Journeyman pipefitters under UA Local 166 in Fort Wayne, IN earn $45.06/hr in base wages, or $68.22/hr as a total package with fringe benefits, effective Jun 2025.
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The Local 166 pay scale for 2026 is $45.06 per hour for journeymen in Fort Wayne, IN, or about $90,120 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $68.22 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 6/1/25.
| Local 166 journeyman hourly wage | $45.06 / hour |
|---|---|
| Total package (wage + fringe benefits) | $68.22 / hour |
| Annualized at 2,080 hours (base wage) | $90,120 / year |
| First-period apprentice (≈45–50% of scale) | $20.28–$22.53 / hour |
| Wage sheet effective | 6/1/25 |
| Classification | PLUMBER AND STEAMFITTER (ADAMS, ALLEN, BLACKFORD, DE KALB, GRANT, HUNTINGTON, NOBLE,… |
Apply now — Gulfstream places plumbers & pipefitters candidates with mechanical contractors. These are direct-hire contractor roles, not union dispatch.
A Local 166 apprentice in Fort Wayne, IN starts at roughly $20.28 an hour — about 45% of the $45.06 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $33.80 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 166 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
| 1st period (year 1) | 45% of scale | $20.28 / hour | $40,554 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd period (year 2) | 55% of scale | $24.78 / hour | $49,566 |
| 3rd period (year 3) | 65% of scale | $29.29 / hour | $58,578 |
| 4th period (year 4) | 75% of scale | $33.80 / hour | $67,590 |
| 5th period (year 5) | 85% of scale | $38.30 / hour | $76,602 |
| Journeyman (turned out) | 100% of scale | $45.06 / hour | $90,120 |
Active Gulfstream trade listings in the local's state, with Fort Wayne listings first when available. Jobs elsewhere in the state are not necessarily near this hall. Union status is not verified for these jobs; confirm with your recruiter.
UA Local 166 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 166 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 166 wages: $45.06 an hour on the journeyman scale, $68.22 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 6/1/25. That is the most recent Fort Wayne, IN sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
Roughly 34% of the UA Local 166 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 IN20260002 (rev 2), building construction, PLUM0166-001 06/01/2025: base rate $45.06 plus printed fringes $23.16
Download the UA Local 166 pay scale (PDF) — one-page printable rate sheet, effective June 1, 2025.
| Benefit & fringe contributions | $23.16/hr | Printed as the fringe line on U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division determination IN20260002, schedule PLUM0166-001. |
|---|---|---|
| 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 166 scale used across the Fort Wayne, IN 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 Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne. We are a private recruiting firm — we do not dispatch, set, or negotiate Local 166 rates. For current Fort Wayne scale, dispatch standing, or apprenticeship intake, contact the hall directly.
Source document: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division Davis-Bacon Act determination IN20260002 (mod 2), published 2026-05-18.
Schedule line PLUM0166-001 — Building construction, scope: Counties listed on IN20260002.
Classification as printed: PLUMBER AND STEAMFITTER (ADAMS, ALLEN, BLACKFORD, DE KALB, GRANT, HUNTINGTON, NOBLE, STEUBEN, WABASH, WELLS, AND WHITLEY COUNTIES)
UA Local 166 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall — call 260-490-5696 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 166 represents the skilled plumbing and pipefitting workforce throughout Northeast Indiana, serving as the primary labor source for the Fort Wayne metropolitan area. This organization sets the benchmark for technical proficiency in mechanical systems, ranging from commercial building plumbing to complex industrial process piping. Since 2014, Gulfstream Strategic Placements has monitored this market as a hub for both traditional mechanical construction and specialized facility maintenance. The local serves as the backbone for regional infrastructure projects, ensuring that installations meet rigorous safety codes and technical specifications while providing contractors with a pre-vetted, highly trained labor pool that reduces onsite liability and rework costs.
The significance of Local 166 lies in its dual focus on workforce development and industrial stability within the Indiana trades. By maintaining a centralized dispatch and training system, the union supports large-scale developments in Allen County and the surrounding agricultural-industrial corridors. For the skilled tradesperson, membership offers a standardized career path backed by collective bargaining, while for the signatory contractor, it provides a scalable workforce capable of handling fluctuating project demands. This market is characterized by a mix of high-density urban development in Fort Wayne and expansive industrial footprints in the outlying counties, necessitating a versatile labor force proficient in everything from medical gas systems to heavy industrial steam applications.
