Local 3 journeyman scale is $46.11 an hour — roughly $92,220 a year at 2,000 hours, with a total package of $67.72 an hour once health, pension and annuity contributions are counted. That rate took effect 7/3/26. Apprentices step up as a percentage of that scale, and foremen typically earn a premium above it.
| Band | Share of scale | Hourly | Annual (2,000 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice — 1st period (year 1) | 45% of scale | $20.75 / hr | $41,499 |
| Apprentice — 2nd period (year 2) | 55% of scale | $25.36 / hr | $50,721 |
| Apprentice — 3rd period (year 3) | 65% of scale | $29.97 / hr | $59,943 |
| Apprentice — 4th period (year 4) | 75% of scale | $34.58 / hr | $69,165 |
| Apprentice — 5th period (year 5) | 85% of scale | $39.19 / hr | $78,387 |
| Journeyman (full scale) | 100% of scale | $46.11 / hr | $92,220 |
| Foreman | Typical 10% premium over scale | $50.72 / hr | $101,442 |
| General foreman | Typical 20% premium over scale | $55.33 / hr | $110,664 |
Journeyman scale is read off the published sheet (unionpayscales.com, effective 7/3/26). Apprentice, foreman and general-foreman rows apply the standard percentage steps used across the trade — confirm the exact steps with the hall.
The Local 3 journeyman pay scale is $46.11 an hour on the wage sheet effective 7/3/26 — about $92,220 a year at 2,000 hours, or $67.72 an hour counting the fringe package. Apprentices are paid a percentage of that scale and foremen a premium above it.
Union local pay in Omaha, NE follows the SMART Local 3 collective bargaining agreement rather than a company pay range: $46.11 an hour at journeyman scale, roughly $20.75–$34.58 through the apprentice periods, and about $50.72 for a foreman. Overtime, shift premiums and travel pay are added on top.
$46.11 an hour on the scale effective 7/3/26, which annualizes to about $92,220 at 2,000 hours. With benefit contributions the total package is $67.72 an hour. Overtime, shift differential and travel pay sit on top of that figure.
A first-period apprentice starts near $20.75 an hour — about 45% of journeyman scale — and steps up each period, reaching roughly $34.58 by the fourth year before turning out at full scale. These are the standard percentage steps used across the trade, not a schedule Local 3 has published; the JATC sets the exact percentages.
Foreman pay is normally a premium over journeyman scale — commonly around 10%, or roughly $50.72 an hour here, with general foremen near $55.33. The exact premium is written into the local agreement, so confirm it with the hall or the contractor.
One negotiated scale covers every sheet metal workers classification in the local's jurisdiction: apprentices are paid a set share of the journeyman rate, journeymen are paid full scale, and foremen and general foremen are paid a premium over it. The scale is set by the collective bargaining agreement between the local and its signatory contractors and moves on the contract's anniversary date, usually with the increase split between the base wage and the benefit package.
Apprentice periods typically run 1st period at 45% of scale (about $20.75 an hour), 2nd period at 55% of scale (about $25.36 an hour), 3rd period at 65% of scale (about $29.97 an hour), 4th period at 75% of scale (about $34.58 an hour), 5th period at 85% of scale (about $39.19 an hour), then full scale at $46.11 an hour on turning out. Those are the standard percentage steps used across the trade applied to this local's published journeyman rate — not a step schedule Local 3 has published. The JATC sets the exact percentages and the hours needed to advance.
Sheet Metal Workers apprenticeships generally run four to five years, combining roughly 8,000–10,000 hours of paid on-the-job training with several hundred classroom hours a year. Apprentices earn a wage the whole time and turn out at full journeyman scale once the hour and classroom requirements are met. Confirm the program length with the local's JATC.
Most people join one of two ways: apply to the apprenticeship through the local's Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee during an open intake window, or, if you already hold sheet metal workers experience, ask the hall about organizing in or testing for journeyman status. Applications usually need proof of age (18+), the legal right to work in the U.S., a high school diploma or GED, an aptitude test, an interview and a drug screen. Contact the Omaha, NE hall at (402) 330-3383 for the current intake dates — Gulfstream does not process apprenticeship or membership applications.
Yes, in most cases. Travelers sign the local's out-of-work book and are dispatched under its referral rules and manpower needs, working at the Omaha, NE scale while they are in that jurisdiction. Call the hall before you travel in to check the book count and any certification the market requires.
The hourly scale is the taxable base wage. Health, pension and annuity contributions are paid on top by the contractor and show up as the total package where the sheet lists one. Annual figures on this page assume 2,000 hours worked and no overtime.
From the published wage sheet we hold for this local, republished with its source and effective date. Rates change every collective bargaining cycle, so verify with the business office before relying on a number in an offer.
Gulfstream Strategic Placements recruits for mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, sheet metal and electrical contractors nationally, including in and around Omaha, NE. Open roles a member can work are listed on this page, and job alerts email new ones as they post.
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