I've been checking into the Ironworkers, Boilermakers nad Pipefitters Unions here lately. Was laid off from my mechanic job in June and have decided that I am officially done with that cheap blank trade. Been doing some side work welding, non-qualified kinda stuff(fence-gate repairs minor stuff) I have been to school for MIG and worked on stick for awhile then my home location changed and it was not in my best interest to continue. So I'm not your average novice rookie, but I still need practice.

I talked to some guys and read on a forum comments from Boilermakers/Welders and figured it's not my cup of tea or coffee. I am intrigued by the pipewelding just because of the 6G position and having this weird urge to accomplish that. I also thought about structural(Ironworkers) but again, not what I care for, besides a pipewelder can do structural but a structural welder can't do pipe, as far as qualifications go and this was from a welding test center who told me that. So I'd like to do it so I have plenty of options. Also it sounds very interesting. Nothing against Ironworker welders from looking into your trade you are very good at what you do, like a college education without the huge bills after you graduate!!

So are there any members of the Pipefitters Union on here? How is it? Good pay, benefits and so on? Do you enjoy the work? How is the travel? I don't mind "chasing the pipeline" as it usually will develope a larger paycheck. I have a family but as much time as I have spent in the auto/diesel mechanic field I can say it stinks. 10 years ago I made 40K in a year and last year I made a hair over 40K and they wanted me to dedicate my life to them 24/7/365. A place called me the other day wanting an interview for a mechanic and said I would likely start at the bottom of the pay scale, 36K with a whopping 46k being the top out.

We don't have alot and our cars ain't the greatest, very very high mileage. My savings account has sucked over my time as a mech, my 401k is non-existent. I'm tired of being thrown just enough peanuts just to coax me along. My Uncle is a welder and a high school grad and he does very well for himself. Other welders I talk to(not the shop guys) are doing very well also. I enjoy the heck out of welding and everyday offers up a new challenge, something fixing cars/trucks and so on has not really done in the last few years.

I've heard the stories, laying in a muddy puddle under a pipe in a ditch welding up and all sorts of things. I've already laid in puddles in mud patches working on machines and at one time I enjoyed it......well, at least I think I did, but the mud and dirt did not bother me. Any info or thoughts on the Union would be appreciated and help me figure out if I'm gonna go fill out an application.

Thanks!

Shawn

 

I have welded pipe for the last 30 years. In that time I can't remember having to weld a 6 G other than testing. If a fitter put me into a 6 G I would be tempted to stuff him into the pipe. You can make a good living pipe welding. But it can be hard on family life. With the rumors about new refineries coming down the line you might have a very good chance to get into the UA.

 

The golden triangle area of southeast Texas (Beaumont-Port Arthur-Orange) is projecting a bunch of growth if you are willing to relocate

http://www.setworks.org/

 

im not a pipefitter but a millwright apprentice and i wana say up here in minnesota tha are fitters make 38 but dont queot me to that. Have you thought about looking into the piledrivers i know if you wana weld they do alot of welding. That or the pipeliners union look into them there out of oklahoma. Hope this helps you feel free to ask any questions il try to answer them if i can

 

I saw those piledrivers on the show Build it Bigger or something like that. They were out doing the Oakland bay bridge piles. Told my wife it would be neat to be part of something like that. The local Union around here said they would keep the pipefitters within the middle TN area. My Uncles runs the road alot and makes excellent money.

I've heard stuff about up and coming projects as well. Also here about the welder shortage so now seems like as good a time as any to dive into it. Thanks for the info all!!

 

Im in the UA up here in alberta canada as a steamfitter. the work here is stupid theres so much. i don't mind it but im not sure i would want to do it for the rest of my life. base jman rate is 38 here plus benifits. my buddy just called me he has been clearing 5600 a week for the last few months so if you want to chase the money it is there for the taking.

 

The pipefitters local for my area which is chicago is a pretty good union to be in. Its number 597 i think, I have a few friends that belong to it and there hrly wages are pretty good and the same with the benfits. I believe their wage is about $35- $38 an hr. The pipefitters in my company are in the railroad union and their wage is about $22 an hr, they have a hard time getting good fitters because the big local has a better pay scale. Also look into you local Operating Engineers union as a mechanic, welder or even an equipment operator. They make very good money by me, maybe the same where you live.

 

Thanks again guys, still holding my own for right now but like to have options and between my jobs for my company I'll be checking into these suggestions.

Shawn