/25 |
| Classification | Journeyman Plumber/Pipefitter |
A Local 137 apprentice in Springfield, IL starts at roughly $19.75 an hour — about 45% of the $43.89 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $32.92 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 137 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
| 1st period (year 1) | 45% of scale | $19.75 / hour | $39,501 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd period (year 2) | 55% of scale | $24.14 / hour | $48,279 |
| 3rd period (year 3) | 65% of scale | $28.53 / hour | $57,057 |
| 4th period (year 4) | 75% of scale | $32.92 / hour | $65,835 |
| 5th period (year 5) | 85% of scale | $37.31 / hour | $74,613 |
| Journeyman (turned out) | 100% of scale | $43.89 / hour | $87,780 |
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Local 137 wages: $43.89 an hour on the journeyman scale, $69.60 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 4/1/25. That is the most recent Springfield, IL sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
Roughly 37% of the UA Local 137 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.
Verified from official source: U.S. Department of Labor Davis-Bacon general wage determination IL20260001 (rev 5), building construction, PLUM0137-003 04/01/2025: base rate $43.89 plus printed fringes $25.71
Download the UA Local 137 pay scale (PDF) — one-page printable rate sheet, effective April 1, 2025.
| Benefit & fringe contributions | $25.71/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 137 scale used across the Springfield, IL 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 Springfield 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 Springfield. We are a private recruiting firm — we do not dispatch, set, or negotiate Local 137 rates. For current Springfield scale, dispatch standing, or apprenticeship intake, contact the hall directly.
UA Local 137 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall — call 217-544-2724 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 137 represents skilled plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters across Springfield and the surrounding Central Illinois region. Based in the state capital, this local provides the specialized workforce necessary for critical infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and government institutions. Members are trained to handle complex piping systems, ranging from high-pressure steam lines in industrial settings to medical gas systems in regional hospitals. The local maintains a strong presence in the market by ensuring that its craftsmen meet rigorous safety and certification standards, which helps signatory contractors maintain high productivity and quality on diverse job sites.
The Springfield market is a hub for institutional construction and commercial maintenance, making Local 137 a vital component of the regional economy. Its jurisdiction covers several counties where agricultural processing, power generation, and public works projects drive demand for skilled mechanical labor. Because the local serves a mix of urban Springfield and more rural industrial zones, the membership is proficient in both large-scale new construction and specialized service work. Since 2014, Gulfstream Strategic Placements has monitored these labor trends to help contractors and tradespeople navigate the shifting demands of the Central Illinois piping and mechanical industries.
As of October 21, 2022, the journeyman hourly rate for UA Local 137 is established at $43.29, contributing to a total package of $61.04 when including fringe benefits. This package reflects the high standard of living and technical expertise required in the Springfield market. Apprentices enter the program at a percentage of the journeyman rate, typically starting around 45% to 50% and receiving incremental raises every six to twelve months as they complete required classroom hours and on-the-job training milestones. These step-ups ensure that as a trainee's skill set expands, their compensation reflects their increasing value to the signatory contractor. The gap between the hourly check and the total package covers essential protections such as pension contributions and comprehensive health coverage, providing a stable middle-class career path for those in the piping trades.
UA Local 137 holds jurisdiction over a significant portion of Central Illinois, centered around the Springfield metropolitan area. The territory includes several surrounding counties where members are dispatched to various commercial, industrial, and residential projects. Work under this agreement typically encompasses the installation, maintenance, and repair of all piping systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and process piping. Members must be prepared for travel throughout the chartered territory to reach job sites, which may range from downtown government renovations to industrial facilities on the outskirts of the district. The local business office manages the dispatch of labor to ensure that signatory contractors have the necessary manpower to meet project deadlines across the entire jurisdictional footprint.
The contractor landscape for Local 137 is characterized by a mix of regional mechanical primes and specialized service firms. Signatory contractors in this market often focus on large-scale institutional projects, such as those for the State of Illinois or regional healthcare networks, requiring a high volume of certified welders and licensed plumbers. There is also a robust group of smaller shops that specialize in commercial service, refrigeration, and residential plumbing systems. These contractors rely on the union’s hiring hall to scale their workforces quickly in response to project awards. The relationship between the local and its signatory partners is built on providing a reliable, drug-free, and highly trained workforce that can execute complex mechanical specifications.
Members of Local 137 focus heavily on Illinois State Plumbing Licenses, medical gas certifications, and various UA welding certifications. Because of the presence of state government and healthcare facilities in Springfield, high-pressure steam and backflow prevention certifications are also highly valued by signatory contractors in this jurisdiction.
