Union jobs tend to pay higher wages than non-union jobs. This is because unions collectively bargain with employers for better pay, benefits, and working conditions. Some of the highest paying careers are in fields that have strong union representation like construction, utilities, transportation, protective services, and skilled trades.
In general, union workers make an average of 12.9% more than non-union workers in wages. But pay can vary greatly depending on the specific union job. Careers like elevator installers, air traffic controllers, and utility power plant operators have average salaries above $80,000 per year.
What are unions?
Labor unions are organized groups of workers that advocate on behalf of employees. Some key facts about unions in the United States:
– About 10.3% of U.S. workers belong to a union. The union membership rate is much higher in certain occupations.
– There are over 13 million union workers across the country.
– The largest unions are the National Education Association (NEA), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).
– Typical reasons workers join a union are higher wages, better benefits, improved working conditions and job security.
– Unions collectively bargain with employers on behalf of unionized workers. This gives employees more leverage and negotiating power.
– Industries with high unionization rates include utilities, transportation and warehousing, telecommunications, construction, public administration and education.
How do unions increase pay?
Unions are able to secure higher compensation for workers in several key ways:
– Collective bargaining agreements – The contract negotiations between unions and employers result in higher pay scales, regular raises through seniority, better health and retirement benefits.
– Standardizing wages within industries – Union scale setting reduces wage inequality among similar roles. This raises averages.
– Lobbying for worker protections – Unions advocate for minimum wage increases, overtime pay, family leave and other labor laws.
– Job training programs – Unions coordinate training and apprenticeships specific to trades. This increases workers’ skills and earning power.
– Grievance processes – Unions provide workers with channels like arbitration to resolve disputes over pay, benefits and fair treatment.
– Reducing employee turnover – The higher job satisfaction in union workplaces improves retention rates. Longer tenures result in higher earnings over time.
Top 10 highest paid union jobs
Here are 10 of the highest paying careers which have high union membership and representation in the United States:
| Job | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Elevator Installers and Repairers | $89,300 |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $87,400 |
| Nuclear Power Reactor Operators | $85,200 |
| Power Plant Operators | $84,300 |
| Radiation Therapists | $83,200 |
| Transportation Inspectors | $79,200 |
| Subway and Streetcar Operators | $74,500 |
| Petroleum Pump System Operators | $74,100 |
| Nuclear Technicians | $73,900 |
| Locomotive Engineers | $71,600 |
These salaries represent the average total compensation package for workers in these union-heavy roles. Compensation includes things like wages, health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave and bonuses.
Many of these fields require specialized skills, training and certification which boosts salaries. But being a part of a labor union helps workers earn significantly more compared to their non-union counterparts.
Elevator Installers and Repairers
Elevator installers assemble, install and fix elevators, escalators, chairlifts and other moving platforms. This hands-on career has a median salary of $89,300 per year. About 80% of elevator installers belong to the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC). The union negotiates higher hourly wages and robust benefits like pensions through collective bargaining. In addition, apprentices go through a formal 4-year training program combining classroom and on-the-job learning. Becoming a certified elevator mechanic requires skills like troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems, following safety codes and having physical strength to lift heavy equipment.
Air Traffic Controllers
Air traffic controllers coordinate the safe movement of aircraft into and out of airports. This is a high stress career with median earnings of $87,400 annually. Around 80% of air traffic controllers are members of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA). This union lobbies extensively in Washington D.C. on issues like modernizing air traffic control technology, keeping operations running during government shutdowns, and reforming hiring processes. Controllers must complete extensive training by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and pass background checks. The role requires quick decision-making to keep correct spacing between planes and a sharp eye for scanning radar systems.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
These workers control nuclear reactors in power plants. They have an average salary of $85,200 per year. About 65% of nuclear operators belong to unions like the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) that represent energy industry employees. Reactor operators undergo months of specialized training in physics, chemistry and engineering to become certified. They work in control rooms monitoring indicators to detect issues and make adjustments to keep reactors safe and productive. With increasing emphasis on clean energy, the number of operators is projected to grow.
Power Plant Operators
Power plant operators run the equipment that generates electricity from various sources like coal, natural gas or nuclear power. On average, they earn around $84,300 annually. Many plant operators are part of unions like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) which increase wages through collective bargaining. Operators need at least a high school diploma plus technical training to master complex control systems. The job involves using diagnostic software, running tests and recording data to optimize performance. Employment is projected to decline with fossil fuel plants being retired.
Radiation Therapists
These healthcare professionals administer radiation treatments to patients, especially cancer patients. They operate specialized medical equipment and have an average salary of $83,200 per year. About 40% of radiation therapists are unionized under various health care workers unions. Their duties include explaining treatment plans to patients, determining proper doses, closely monitoring during procedures and documenting care. Becoming a radiation therapist requires an associate’s degree, certification and clinical training. With radiation useful for treating many conditions, job opportunities are expected to grow.
Transportation Inspectors
Transportation inspectors travel extensively to inspect equipment and operations of transit systems. They ensure compliance with regulations around safety and maintenance. The average salary is $79,200 annually. Many inspectors join industry-specific unions like the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS). Manipulating complex machinery and vehicles requires firsthand experience working in transportation. Inspectors must have at least a high school diploma plus deep knowledge of federal and state regulations for their mode of transport. Positions may oversee highways, railways, airplanes, buses or trucks.
