HVAC & Pipefitter Salary in Detroit
Metro area wage data for hvac and refrigeration mechanics from the BLS OEWS program, May 2025.
Wage figures reflect all hvac & pipefitters across all employment types, union and non-union, residential and commercial, apprentice through master. Union journeymen typically earn above the area median. Non-union residential work typically falls below it.
UA Local 636 and Michigan's industrial base anchor consistent pipefitter demand across the Detroit metro.
The Detroit metro's pipefitter market runs through UA Local 636, distinct from UA Local 98 which covers plumbers. Industrial and commercial construction tied to automotive manufacturing, EV transition facilities, and logistics sustain demand. Michigan's prevailing wage law covers public construction projects across the metro.
- →UA Local 636 — distinct from UA Local 98 (Plumbers)
- →Automotive and EV manufacturing facilities drive industrial pipefitter demand
- →Michigan Prevailing Wage Act on public construction
UA Local 636 journeyman pipefitter Journey-Level Rate
Union scale reflects the UA Local 636 journeyman pipefitter journey-level rate under the current collective bargaining agreement. The BLS area median reflects all hvac & pipefitters across all employment types and experience levels.
| Training Center | Pipefitters Industry Training Center 636 |
| Address | 636 Executive Drive, Troy, MI 48083 |
| Phone | (248) 585-0636 |
| Minimum Score | No minimum |
Applying to UA Local 636?
The aptitude test is required for all applicants to UA Local 636. See what to expect and how to prepare.
What to expect →All hvac & pipefitters — union and non-union, all experience levels
All hvac & pipefitters — union and non-union, all experience levels. Wage figures only, employer-paid benefits, pension contributions, and health and welfare are not included.
| Annual Median Wage | $63,170 |
| Annual Mean Wage | $66,680 |
| Hourly Median Wage | $30.37 |
| Hourly Mean Wage | $32.06 |
| Total Employed | 5,740 |
| Area Type | Metropolitan Area |
Journey-level rates sourced directly from local collective bargaining agreements across the country's major construction markets. Union density and market conditions vary significantly by region.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 - SOC 49-9021 (HVAC and Refrigeration Mechanics) - Cross-Industry, All Ownership
Cost of living data provided by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC). The data has been modified for use from its original source, which is the State of Missouri. THE STATE OF MISSOURI MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTY AS TO THE COMPLETENESS, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, OR CONTENT OF ANY DATA MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS SITE. THE STATE OF MISSOURI EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Data is subject to change as modifications and updates are complete. Use at your own risk.