The local utilizes a standard referral list or 'out-of-work book.' When signatory contractors need additional manpower, the business manager dispatches members based on their position on the list and their specific qualifications. This ensures fair distribution of work and helps contractors get the right specialists for their specific project needs.
Transfers are generally handled through the travel card system. A member in good standing from another local may work in Local 137's jurisdiction if there is a shortage of local manpower. Permanent transfers, or 'depositing a card,' usually require approval from the Local 137 Business Manager and Executive Board.
The environment varies from indoor mechanical rooms in state office buildings to outdoor industrial sites. Pipefitters often work at heights or in confined spaces, requiring strict adherence to OSHA standards. The work involves reading blueprints, cutting and threading pipe, and performing high-quality welds to ensure system integrity.
UA Local 137 is seated in Springfield, 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 137 pay scale for 2026 is $43.89 per hour for journeymen in Springfield, IL, or about $87,780 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $69.60 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 4/1/25.
Journeyman pipefitters under the UA Local 137 agreement make $43.89 an hour in base wages, or $69.60 an hour counting the fringe package, per the wage sheet effective 4/1/25. Overtime, shift premiums, and travel or subsistence pay are added on top under the local's CBA.
$43.89 per hour base wage and $69.60 per hour total package for a journeyman in Springfield, IL, effective 4/1/25. Annualized at 2,080 hours that is roughly $87,780 before overtime.
A Local 137 apprentice in Springfield, IL starts at roughly $19.75 an hour — about 45% of the $43.89 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $32.92 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 137 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
About $19.75 an hour, or roughly $39,501 a year at 2,080 hours, based on the standard 45% first-period step of the $43.89 journeyman rate effective 4/1/25. Apprentices also earn benefit contributions and paid classroom progression; the JATC sets the exact percentage.
Around $28.53 an hour at the standard 65% third-period step, moving to about $32.92 an hour in the fourth period and $43.89 an hour at full journeyman scale. Confirm the published step schedule with the Local 137 training center.
Local 137 wages: $43.89 an hour on the journeyman scale, $69.60 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 4/1/25. That is the most recent Springfield, IL sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
The current published UA Local 137 journeyman rate is $43.89 an hour ($69.60 total package), effective 4/1/25 — roughly $87,780 a year at 2,080 hours before overtime. Confirm the effective agreement with the local.
Yes — a one-page printable UA Local 137 rate sheet is available at /rate-sheets/ua-local-137-pay-scale.pdf, showing the $43.89 hourly scale, the $69.60 total package and the 4/1/25 effective date, with the source it was read from. It is a free download — no sign-up needed.
The current UA Local 137 journeyman rate is $43.89/hour, with a total package of $69.60/hour including fringe benefits, effective 4/1/25. At 2,080 hours that works out to roughly $87,780 per year in base wages before overtime. Rates change with each CBA cycle — confirm with the Local 137 business office before relying on the figure.
The $43.89/hour figure is the base journeyman wage that lands on the paycheck. The $69.60/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 137 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 $43.89/hour journeyman rate, a first-period apprentice would be in the $19.75–$21.95/hour range. The exact percentage schedule is set by the local's JATC.
UA Local 137 is headquartered in Springfield, IL 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 137 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 137 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 137 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 137 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 4/1/25 schedule; check with the Local 137 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 137 against neighboring jurisdictions and other plumbers & pipefitters markets.
The UA Local 137 hall is at 2880 E Cook St Springfield, IL 62703, serving Springfield, IL and the surrounding jurisdiction. Hall phone: 217-544-2724.
UA Local 137 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall. Call the hall at 217-544-2724 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 137 can be reached at 217-544-2724. Contact details are imported from the union's public directory listing — confirm hours with the hall.
$43.89/hr in base wages for journeyman plumber/pipefitter, or $69.60/hr counting employer-paid benefits and fringes, effective April 1, 2025 per the U.S. Department of Labor Davis-Bacon general wage determination IL20260001 (rev 5), building construction, PLUM0137-003 04/01/2025: base rate $43.89 plus printed fringes $25.71 wage determination.
April 1, 2025. Read directly from the primary source (U.S. Department of Labor Davis-Bacon general wage determination IL20260001 (rev 5), building construction, PLUM0137-003 04/01/2025: base rate $43.89 plus printed fringes $25.71) and cross-checked at build time. Highest confidence for offer benchmarking.
No — the $43.89/hr base is wages only. Employers contribute roughly $25.71/hr more per hour worked to health and welfare, pension, annuity and training funds, which is the difference between the base and the $69.60/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 22, 2026 (8 days ago). Always confirm the current step with the hall before relying on it for an offer.