Journeyman pipefitters under UA Local 33 in Des Moines, IA earn $45.20/hr in base wages, or $68.45/hr as a total package with fringe benefits, effective Jun 2025.
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The Local 33 pay scale for 2026 is $45.20 per hour for journeymen in Des Moines, IA, or about $90,400 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $68.45 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 2025-06-01.
| Local 33 journeyman hourly wage | $45.20 / hour |
|---|---|
| Total package (wage + fringe benefits) | $68.45 / hour |
| Annualized at 2,080 hours (base wage) | $90,400 / year |
| First-period apprentice (≈45–50% of scale) | $20.34–$22.60 / hour |
| Wage sheet effective | 2025-06-01 |
| Classification | PLUMBER |
Apply now — Gulfstream places plumbers & pipefitters candidates with mechanical contractors. These are direct-hire contractor roles, not union dispatch.
A Local 33 apprentice in Des Moines, IA starts at roughly $20.34 an hour — about 45% of the $45.20 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $33.90 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 33 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
| 1st period (year 1) | 45% of scale | $20.34 / hour | $40,680 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd period (year 2) | 55% of scale | $24.86 / hour | $49,720 |
| 3rd period (year 3) | 65% of scale | $29.38 / hour | $58,760 |
| 4th period (year 4) | 75% of scale | $33.90 / hour | $67,800 |
| 5th period (year 5) | 85% of scale | $38.42 / hour | $76,840 |
| Journeyman (turned out) | 100% of scale | $45.20 / hour | $90,400 |
Active Gulfstream trade listings in the local's state, with Des Moines 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 33 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 33 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 33 wages for 2025: $45.20 an hour on the journeyman scale, $68.45 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 2025-06-01. That is the most recent Des Moines, IA sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
Roughly 34% of the UA Local 33 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. DOL Davis-Bacon Wage Determination IA20260071
Download the UA Local 33 pay scale (PDF) — one-page printable rate sheet, effective June 1, 2025.
| Benefit & fringe contributions | $23.25/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 33 scale used across the Des Moines, IA 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines. We are a private recruiting firm — we do not dispatch, set, or negotiate Local 33 rates. For current Des Moines scale, dispatch standing, or apprenticeship intake, contact the hall directly.
UA Local 33 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall — call 515-243-3244 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 33 represents skilled plumbers, pipefitters, and HVACR service technicians throughout Central Iowa. Based in Des Moines, this labor organization serves as the primary labor source for the region's most complex mechanical infrastructure projects, ranging from high-rise commercial developments to industrial processing facilities. As a key stakeholder in the Iowa building trades, Local 33 ensures that its members receive specialized training in welding, brazing, and advanced piping systems. This commitment to technical proficiency allows signatory contractors to maintain high safety and productivity standards, which is essential for the rapid industrial growth currently seen across the Des Moines metropolitan area and its surrounding counties.
The jurisdiction is characterized by a diverse mix of work, including heavy industrial installations, municipal water treatment systems, and extensive healthcare facility maintenance. By centralizing the labor pool, Local 33 provides a scalable workforce that can adapt to the seasonal and project-based demands of the Iowa construction cycle. For the tradesperson, membership offers access to a structured career path backed by collective bargaining, ensuring that compensation remains competitive with regional cost-of-living adjustments. For the contractor, the local provides a mechanism for risk mitigation through a pre-vetted, drug-tested, and highly skilled workforce that is ready for immediate dispatch to job sites across the chartered territory.
As of the March 22, 2024 update, the Journeyman scale for UA Local 33 is established at $41.70 per hour. When accounting for the full fringe benefit contribution, the total taxable and non-taxable package reaches $62.85 per hour. Apprentices typically begin their career at a percentage of the journeyman rate, often starting around 45% to 50% and receiving incremental raises every six to twelve months as they complete their classroom hours and on-the-job training milestones. These scheduled increases are contingent upon the successful mastery of trade-specific competencies and consistent attendance at the JATC training center. This progression ensures that as an apprentice's value to the signatory contractor increases, their compensation reflects their growing technical expertise and autonomy on the job site.
