Construction Union Jobs

by Claudia Stanic

Many of the nation's most prominent buildings and landmarks have been constructed by members of construction trade unions. From San Francisco's new Bay Bridge to New York City's World Trade Center complex, union members proudly build structures where Americans live, work and play. Becoming a construction union tradesperson usually begins with a comprehensive apprenticeship program. After successfully completing the program, members advance to become a journeyman and have the chance to earn good wages, excellent benefits.

Types of Construction Unions

Each construction trade has a corresponding union that represents workers solely for that trade. These include the ironworkers' union, plumbers and pipefitters' union, bricklayers' union and sheet metal workers' union. Most trades are highly specialized and workers typically represented by just one union. Some trades, however, are less specialized, such as the carpenters' union, which can include workers from cabinet makers to scaffold erectors. When selecting a trade, consider what type of work you enjoy. Ironworkers, for example, are typically daring individuals who don't mind heights or the job's extreme challenges. Plumbers and pipefitters, on the other hand, usually work on the ground or inside buildings. Work for pipefitters may include installing medical gas piping inside hospitals.

How It Works

The path to becoming a journeyman, who is an experienced union tradesperson, starts with applying to become an apprentice. Trades offer four- or five-year training programs during which you study in classrooms and on the job alongside journeymen. Some apprenticeship programs charge tuition, however apprentices typically earn money during training. After passing all your courses, you "turn out," which is the union term for graduating from the apprenticeship. Once turned out, you can earn more money and are expected to work at a higher skill level.

Wages and Benefits

Unionized construction workers can expect to earn several hundred dollars more per week than non-unionized workers, according to data from the AFL-CIO, the umbrella organization representing most unions. Unionized construction workers receive benefits such as health care, disability insurance, pensions and vacation pay. Non-union construction workers often don't receive these benefits. Union construction workers also receive the non-monetary benefit of having representatives to advocate for safe working conditions.

Room to Grow

For a hard-working construction union tradesperson, there are many opportunities to advance. As your skills develop and you build a reputation for reliability, you can often move into project management. Some union construction workers run for office in their local union, which is often a full-time, well-paying job. Alternatively, once you have learned skills and gained experience, you may decide to open your own construction contracting company.

Photo Credits

  • Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
Suggest an Article Correction