St. Louis Union Roofing Salary Information
Union Roofers and Waterproofers earn a roofing salary that is negotiated on their behalf using collection bargaining. Below you’ll find a list of Apprentice, Kettleman, Journeyman and Foreman pay rates effective March 1, 2016. You’ll notice that a union roofing salary is oftentimes higher than the salaries available in the non-union sector, which is yet another benefit to being a part of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local No. 2.
| Experience | Hourly Rate |
| 50% Apprentice 0-1000 Hours | $16.00 |
| 1st Year Apprentice | $19.20 |
| 2nd Year Apprentice | $22.40 |
| 3rd Year Apprentice | $25.60 |
| 4th Year Apprentice | $28.80 |
| Kettleman | $29.80 |
| Journeyman | $32.00 |
| Foreman | $34.00 |
Wages vary according to the geographic location of the local union. They can be as high as $30 per hour, down to a low of $10 per hour, but generally average around $18 per hour in most cities and states.
In addition to the various pay rates, the Contractor that you will work for pays up to $19.12 per hour in union-negotiated benefits including healthcare, welfare, pensions etc. Fringe benefits can include health and welfare contributions that protect the Union Roofer and his or her family with medical coverage, pensions to help the Union Roofer plan for retirement, vacation funds, annuities, and other benefits. Total fringes vary according to the worker’s classification. The fringe benefits are noted on the Wage Schedule.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Journeyman?
As reflected by the salary breakdown, it takes approximately three-and-a-half years of work as an Apprentice to become a Journeyman. Those three years of work consist of 5,000 on-the-job training hours, which are completed as a regular part of the work force, under the supervision of a Union Roofing Contractor. Upon completion of the program, an Apprentice becomes a Journeyman, fully qualified to perform the work of the roofing trade, and their pay is increased as a result.