Subway and Streetcar Operators
These workers drive subway trains or streetcars transporting passengers through urban areas. The median salary is $74,500 per year. Over 75% of rail transportation workers are union members, especially with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) or United Transportation Union (UTU). Operators need a high school diploma plus extensive training on equipment and safety procedures. The job involves communicating schedules, making announcements, collecting fares and adhering to routings across busy transit networks. Demand for mass transit is projected to create more operator job opportunities.
Petroleum Pump System Operators
These workers are also referred to as stationery engineers and have an average salary of $74,100 annually. They operate and maintain the pumps and control systems that extract crude oil and natural gas from underground wells. Around 65% of employees are represented by unions like the United Steelworkers (USW). A high school diploma and an apprenticeship provides on-the-job training for this hands-on role monitoring gauges, repairing parts and controlling pumping. Positions are likely to be added with construction of new pipelines and shale extraction plants.
Nuclear Technicians
Nuclear technicians assist physicists, engineers and other professionals in nuclear research and production. This career earns a median salary of $73,900 per year. Many nuclear technicians are members of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) which covers workers in construction and energy extraction. Nuclear technicians need an associate’s degree in nuclear science or a related field. Their days involve preparing samples for testing, monitoring radiation levels and collecting data for reports. Job opportunities are growing the most with medical equipment manufacturing and waste management companies.
Locomotive Engineers
Locomotive engineers operate diesel or electric freight trains transporting goods and materials across railways. The average annual pay is $71,600. Around 75% of railway workers belong to major unions, including the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), United Transportation Union (UTU) and Transportation Communications Union (TCU). Becoming a locomotive engineer requires a high school diploma plus extensive on-the-job training to master train handling, signals and safety rules. Workdays can often be longer than 8 hours. New positions will be needed to replace retiring workers.
Other top paying union jobs
Beyond the top 10, there are a number of other well-paying careers that have high union participation:
– Police and Sheriff’s patrol officers – $67,600 median salary
– Equipment mechanic supervisors – $67,500 median salary
– Electrical power line installers – $67,400 median salary
– Transportation supervisors – $66,200 median salary
– Electrical engineers – $65,300 median salary
– Mechanical engineers – $65,000 median salary
– Boilermakers – $62,500 median salary
– Pipe welders – $62,300 median salary
– Automotive service technicians – $42,090 median salary
Public vs. private sector unions
When it comes to the highest paying union jobs, there is an important distinction between public sector and private sector unions.
Public sector unions represent employees who work in government jobs, including federal, state, county and city roles. Teachers, police, firefighters, nurses, sanitation workers, and librarians are examples. Around 30% of public sector workers are unionized.
Private sector unions represent employees who work for companies and corporations. Examples include manufacturing, construction, utilities, entertainment, hospitality and food service. Only about 5% of private sector employees belong to a union.
In general, public sector union jobs tend to pay more than private sector ones. The trade unions listed earlier like elevator installers, power plant operators and locomotive engineers work in the higher paid private sector. While the lower paid automotive technicians, boilermakers and pipe welders are more likely employed in private companies.
Union benefits beyond wages
There are many other advantages to being part of a labor union besides just higher salaries:
– Health insurance – Unions negotiate group policies and lower premiums for workers and their families.
– Retirement plans – Many unions provide defined pension benefits funded by employers.
– Job security – Union contracts prevent unjust firing and layoffs. Seniority rules provide stability.
– Paid time off – Union workplaces offer more sick days, vacations, holidays than non-union ones.
– Parental leave – Contracts include extended family and medical leave beyond what federal laws provide.
– Tuition reimbursement – Some unions provide funds to help members pay for degree programs and training.
– Legal representation – If disputes arise, union lawyers advocate on behalf of workers.
– Wrongful termination protection – Unions provide resources to fight unjust firing.
In addition to better compensation and benefits, unionized workplaces often boast improved morale, communication and transparency between workers and management.
Steps to joining a union
If you’re interested in the advantages of being part of a union, here is the general process to join one:
1. Research unions in your industry, occupation or company. Talk to coworkers to gauge their experiences and tips.
2. Reach out to the union and find out requirements like fees, membership criteria and application process.
3. Attend an orientation or training session to learn more about the union’s organization and resources.
4. Fill out the membership application and submit any fees. You may need coworkers to sign an authorization card.
5. If your workplace isn’t already unionized, join others to organize a vote on forming or joining a union.
6. Participate in bargaining and voting once the union is recognized at your employer. Get involved to make the most of your membership.
Keep in mind that in some states, you may be required to pay fair share or agency fees even if you don’t join the union. Check your state laws and talk to coworkers. Joining a union can provide access to significant financial, legal and professional benefits.
Conclusion
While union membership has declined over the decades, unions still play a pivotal role in securing higher compensation for many professions. On average, union workers earn over 12% more in total compensation than non-union ones. Careers like elevator constructors, air traffic controllers, power plant operators and locomotive engineers are among the highest paid union jobs, often earning over $70,000 annually. Unions use collective bargaining power, lobbying efforts, job training programs and other leverage to increase members’ pay, benefits and protections. In addition to wages, being part of labor unions also provides advantages like retirement plans, job stability and legal representation. Workers interested in improving their employment conditions should research unions in their fields and carefully weigh the pros and cons of membership.