Compensation within UA Local 166 is governed by a collective bargaining agreement that establishes a base hourly rate alongside a comprehensive fringe benefit package. While specific dollar figures are not publicly disclosed without direct inquiry to the business manager, the structure follows a traditional building trades model where the total package includes health insurance and retirement contributions. Apprentices begin at a set percentage of the journeyman rate, typically scaling upward in annual increments as they complete required classroom hours and OJT milestones. To obtain the current taxable wage scale or the most recent total package valuation, contractors and prospective members should contact the Local 166 business office directly to ensure data accuracy for bidding or employment purposes.
The chartered jurisdiction for UA Local 166 encompasses a multi-county region in Northeast Indiana centered around Fort Wayne. This territory includes a mix of urban commercial centers, university campuses, and manufacturing zones where union pipefitters and plumbers maintain primary work rights. The jurisdiction covers all phases of the piping industry, including HVAC refrigeration, high-pressure steam, hydronic heating, and sanitary plumbing systems. Members dispatched through the Fort Wayne hall are expected to travel within this designated footprint, adhering to the travel and subsistence rules outlined in the standing agreement. This geographic reach ensures that signatory contractors have a consistent labor supply for projects located throughout the northeastern quadrant of the state.
The signatory contractor landscape in Northeast Indiana is comprised of a diverse mix of mechanical firms ranging from locally-owned plumbing shops to national mechanical primes. These contractors rely on Local 166 for manpower on large-scale institutional builds, such as hospitals and schools, as well as complex industrial renovations. The market demand is currently driven by modernization efforts in the manufacturing sector and the continued expansion of healthcare facilities in the Fort Wayne area. Hiring activity typically flows through the union’s referral system, allowing contractors to scale their workforce based on specific project timelines while maintaining a high standard of craftsmanship and safety compliance across all job sites.
Local 166 represents a broad spectrum of piping professionals including plumbers, steamfitters, pipefitters, and HVACR service technicians. Their members are trained to handle everything from residential-scale plumbing to high-pressure a mechanical contractor systems found in manufacturing plants and power generation facilities across Northeast Indiana.
The apprenticeship program typically lasts five years and combines rigorous classroom instruction with thousands of hours of on-the-job training. This model allows apprentices to earn a living wage and benefits while mastering the technical skills required for journeyman status in the plumbing and pipefitting trades.
Yes, through their JATC training center, members can obtain certifications in advanced welding, medical gas installation, backflow prevention, and various green building technologies. These certifications ensure that the local workforce remains competitive and capable of meeting the evolving technical demands of the modern construction industry.
Transfers are generally handled according to the UA Constitution and are subject to the local's current work volume and traveler rules. Journeymen interested in working in the Fort Wayne jurisdiction should contact their home local's business agent to facilitate the proper travel credentials or transfer paperwork.
UA Local 166 is seated in Fort Wayne, Indiana (IN). We hold published wage sheets for 16 locals across Indiana — compare nearby scales before you take a call.
Gulfstream Strategic Placements recruits mechanical construction and service staff for contractors nationwide, union and open shop. These are markets where we run the most searches: Portland mechanical recruiter · Dallas–Fort Worth mechanical recruiter · Los Angeles mechanical recruiter · San Diego mechanical recruiter. Post a role.
We are a commercial mechanical construction recruiting firm serving Fort Wayne and the rest of Indiana, including contractors signatory to UA Local 166. Our office is in South Corona, California and we place union-scale tradespeople and field leadership nationwide.
Gulfstream Strategic Placements, 4160 Temescal Canyon Road, Suite 401, Corona, CA 92883. Phone (951) 208-7780. Email hello@gulfstreamsp.com. Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM Pacific.View our verified Google Business Profile
Journeyman scales as last published by each local. Rates change every contract cycle — confirm with the hall.
The Local 166 pay scale for 2026 is $45.06 per hour for journeymen in Fort Wayne, IN, or about $90,120 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $68.22 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 6/1/25.
UA Local 166 wages for 2026: journeyman Plumbers & Pipefitters rate of $45.06 per hour in Fort Wayne, IN, with a total package of $68.22 per hour including fringe benefits, effective 6/1/25. Apprentices are paid a graduated percentage of that rate. Confirm any increase since 6/1/25 with the UA Local 166 business office.
The UA Local 166 wage sheet on this page lists the journeyman scale of $45.06 per hour ($68.22 per hour total package), effective 6/1/25, plus the apprentice percentage steps. The official sheet is published by the UA Local 166 business office; figures here come from that published schedule, so confirm any increase dated after 6/1/25 with the hall.
