Journeyman pipefitters under UA Local 15 in Minneapolis, MN earn $51.02/hr in base wages, or $94.73/hr as a total package with fringe benefits, effective May 2026.
The Local 15 pay scale for 2026 is $51.02 per hour for journeymen in Minneapolis, MN, or about $102,040 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $94.73 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 05/01/2026.
| Local 15 journeyman hourly wage | $51.02 / hour |
|---|---|
| Total package (wage + fringe benefits) | $94.73 / hour |
| Annualized at 2,080 hours (base wage) | $102,040 / year |
| First-period apprentice (≈45–50% of scale) | $22.96–$25.51 / hour |
| Wage sheet effective | 05/01/2026 |
| Classification | Journeyman |
Apply now — Gulfstream places plumbers & pipefitters candidates with mechanical contractors. These are direct-hire contractor roles, not union dispatch.
A Local 15 apprentice in Minneapolis, MN starts at roughly $22.96 an hour — about 45% of the $51.02 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $38.27 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 15 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
| 1st period (year 1) | 45% of scale | $22.96 / hour | $45,918 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd period (year 2) | 55% of scale | $28.06 / hour | $56,122 |
| 3rd period (year 3) | 65% of scale | $33.16 / hour | $66,326 |
| 4th period (year 4) | 75% of scale | $38.27 / hour | $76,530 |
| 5th period (year 5) | 85% of scale | $43.37 / hour | $86,734 |
| Journeyman (turned out) | 100% of scale | $51.02 / hour | $102,040 |
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UA Local 15 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.
UA Local 15 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 15 wages for 2026: $51.02 an hour on the journeyman scale, $94.73 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 05/01/2026. That is the most recent Minneapolis, MN sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
Roughly 46% of the UA Local 15 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: Pipe Trades Services MN - Plumbers Local 15 Wage Sheet
Download the UA Local 15 pay scale (PDF) — one-page printable rate sheet, effective May 1, 2026.
| Benefit & fringe contributions | $43.71/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 15 scale used across the Minneapolis, MN 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis. We are a private recruiting firm — we do not dispatch, set, or negotiate Local 15 rates. For current Minneapolis scale, dispatch standing, or apprenticeship intake, contact the hall directly.
UA Local 15 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall — call 612-333-8601 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 15 represents skilled plumbers and pipefitters across the Minneapolis metropolitan area and surrounding Minnesota counties. As a cornerstone of the Twin Cities building trades, this local ensures that commercial, industrial, and residential piping systems meet rigorous safety and efficiency standards. The organization functions as a primary labor source for signatory contractors, providing a centralized pool of licensed professionals who have undergone standardized training. By maintaining a high bar for craft excellence, Local 15 stabilizes the regional labor market, allowing large-scale developments and essential infrastructure projects to proceed with a predictable supply of qualified manpower.
The Minneapolis market is characterized by a diverse mix of healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and corporate headquarters that require sophisticated mechanical systems. Local 15 members are responsible for the installation and maintenance of domestic water, sanitary waste, and specialized process piping that supports these sectors. For the individual tradesperson, membership offers a clear pathway to middle-class earnings and comprehensive benefits that are often unavailable in the non-union sector. For the contractor, the union serves as a strategic partner, mitigating the risks associated with labor shortages and ensuring that every worker on a job site possesses the necessary state licenses and safety certifications.
Effective June 14, 2024, the journeyman hourly rate for UA Local 15 is set at $46.44, contributing to a total package of $80.40 when including fringe benefits. This package represents a substantial investment in the workforce, with nearly 42% of the total compensation directed toward healthcare, retirement, and training funds. Apprentices enter the program at a percentage of the journeyman rate, typically starting around 45-50% and receiving incremental raises every six to twelve months as they complete required classroom hours and on-the-job training milestones. By the fifth year, senior apprentices earn near-journeyman wages, reflecting their increased autonomy and technical proficiency. This tiered structure allows signatory contractors to maintain competitive composite crew rates while ensuring apprentices receive a living wage that scales with their growing skillset.
The chartered jurisdiction of UA Local 15 centers on Minneapolis and extends throughout Hennepin County and several adjacent counties in central Minnesota. This territory covers a high-density urban core and rapidly expanding suburban corridors where commercial construction remains a primary driver of work hours. The local's dispatch office manages the referral process, ensuring that members are placed on projects ranging from high-rise residential towers to complex industrial renovations. Jurisdiction includes all plumbing, gas fitting, and related piping work defined under the United Association's national charter, covering everything from initial underground installation to final fixture trim-out and ongoing system service for commercial properties within the specified geographic boundaries.
The signatory contractor landscape for Local 15 is comprised of diverse mechanical firms, ranging from multi-state mechanical primes to specialized local plumbing shops. These employers depend on the union's referral hall to scale their workforces according to project demands, which is particularly vital for large-scale institutional projects like hospitals or university expansions. The relationship between the union and the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) of North Central States fosters a stable environment for collective bargaining and safety training. Recruitment for these firms is largely handled through the apprenticeship pipeline, ensuring that the next generation of foremen and superintendents is steeped in the specific codes and standards governing the Twin Cities market.
The hourly wage of $46.44 is the gross amount paid directly to the worker on their paycheck. The total package of $80.40 includes that wage plus $33.96 in employer-paid benefits like health insurance and retirement. These benefits are not deducted from your check; they are paid by the contractor on top of your hourly pay.
Yes, through the JATC, members can obtain certifications in medical gas installation, backflow prevention, and advanced welding. These certifications are essential for working on specialized projects like hospitals or laboratories and are provided as part of the union's commitment to maintaining a highly skilled workforce for signatory contractors in the Minneapolis area.