The chartered jurisdiction for UA Local 33 covers a significant portion of Central Iowa, centered in Des Moines and extending into the neighboring agricultural and industrial corridors. The local manages dispatch for work occurring in large commercial zones, suburban developments, and rural industrial sites. Members are expected to travel within this multi-county footprint to service various job sites, ranging from new construction to emergency mechanical repairs. The jurisdiction includes oversight of all piping systems, including hydronic heating, chilled water, medical gas, and industrial process piping. Signatory contractors operating within these boundaries must adhere to the terms of the Local 33 collective bargaining agreement regarding travel pay and subsistence where applicable.
The contractor landscape for Local 33 in Des Moines is comprised of a robust mix of large-scale mechanical primes and specialized service-oriented firms. These signatory contractors manage the majority of the region's sophisticated mechanical contracts, particularly in the sectors of data center construction, food processing, and state government infrastructure. Hiring typically fluctuates based on major capital project starts and the seasonal needs of HVACR service departments. Because these firms rely on the union hall for manpower, they can scale their crews rapidly for shut-downs or accelerated builds. This relationship ensures that labor costs remain predictable for the contractor while providing stable employment opportunities for the membership.
The hourly wage of $41.70 is the gross amount paid directly to the member on their paycheck, subject to taxes. The total package of $62.85 includes an additional $21.15 in fringe benefits paid by the employer into funds for healthcare, retirement, and training. These benefits are not deducted from your check but are paid on top of your hourly rate.
Yes, UA members in good standing can typically request a travel card to work in Local 33's jurisdiction or apply for a permanent transfer. The process involves contacting your home local's business manager and the Local 33 business agent. Approval depends on local work volume and the specific needs of signatory contractors at the time of the request.
Local 33 provides extensive certification programs through their JATC, including ASME welding certifications, Med-Gas installation, and various HVACR technician licenses. These certifications are essential for working on high-spec projects like hospitals and industrial plants. Members are encouraged to pursue these advanced credentials to increase their value to signatory employers and ensure continuous employment.
Wages and benefit contributions are determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiated between the union and the contractors' association. These increases usually occur annually or bi-annually on specific dates outlined in the contract. The most recent adjustment was effective March 22, 2024, reflecting the ongoing demand for skilled labor in the Des Moines construction market.
UA Local 33 is seated in Des Moines, Iowa (IA). We hold published wage sheets for 11 locals across Iowa — 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: San Diego mechanical recruiter · Houston mechanical recruiter · Phoenix mechanical recruiter · Bay Area mechanical recruiter. Post a role.
We are a commercial mechanical construction recruiting firm serving Des Moines and the rest of Iowa, including contractors signatory to UA Local 33. Our office is in South Corona, California and we place union-scale tradespeople and field leadership nationwide.
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Journeyman scales as last published by each local. Rates change every contract cycle — confirm with the hall.
The Local 33 pay scale for 2026 is $45.20 per hour for journeymen in Des Moines, IA, or about $90,400 a year at 2,080 hours. The total package, including employer-paid fringe benefits, is $68.45 per hour. That is the rate in force for 2026, effective 2025-06-01.
UA Local 33 wages for 2026: journeyman Plumbers & Pipefitters rate of $45.20 per hour in Des Moines, IA, with a total package of $68.45 per hour including fringe benefits, effective 2025-06-01. Apprentices are paid a graduated percentage of that rate. Confirm any increase since 2025-06-01 with the UA Local 33 business office.
The UA Local 33 wage sheet on this page lists the journeyman scale of $45.20 per hour ($68.45 per hour total package), effective 2025-06-01, plus the apprentice percentage steps. The official sheet is published by the UA Local 33 business office; figures here come from that published schedule, so confirm any increase dated after 2025-06-01 with the hall.
Local 33 apprentices earn a graduated percentage of the $45.20 per hour journeyman rate — typically starting near 40–50% ($20.34–$22.60 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 33 JATC, so confirm the current apprentice sheet with the training center.
Journeyman pipefitters under the UA Local 33 agreement make $45.20 an hour in base wages, or $68.45 an hour counting the fringe package, per the wage sheet effective 2025-06-01. Overtime, shift premiums, and travel or subsistence pay are added on top under the local's CBA.