Local 166 apprentices earn a graduated percentage of the $45.06 per hour journeyman rate — typically starting near 40–50% ($20.28–$22.53 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 166 JATC, so confirm the current apprentice sheet with the training center.
Journeyman pipefitters under the UA Local 166 agreement make $45.06 an hour in base wages, or $68.22 an hour counting the fringe package, per the wage sheet effective 6/1/25. Overtime, shift premiums, and travel or subsistence pay are added on top under the local's CBA.
$45.06 per hour base wage and $68.22 per hour total package for a journeyman in Fort Wayne, IN, effective 6/1/25. Annualized at 2,080 hours that is roughly $90,120 before overtime.
A Local 166 apprentice in Fort Wayne, IN starts at roughly $20.28 an hour — about 45% of the $45.06 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $33.80 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 166 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
About $20.28 an hour, or roughly $40,554 a year at 2,080 hours, based on the standard 45% first-period step of the $45.06 journeyman rate effective 6/1/25. Apprentices also earn benefit contributions and paid classroom progression; the JATC sets the exact percentage.
Around $29.29 an hour at the standard 65% third-period step, moving to about $33.80 an hour in the fourth period and $45.06 an hour at full journeyman scale. Confirm the published step schedule with the Local 166 training center.
Local 166 wages: $45.06 an hour on the journeyman scale, $68.22 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 6/1/25. That is the most recent Fort Wayne, IN sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
The current published UA Local 166 journeyman rate is $45.06 an hour ($68.22 total package), effective 6/1/25 — roughly $90,120 a year at 2,080 hours before overtime. Confirm the effective agreement with the local.
Yes — a one-page printable UA Local 166 rate sheet is available at /rate-sheets/ua-local-166-pay-scale.pdf, showing the $45.06 hourly scale, the $68.22 total package and the 6/1/25 effective date, with the source it was read from. It is a free download — no sign-up needed.
The current UA Local 166 journeyman rate is $45.06/hour, with a total package of $68.22/hour including fringe benefits, effective 6/1/25. At 2,080 hours that works out to roughly $90,120 per year in base wages before overtime. Rates change with each CBA cycle — confirm with the Local 166 business office before relying on the figure.
The $45.06/hour figure is the base journeyman wage that lands on the paycheck. The $68.22/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 166 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 $45.06/hour journeyman rate, a first-period apprentice would be in the $20.28–$22.53/hour range. The exact percentage schedule is set by the local's JATC.
UA Local 166 is headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN 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 166 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 166 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 166 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 166 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 6/1/25 schedule; check with the Local 166 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 166 against neighboring jurisdictions and other plumbers & pipefitters markets.
Yes — the openings section on this page lists current plumbers & pipefitters roles near Fort Wayne, IN, 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 166 business office.
The UA Local 166 hall is at 2930 W Ludwig Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46818, serving Fort Wayne, IN and the surrounding jurisdiction. Hall phone: 260-490-5696.
UA Local 166 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall. Call the hall at 260-490-5696 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 166 can be reached at 260-490-5696. 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 166's current application window and requirements, contact the hall at 260-490-5696.
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 260-490-5696.
We haven't found an official source for UA Local 166's dues or membership rules. To confirm, contact the hall at 260-490-5696.
We haven't found an official source for UA Local 166's member benefits. To confirm, contact the hall at 260-490-5696.
UA Local 166's sourced plumber and steamfitter (adams, allen, blackford, de kalb, grant, huntington, noble,… union rate is $45.06/hr in base wages and $68.22/hr for the total package, effective June 1, 2025. The rate applies to the listed classification and source area; apprentice, foreman and specialty classifications may differ.
$45.06/hr in base wages for plumber and steamfitter (adams, allen, blackford, de kalb, grant, huntington, noble,…, or $68.22/hr counting employer-paid benefits and fringes, effective June 1, 2025 per the U.S. Department of Labor Davis-Bacon general wage determination IN20260002 (rev 2), building construction, PLUM0166-001 06/01/2025: base rate $45.06 plus printed fringes $23.16 wage determination.
June 1, 2025. Read directly from the primary source (U.S. Department of Labor Davis-Bacon general wage determination IN20260002 (rev 2), building construction, PLUM0166-001 06/01/2025: base rate $45.06 plus printed fringes $23.16) and cross-checked at build time. Highest confidence for offer benchmarking.
No — the $45.06/hr base is wages only. Employers contribute roughly $23.16/hr more per hour worked to health and welfare, pension, annuity and training funds, which is the difference between the base and the $68.22/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 1, 2026 (18 days ago). Always confirm the current step with the hall before relying on it for an offer.