Best Paying Union Jobs in 2026: Top Trades with Six-Figure Salaries and Benefits

Are you a high school grad, career changer, or trade enthusiast tired of college debt? Union jobs offer six-figure salaries, pensions, and health benefits without a four-year degree. Based on BLS projections, union pay scales, and industry data like FreightWaves and BlueCollarRecruiter, we're ranking the highest-paying union trades for 2026. Expect 20-40% pay premiums over non-union roles, especially for electricians and plumbers. Entry often starts with paid apprenticeships averaging $80K from day one, per apprenticeships.gov. We'll spotlight state highs like California nurses at $133K+ and West Coast longshoremen topping charts, plus growth in wind tech (50%) and nursing (20%).

The #1 Best Paying Union Job in 2026: Longshoreman (ILWU Dockworker)

Drumroll... the single best paying union job in the USA for 2026 is Longshoreman (ILWU Dockworker).

Why #1? West Coast ILWU (International Longshore and Warehouse Union) dockworkers average $200K+ annually, driven by overtime, premiums, and cargo boom. FreightWaves data shows full-time foremen earning 24% more than average CEOs ($225K+ range) and 20% above neurologists in 2022--trends holding into 2026 with e-commerce growth. BLS parallels in construction/material moving project 2% growth, but union scales push top earners to $300K+ in peak seasons.

Quick Stats (2026 Projections):

• Average: $200K (clerks/foremen: $150K-$225K)
• Entry via union hiring halls; no degree needed
• Benefits: Top pensions, family health, job security

Mini Case Study: LA/Long Beach foreman Mike R. hit $280K in 2025 via OT during port surges--outpacing many execs while working union hours.

Key Takeaways

• Longshoremen lead at $200K+; Elevator techs/pipefitters follow at $150K+ with OT.
• Union trades crush non-union by 20-40% (e.g., IBEW electricians, plumbers).
• Fast entry: 4-5 year paid apprenticeships start at $80K avg.
• Women-friendly: Nursing/union trades grow 15-20% in CA/FL/ID.

Top 10 Highest Paying Union Jobs by Salary in 2026 (BLS Projections & Union Scales)

Ranking covers construction, transport, healthcare--80%+ of key trades. Salaries blend BLS medians, union scales (IBEW, Teamsters, UFCW), and projections like 3-6% raises. Note conflicts: Build-It.au says plumbers out-earn electricians in high-demand CA ($100K+ vs. $102K top 10% BLS), but general BLS favors electricians; we prioritize union data.

1-3. Longshoreman, Elevator Technician, Union Pipefitter

1. Longshoreman (ILWU): $200K avg (FreightWaves); 2% growth.
2. Elevator Technician: $150K+ OT (BlueCollarRecruiter); 4-5yr union apprenticeship.
3. Union Pipefitter: $105K median, top $160K (BLS/BlueCollar; 3.4% JIB rise).

4-7. IBEW Electrician, Airline Mechanic, Power Plant Operator, Teamsters Truck Driver

4. IBEW Electrician: $100K+ journeyman (top 10% $102K BLS); 6% growth.
5. Union Airline Mechanic: $72K base +15-20% premiums ($85K avg; AviationMaintenance).
6. Power Plant Operator: $95K median, top $180K (BlueCollarRecruiter); steady demand.
7. Teamsters Truck Driver: $99K median, top $150K (6% growth).

8-10. Union Plumber, Nurse (Top States), Steelworker/Carpenter

8. Union Plumber: $80K-$105K (master $80K+; HousecallPro/BLS top 10%).
9. Union Nurse (CA): $133K avg RN, $246K anesthetist (USAHS); 20% growth ID/FL.
10. Steelworker/Carpenter: $85K median (BlueCollar); UFCW roles similar.

Union vs. Non-Union Salary Comparison: Electricians, Plumbers & More

Unions dominate: 20-40% premium via scales, OT, pensions (IEC data). Non-union offers flexibility but weaker benefits (401k vs. defined pensions).

Pros/Cons: Union = stability, OT to $150K, health/pensions. Non-union = faster mobility, but less security. Conflicting data: BLS top plumbers $105K vs. union scales; electricians similar.

Highest Paying Union Apprenticeships USA: Start Earning $80K Right Away

No debt--earn while learning. Avg start $80K, +$300K lifetime earnings (apprenticeships.gov). Top: Elevator/IBEW electrician/plumber (4-5yrs).

Stats: Pipeline welder $2K/wk peaks; HVAC to $120K facility mgmt (BlueCollarRecruiter).

Mini Case: John, HVAC apprentice, hit $90K year 3, now $120K manager.

Best Union Jobs for Women: High-Pay Options with Growth

Unions aid re-entry post-pandemic (UnionTrack). Top: Nurses ($133K CA, 15-20% growth FL/TX/ID/OR; USAHS). Trades like elevator tech welcome women (15% rise).

Mini Case: Sarah, post-mom return via nursing union, now $150K CA RN.

State & Union Spotlights: Nurses, Teamsters, IBEW Pay Scales 2026

• Nurses: CA $133K/$246K anesthetist; HI/OR top (USAHS). Vs. ZipRecruiter ICU $85K--BLS higher for unions.
• Teamsters Truckers: $99K national.
• IBEW: $100K+ scales.
• High-pay states: CA West Coast (longshore/plumbers $100K+).

How to Land the Best Paying Union Job: Step-by-Step Checklist

1. Research locals: IBEW/ILWU/Teamsters halls (union websites).
2. Apply apprenticeships: Paid entry (elevator/electrician).
3. Certifications: EPA 608 HVAC, FAA A&P mechanics.
4. Network: Union halls/job fairs.
5. Target states: CA/West Coast.

Mini Case: Plumber apprentice to master: $40K start → $80K in 5yrs.

Pros & Cons of Union Trades: High Pay vs Commitment

Balanced for construction rankings--long-term winners.

FAQ

Is a union electrician salary higher than non-union in 2026?
Yes, 20-40% premium ($100K+ vs. $75K-$90K; IEC/BLS).

What are union plumber wages 2026 projections?
$80K-$105K masters (HousecallPro; 3.4% rises).

How much do IBEW union members earn?
$100K+ journeymen (BLS top $102K).

What are the best paying public sector union jobs?
Power plant ops $95K+, nurses CA $133K.

Union airline mechanic salary 2026 expectations?
$72K base +15-20% ($85K avg; AviationMaintenance).

Top union jobs for women with high pay?
Nurses $133K CA, elevator tech $150K+.

Longshoreman union pay ILWU 2026?
$200K+ avg (FreightWaves projections).

Highest paid union apprenticeships USA?
Elevator/pipefitter $80K start (apprenticeships.gov).