$45.20 per hour base wage and $68.45 per hour total package for a journeyman in Des Moines, IA, effective 2025-06-01. Annualized at 2,080 hours that is roughly $90,400 before overtime.
A Local 33 apprentice in Des Moines, IA starts at roughly $20.34 an hour — about 45% of the $45.20 journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching around $33.90 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 33 has published; confirm the exact schedule with the JATC.
About $20.34 an hour, or roughly $40,680 a year at 2,080 hours, based on the standard 45% first-period step of the $45.20 journeyman rate effective 2025-06-01. Apprentices also earn benefit contributions and paid classroom progression; the JATC sets the exact percentage.
Around $29.38 an hour at the standard 65% third-period step, moving to about $33.90 an hour in the fourth period and $45.20 an hour at full journeyman scale. Confirm the published step schedule with the Local 33 training center.
Local 33 wages for 2025: $45.20 an hour on the journeyman scale, $68.45 an hour with fringe benefits added, effective 2025-06-01. That is the most recent Des Moines, IA sheet we can source; rates move with each contract cycle, so confirm with the hall before quoting.
The current published UA Local 33 journeyman rate is $45.20 an hour ($68.45 total package), effective 2025-06-01 — roughly $90,400 a year at 2,080 hours before overtime. It is the rate in force for 2025 unless the local has since ratified a new agreement.
Yes — a one-page printable UA Local 33 rate sheet is available at /rate-sheets/ua-local-33-pay-scale.pdf, showing the $45.20 hourly scale, the $68.45 total package and the 2025-06-01 effective date, with the source it was read from. It is a free download — no sign-up needed.
The current UA Local 33 journeyman rate is $45.20/hour, with a total package of $68.45/hour including fringe benefits, effective 2025-06-01. At 2,080 hours that works out to roughly $90,400 per year in base wages before overtime. Rates change with each CBA cycle — confirm with the Local 33 business office before relying on the figure.
The $45.20/hour figure is the base journeyman wage that lands on the paycheck. The $68.45/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 plumbers & pipefitters labor costs across locals.
Apprentices under the UA Local 33 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 $45.20/hour journeyman rate, a first-period apprentice would be in the $20.34–$22.60/hour range. The exact percentage schedule is set by the local's JATC.
UA Local 33 is headquartered in Des Moines, IA 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 33 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 33 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 33 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 33 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 2025-06-01 schedule; check with the Local 33 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 33 against neighboring jurisdictions and other plumbers & pipefitters markets.
Yes — the openings section on this page lists current plumbers & pipefitters roles near Des Moines, IA, 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 33 business office.
The UA Local 33 hall is at 2501 Bell Ave Des Moines, IA 50321, serving Des Moines, IA and the surrounding jurisdiction. Hall phone: 515-243-3244.
UA Local 33 runs its own referral procedure and books are signed at the hall. Call the hall at 515-243-3244 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 33 can be reached at 515-243-3244. 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 33's current application window and requirements, contact the hall at 515-243-3244.
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 515-243-3244.
We haven't found an official source for UA Local 33's dues or membership rules. To confirm, contact the hall at 515-243-3244.
We haven't found an official source for UA Local 33's member benefits. To confirm, contact the hall at 515-243-3244.
UA Local 33's sourced plumber union rate is $45.20/hr in base wages and $68.45/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.
$45.20/hr in base wages for plumber, or $68.45/hr counting employer-paid benefits and fringes, effective June 1, 2025 per the U.S. DOL Davis-Bacon Wage Determination IA20260071 wage determination.
June 1, 2025. Read directly from the primary source (U.S. DOL Davis-Bacon Wage Determination IA20260071) and cross-checked at build time. Highest confidence for offer benchmarking.
No — the $45.20/hr base is wages only. Employers contribute roughly $23.25/hr more per hour worked to health and welfare, pension, annuity and training funds, which is the difference between the base and the $68.45/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 Oct 5, 2026 (14 days ago). Always confirm the current step with the hall before relying on it for an offer.