Building a Stable and Rewarding Career in Commercial Trades
Union Field Careers at Maxair Mechanical
Build a stable, high‑growth career in commercial construction, HVAC, plumbing, pipefitting, sheet metal, and building automation. Our field positions offer hands‑on training, competitive pay, and long‑term job security across major projects throughout Georgia.
Union Membership & Benefits
All skilled field employees hired in our mechanical and HVAC positions are required to join the appropriate local union (LU 72 or LU 85). This ensures consistent training, fair wages, and access to strong benefits.
Why Union Membership Is Required
Union membership is not just a requirement—it is a major advantage for your career.
- Fair, transparent pay: Wages are set by the union contract, ensuring equal pay for equal work
- Stronger benefits: Health insurance, pension, and retirement plans are provided through the union and are often more comprehensive than non‑union plans
- High‑quality training: Apprenticeship programs and certifications are standardized and recognized across the industry
- Clear career progression: The union defines structured steps from apprentice to journeyman to foreman and beyond
- Job security and protections: Union contracts include safety standards, working conditions, and support systems
This structure helps you build a long‑term, stable, and well‑supported career in skilled trades.
Local Union 72 (LU 72)
Plumbers, Pipefitters & HVACR Service
LU 72 represents skilled tradespeople who work on mechanical systems across commercial and industrial projects.
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Training & Apprenticeship (LU 72)
- Paid on‑the‑job training
- Classroom instruction through the Mechanical Trades Institute (MTI)
- Training tracks: Welding, Pipefitting, Plumbing, HVAC
- Continual safety training and certifications
- Earn while you learn with no student debt
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Qualifications for LU 72 Applicants
- Strong work ethic
- High school diploma or GED
- Ability to pass a substance abuse test
- Valid government‑issued photo ID
- Reliable transportation
- HVAC applicants: prior technical or hands‑on experience recommended
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Benefits Through LU 72
- Union health insurance and retirement plans
- Competitive wages with structured increases
- Free evening training at MTI
- Hands‑on instruction from certified journeymen
- Opportunities to advance into leadership roles
LU 72 Wages
Journeyman and Foreman Wages
| Position | Basic (3/1/25) | Special (8/1/25) | Service (3/1/25) | Albany (8/1/25) | Macon (8/1/25) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journeyman | $41.18 | $36.20 | $41.18 | $38.98 | $38.98 |
| Crew Foreman | $42.68 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| + Foreman | $43.43 | $38.08 | $43.43 | $40.73 | $41.23 |
| General Foreman | $44.68 | $39.15 | $41.73 | $41.73 | $42.48 |
Apprentice Wage Scale
| Level | Wage |
|---|---|
| 1st Year Apprentice (50%) | $20.60 |
| 2nd Year Apprentice (55%) | $22.65 |
| 3rd Year Apprentice (60%) | $24.70 |
| 4th Year Apprentice (70%) | $28.85 |
| 5th Year Apprentice (80%) | $32.95 |
| Provisional Journeyman (80%) | $22.95 |
Learn More About LU 72: https://ua72.org/
Learn More About Training: https://mti-jatt.org/
Local Union 85 (LU 85)
Sheet Metal, HVAC Installation, & Fabrication
LU 85 represents sheet metal workers who install, fabricate, and maintain HVAC systems in large commercial buildings.
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Training & Apprenticeship (LU 85)
- Paid apprenticeship through the LU 85 JATC
- Training in duct fabrication, installation, TAB, and HVAC systems
- Safety certifications and specialty training
- Earn while you learn with no student debt
- Work on major commercial and industrial projects
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Qualifications for LU 85 Applicants
- High school diploma or GED
- Mechanical aptitude
- Ability to pass a substance abuse test
- Valid government‑issued photo ID
- Reliable transportation
-
Benefits Through LU 85
- Union health insurance and retirement plans
- Competitive wages with guaranteed increases
- Access to advanced training and certifications
- Clear pathway to journeyman status
- Opportunities to move into foreman and leadership roles
LU 85 Wages
Journeyman Wage Schedule: Atlanta, North Georgia Area
| 7/1/2025 | 7/1/2026 | 7/1/2027 | 7/1/2028 | 7/1/2029 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate | $38.29 | $40.72 | $43.02 | $44.87 | $46.62 |
| Health Fund | $7.37 | $7.47 | $7.52 | $7.57 | $7.62 |
| Local 85 Pension | $6.34 | $6.34 | $6.34 | $6.34 | $6.34 |
| National Pension | $1.08 | $1.08 | $1.08 | $1.08 | $1.08 |
| NSSP / 401K*** | $0.27 | $0.27 | $0.27 | $0.27 | $0.27 |
| JATC | $0.75 | $0.80 | $0.80 | $0.80 | $0.90 |
| ITI & NEMIC | $0.17 | $0.17 | $0.18 | $0.18 | $0.18 |
| Industry Fund | $0.39 | $0.40 | $0.40 | $0.41 | $0.42 |
| SMWDP (Holiday) | $0.90 | $0.96 | $1.02 | $1.06 | $1.10 |
| SASMI* | $1.47 | $1.47 | $1.52 | $1.58 | $1.64 |
| SMOHIT | $0.02 | $0.04 | $0.04 | $0.04 | $0.04 |
| SMWIASF | $0.01 | $0.01 | $0.01 | $0.01 | $0.01 |
| Total Package | $57.06 | $59.73 | $62.20 | $64.21 | $66.22 |
| Vacation Fund** | $1.00 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| Dues Check Off** | $2.28 | $2.40 | $2.52 | $2.62 | $2.72 |
| Monthly Dues**** | $10.75 | $10.75 | $10.75 | $10.75 | $10.75 |
Apprentice & Helper Wage Scale
Schedule 1 Apprentice and Helper Wages
| 7/1/2025 | 7/1/2026 | 7/1/2027 | 7/1/2028 | 7/1/2029 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helper | 40% | $15.32 | $16.29 | $17.21 | $17.95 | $18.65 |
| 1st Year | 50% | $19.15 | $20.36 | $21.51 | $22.44 | $23.31 |
| 2nd Year | 60% | $22.97 | $24.43 | $25.81 | $26.92 | $27.97 |
| 3rd Year | 70% | $26.80 | $28.50 | $30.11 | $31.41 | $32.63 |
| 4th Year | 80% | $30.63 | $32.58 | $34.42 | $35.90 | $37.30 |
Schedule 4 Apprentice and Helper Dues Check-off
| 7/1/2025 | 7/1/2026 | 7/1/2027 | 7/1/2028 | 7/1/2029 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helper | 40% | $1.08 | $1.15 | $1.21 | $1.27 | $1.33 |
| 1st Year | 50% | $1.28 | $1.36 | $1.43 | $1.50 | $1.56 |
| 2nd Year | 60% | $1.48 | $1.56 | $1.65 | $1.72 | $1.79 |
| 3rd Year | 70% | $1.68 | $1.77 | $1.87 | $1.95 | $2.02 |
| 4th Year | 80% | $1.68 | $1.98 | $2.08 | $2.17 | $2.26 |
Learn More About LU 85: https://smart85.org/
Learn More About Training: https://mti-jatt.org/
Professional Expectations
All field employees represent our company on jobsites, in training, and during customer interactions. We expect:
- Clean, safe, and professional appearance
- Required PPE and proper work attire
- Respectful, courteous behavior
- Commitment to safety and quality
- Positive, team‑oriented attitude
These expectations apply to all LU 72 and LU 85 members working under our company.
Start Your Career With Us
Whether you’re new to the Trades or looking to advance your skills, we offer a clear path to a stable, rewarding future in the mechanical and construction industries.