Travelers and transferees are managed through the United Association's reciprocal agreements. A member in good standing from another UA local must generally contact the Local 15 business manager or dispatcher to inquire about work availability and specific requirements for depositing a travel card or transferring membership into the Minneapolis jurisdiction.
Standard shifts are typically eight hours, with overtime rates applying to hours worked beyond the scheduled shift or on weekends and holidays as defined by the Master Labor Agreement. The specific start times and shift differentials are negotiated to ensure fair compensation for night work or emergency service calls common in the plumbing trade.
UA Local 15 is seated in Minneapolis, Minnesota (MN). We hold published wage sheets for 15 locals across Minnesota — 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 15 pay scale for 2026 is $51.02 per hour for journeymen in Minneapolis, MN, or about $102,040 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $94.73 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 05/01/2026.
UA Local 15 wages for 2026: journeyman Plumbers & Pipefitters rate of $51.02 per hour in Minneapolis, MN, with a total package of $94.73 per hour including fringe benefits, effective 05/01/2026. Apprentices are paid a graduated percentage of that rate. Confirm any increase since 05/01/2026 with the UA Local 15 business office.
The UA Local 15 wage sheet on this page lists the journeyman scale of $51.02 per hour ($94.73 per hour total package), effective 05/01/2026, plus the apprentice percentage steps. The official sheet is published by the UA Local 15 business office; figures here come from that published schedule, so confirm any increase dated after 05/01/2026 with the hall.
Local 15 apprentices earn a graduated percentage of the $51.02 per hour journeyman rate — typically starting near 40–50% ($22.96–$25.51 per hour) in the first period and stepping up each period to 100% at turnout. The exact percentage schedule is set by the UA Local 15 JATC, so confirm the current apprentice sheet with the training center.
Journeyman pipefitters under the UA Local 15 agreement make $51.02 an hour in base wages, or $94.73 an hour counting the fringe package, per the wage sheet effective 05/01/2026. Overtime, shift premiums, and travel or subsistence pay are added on top under the local's CBA.
$51.02 per hour base wage and $94.73 per hour total package for a journeyman in Minneapolis, MN, effective 05/01/2026. Annualized at 2,080 hours that is roughly $102,040 before overtime.
A Local 15 apprentice in Minneapolis, MN starts at roughly $22.96 an hour — about 45% of the $51.02 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $38.27 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 15 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
About $22.96 an hour, or roughly $45,918 a year at 2,080 hours, based on the standard 45% first-period step of the $51.02 journeyman rate effective 05/01/2026. Apprentices also earn benefit contributions and paid classroom progression; the JATC sets the exact percentage.
Around $33.16 an hour at the standard 65% third-period step, moving to about $38.27 an hour in the fourth period and $51.02 an hour at full journeyman scale. Confirm the published step schedule with the Local 15 training center.
Local 15 wages for 2026: $51.02 an hour on the journeyman scale, $94.73 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 05/01/2026. That is the most recent Minneapolis, MN sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
Yes — a one-page printable UA Local 15 rate sheet is available at /rate-sheets/ua-local-15-pay-scale.pdf, showing the $51.02 hourly scale, the $94.73 total package and the 05/01/2026 effective date, with the source it was read from. It is a free download — no sign-up needed.
The current UA Local 15 journeyman rate is $51.02/hour, with a total package of $94.73/hour including fringe benefits, effective 05/01/2026. At 2,080 hours that works out to roughly $102,040 per year in base wages before overtime. Rates change with each CBA cycle — confirm with the Local 15 business office before relying on the figure.
The $51.02/hour figure is the base journeyman wage that lands on the paycheck. The $94.73/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 15 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 $51.02/hour journeyman rate, a first-period apprentice would be in the $22.96–$25.51/hour range. The exact percentage schedule is set by the local's JATC.
UA Local 15 is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN 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 15 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 15 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 15 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 15 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 05/01/2026 schedule; check with the Local 15 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 15 against neighboring jurisdictions and other plumbers & pipefitters markets.
Yes — the openings section on this page lists current plumbers & pipefitters roles near Minneapolis, MN, 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 15 business office.
The UA Local 15 hall is at 708 S 10th St Minneapolis, MN 55404, serving Minneapolis, MN and the surrounding jurisdiction. Hall phone: 612-333-8601.
UA Local 15 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall. Call the hall at 612-333-8601 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 15 can be reached at 612-333-8601. 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 UA Local 15's current application window and requirements, contact the hall at 612-333-8601.
Each Plumbers & Pipefitters 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 612-333-8601.
We haven't found an official source for UA Local 15's dues or membership rules. To confirm, contact the hall at 612-333-8601.
We haven't found an official source for UA Local 15's member benefits. To confirm, contact the hall at 612-333-8601.
UA Local 15's sourced journeyman union rate is $51.02/hr in base wages and $94.73/hr for the total package, effective May 1, 2026. The rate applies to the listed classification and source area; apprentice, foreman and specialty classifications may differ.
$51.02/hr in base wages for journeyman, or $94.73/hr counting employer-paid benefits and fringes, effective May 1, 2026 per the Pipe Trades Services MN - Plumbers Local 15 Wage Sheet wage determination.
May 1, 2026. Read directly from the primary source (Pipe Trades Services MN - Plumbers Local 15 Wage Sheet) and cross-checked at build time. Highest confidence for offer benchmarking.
No — the $51.02/hr base is wages only. Employers contribute roughly $43.71/hr more per hour worked to health and welfare, pension, annuity and training funds, which is the difference between the base and the $94.73/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 Oct 5, 2026 (14 days ago). Always confirm the current step with the hall before relying on it for an offer.