Labor unions work to identify industry-related problems and offer advocacy for their members. These advocacy groups exist in many sectors, including government, skilled trades, education and law enforcement. If you are considering working in a unionized industry, it may be helpful to know which careers offer the best salaries. In this article we define what a labor union is and give salary information for 35 high-paying union jobs.

What is a union job?

A union job is a career in which someone has the support of a labor union. Labor unions are organized groups of individuals who work together to improve the working conditions and salaries for their members. These groups often provide guidance, support, counseling and other benefits for their members. They also use collective bargaining tactics to facilitate salary increases or better work conditions.

35 high-paying union jobs

Here is a list of 35 high-paying union jobs for you to consider in your career search:

1. Actor

National average salary: $17,192 per year

Actors and actresses are professionals who use their skills to create realistic portrayals of people in creative settings. They may be found working in film, television, theater and other productions. Actors and actresses use their understanding of human emotions to engage audiences deeply, drawing on laughter and sadness to evoke a range of strong reactions. Their workday typically includes rehearsing lines, taking notes during performances, and ensuring that the performance is flawless from beginning to end.

There are a variety of acting opportunities throughout the United States, but most paying union work will be in the Los Angeles and New York City areas for film and television and theater. Becoming unionized is often considered a prestigious achievement, so competition for these jobs is fierce.

2. Automotive mechanic

National average salary: $41,320 per year

The automotive mechanic’s job is to maintain and repair the mechanical components of cars, as well as perform diagnostic testing on computer-based automobile components. They also inspect the functionality of mechanical components to ensure that all is working properly.

3. Marine service technician

National average salary: $41,920 per year

A marine service technician is responsible for maintaining and repairing a wide variety of boats and other water vessels. They ensure the safety of marine passengers by inspecting equipment, ensuring the functionality of navigational tools, and making any necessary repairs. Their daily routines include running diagnostic tests, writing reports, and submitting their findings to supervisors.

4. Ironworker

National average salary: $42,600 per year

Ironworkers are skilled tradespeople who use their knowledge of engineering drawings to install iron support pieces in construction projects. They coordinate with construction superintendents, project managers, engineers, and other clients to ensure the successful completion of a project.

5. Airline manager

National average salary: $42,663 per year

An airline manager is responsible for overseeing the operations and communications needed for ensuring safe air travel. They regularly test equipment, engage in conversations with airline personnel, ensure proper documentation, and oversee maintenance repairs and installations.

6. Carpenter

National average salary: $42,993 per year

A carpenter is a professional tradesperson who specializes in the construction and repair of structures using various materials. They work under the supervision of a foreman or team leader on various projects, from installing a door to building a residential home.

7. Firefighter

National average salary: $44,313 per year

Firefighting is a profession that requires individuals to have the necessary skills and training in order to respond quickly and effectively to fire-related emergencies. They work as firefighters in communities across the country, driving emergency vehicles like fire trucks and jetskiing out onto scenes of fires. Their main goal is always safety for everyone involved – be it people or animals – during these harrowing situations.

8. Customer service representative

National average salary: $46,289 per year

A customer service representative’s primary duties are to interact with clients and companies, process orders, deliver billing statements, collect payments, respond to customer complaints and answer questions related to products and delivery. Customer service representatives need to be able to deescalate situations quickly, create or follow scripts appropriately, and complete reports as needed.

9. Electrician

National average salary: $47,040 per year

An electrician is a skilled worker who specializes in working with electrical systems. They review and execute plans, install fixtures or equipment, and troubleshoot electrical problems in buildings, residential homes, machines and other power sources.

10. Plumbing technician

National average salary: $47,820 per year

A plumbing technician is a skilled worker who installs, maintains and repairs pipes used for carrying water or sewage. They often work with contractors, electricians and other professionals in the construction industry.

11. High school teacher

National average salary: $48,736 per year

High school teachers are typically subject matter specialists who work in secondary education. They prepare materials, curate lessons, design assignments, and grade student work. Teachers often collaborate with other staff members to facilitate student learning.

The teachers at this school are highly trained in differentiation techniques, instruction delivery and behavior management. They are responsible for contacting parents, managing classroom settings, submitting lesson plans and offering academic support and advancement opportunities for their students.

12. Carpenter foreman

National average salary: $48,880 per year

A carpenter foreman is responsible for overseeing the work of builders and construction crew members. They report to the construction superintendent, who oversees progress onsite.

13. Pipe fitter

National average salary: $48,980 per year

Pipefitters are skilled workers who specialize in mechanical piping. They often work in commercial, industrial and marine settings, making measurements, welding, and using industry-specific tools.

14. Truck driver trainer

National average salary: $51,409 per year

A truck driver trainer is responsible for providing instruction to individuals who wish to become professional truck drivers. They work for companies or schools and offer guidance and instruction in order to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Their job includes studying state guidelines, administering practice tests, conducting practice driving sessions, and completing forms.

15. Police officer

National average salary: $54,074 per year

A police officer is a person who enforces the law and keeps communities safe. They patrol areas, conduct investigations, respond to service calls, and enforce federal and state laws. Their regular duties include observing people, gathering evidence, and reporting their findings.

