Last updated August 29, 2026
UA Local 638 journeyman scale is $47.85/hr ($71.81/hr with benefits) on the 2026 union determination. Below: the full pay scale, apprentice steps, whether applications are open right now, and a free alert the moment the next window opens.
Journeyman scale at UA Local 638 (Long Island City (NYC), NY) is $47.85–$70.36/hr base, $71.81/hr with benefits.
This local's rate genuinely differs across its jurisdiction, so the range above is the honest answer — a single number would be wrong somewhere. Which rate applies depends on the county the job is in.
UA Local 638 has not published an apprentice wage schedule we could verify. UA locals do not share a national percentage ladder — each local negotiates its own — so we don't estimate one. See the 10 verified ladders for what the steps typically look like.
2026 Davis-Bacon union determination NY20260003 (plumber: service fitters), observed in 2 counties. Source: SAM.gov wage determination ↗
Compare all 170 UA pay scales →Applications are closed right now — admission via periodic NY DOL-announced recruitment drives; last known drive June 3-14, 2024 (350 Steamfitter apprentices); no new 2025/2026 recruitment for Local 638 found as of 2026-08-29.
Status last verified August 29, 2026. Source: official local/JATC site. Windows can change on short notice — always confirm details with the local before making plans.
Windows at competitive locals can cap out in days. We watch Long Island City (NYC)’s application status and email you the moment it opens — so you apply on day one, not day last.
UA Local 638 is based in Long Island City (NYC), New York. It represents and trains: Pipefitter, Steamfitter, Sprinkler Fitter.
Union hall: (718) 392-3420
From our last verification: Applications only accepted during announced recruitment windows via NYS DOL; prior drive required in-person application at designated period. Local 638 (Long Island City, NYC/LI jurisdiction) trains Pipefitters, Steamfitters, Sprinkler Fitters through a five-year JATC program.
Most UA locals rank applicants by aptitude-test score and fill seats from the top down. The applicants who get in prepped early — start with a free GAN-style practice test or the GAN aptitude test guide.
As of August 29, 2026: Applications are closed right now — admission via periodic NY DOL-announced recruitment drives; last known drive June 3-14, 2024 (350 Steamfitter apprentices); no new 2025/2026 recruitment for Local 638 found as of 2026-08-29. Application schedules are set by the local and its training fund and can change on short notice — always confirm on the local's own site before making plans.
Applications go through the local's apprenticeship/training program. The usual process: submit the application with your HS diploma or GED and ID, take the aptitude test, then complete a scored interview that sets your rank on the eligibility list.
UA Local 638 (Long Island City (NYC), New York) represents Pipefitter, Steamfitter, Sprinkler Fitter — its apprenticeship program trains those trades. If you want a different pipe trade, check the neighboring UA locals in the directory.
Journeyman scale at UA Local 638 is $47.85/hr base, $71.81/hr including fringe benefits. The rate varies across the local's jurisdiction ($47.85–$70.36/hr), so which figure applies depends on the county. That is the 2026 union wage determination NY20260003, which is the local's own negotiated scale because the Department of Labor adopts collective-bargaining rates wholesale.
UA Local 638 has not published an apprentice wage schedule we could verify. UA locals do not share a national percentage ladder — each local negotiates its own — so we don't estimate one from the $47.85/hr journeyman rate. Ask the local for its current schedule. What is true everywhere: you are paid from day one and there is no tuition.
Most UA locals test applicants with the GAN aptitude battery — reading comprehension, numerical computation and reasoning, problem solving, paper folding, and mechanical comprehension — and rank candidates by score. Your test score plus interview decide your ranking, so prep before the window opens.
Or compare every New York local side by side: union plumber pay in New York.
Applying is step one — the aptitude battery and the scored interview decide your rank. Set this local in the app and your study plan gets paced to its deadline.
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PipePrep AI is an independent directory and study tool — not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the United Association (UA), any UA local, any JATC or training fund, or GAN Human Resources. Application windows, fees, and requirements change constantly; always verify details on the local's own website before you act on anything here.