16. Nuclear power reactor operator

National average salary: $59,682 per year

Nuclear-power reactor operators are responsible for the control systems of nuclear reactors, ensuring that they generate the necessary power. Their work includes responding to emergencies and monitoring performance.

17. Nurse

National average salary: $62,380 per year

Nurses are healthcare professionals who work in various settings to provide patient care. They coordinate with doctors and other medical professionals to assess patients, perform vital checks, administer medicine, and perform patient screenings. Nurses are also responsible for keeping diligent notes, writing reports and communicating treatment plans to patients and their advocates.

18. Producer

National average salary: $74,420 per year according to the Bureau of Labor and statistics

Producers are responsible for the creative aspects of film and television production, including overseeing scriptwriting, budgeting, and casting. They also take notes during filming to help improve the direction of a project.

19. Nurse practitioner

National average salary: $73,300 per year according to the Bureau of Labor and statistics

Nurse practitioners are health care professionals who work in various settings to provide patient care. They coordinate with doctors and other medical professionals to assess and diagnose patients, prescribe medications, and provide other forms of patient care.

20. Machine parts process lead

National average salary: $77,988 per year

A machine parts process lead is responsible for the manufacturing process and works to locate assembly or manufacturing problems and resolve them. They also perform quality control checks on the products being produced, communicate with assembly workers, and operate machines.

21. Construction managers

National average salary: $80,303 per year

A construction manager is responsible for overseeing operations related to construction sites, including organizing and planning project details, leading crew members and other personnel, and delegating responsibilities. Their daily duties may include drafting plans, ensuring site safety and compliance with budget constraints. Construction managers are typically skilled laborers who keep Projects on schedule and within budget.

22. Electric project manager

National average salary: $83,890 per year

Electric project managers are skilled professionals who work on construction sites, preparing reports and documentation to estimate and forecast schedules, project costs, and overall performance.

23. Powerplant operators

National average salary: $87,140 per year

Operators of power plants are responsible for ensuring the safety of equipment and systems, as well as monitoring operations. They also perform routine maintenance tasks and keep accurate records or logs.

24. Film or television director

National average salary: $96,050 per year

A television or film director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of making a production, from writing the script or concept to finalizing the product.

Directors use their creative vision, industry knowledge, and strong leadership skills to coordinate with all aspects of production. They work to finalize scripting, casting, locations, directing the camera and acting on location. They also oversee sound and video editing in post-production. It is an extremely competitive field and acquiring union status is a lauded achievement.

25. Rail project manager

National average salary: $97,192 per year

Rail project managers are responsible for organizing and coordinating rail-related projects. They work with employees and supervisors to ensure the smooth completion of projects on time, within budget, and in accordance with the original plan.

26. School principal

National average salary: $97,695 per year

A high school principal oversees the academic program at their school and is responsible for setting goals, organizing staff, and developing a culture that supports student learning. They also work to evaluate curriculum and observe educators in order to provide feedback on how they are doing. Principal duties may also include conducting interviews with professional candidates, organizing professional development events, and meeting with community stakeholders.

27. Airline pilot

National average salary: $121,430 per year according to the Bureau of Labor and statistics

Pilots are highly skilled professionals who use their knowledge of aviation to fly planes for commercial purposes. They work with air traffic controllers, utilize tools to monitor the weather, and collaborate with other crew members in order to ensure that passengers and cargo are transported safely from one place to another.

28. School bus driver

National average salary: $16.48 per hour

A school bus driver is responsible for transporting children from their designated drop-off areas to their homes or other destinations by driving and operating a bus. They may also help with route planning, assist children with special needs boarding the bus and are responsible for meeting schedules.

29. Machinist

National average salary: $21.49 per hour

A machinist is responsible for the creation or modification of parts made from metal, plastic, or wood. They use complex machinery to cut and shape different materials. Machinists also review drawings, blueprints and samples to ensure accurate production of these materials.

30. Electrician

National average salary: $23.58 per hour

Electricians are responsible for installing, testing, maintaining and repairing electrical systems. They also provide and install electricity supply cables, phone lines and fiber optic cables securely. Electricians read technical diagrams to install and maintain wiring systems as well as inspect electrical components to ensure they are working correctly.

31. Nuclear power reactor operator

National average salary: $57,599 per year

A nuclear power reactor operator is responsible for regulating the flow of electricity produced by a nuclear reactor. They adjust control nods to affect how much heat is released from the reactor, and monitor cooling systems and generators to ensure the safety of the plant. In order to improve efficiency, they may also start and stop equipment to record data and analyze it.

32. Tractor-trailer truck driver

National average salary: $61,328 per year

The tractor-trailer truck driver primarily drives a tractor-trailer combination truck between cities and over long distances to transport products, materials, or livestock. They help supervise freight loading and unloading, secure the freight to prevent damage, and ensure that the weight limits are not exceeded. Drivers also have to record their hours, maintain the truck, report any mechanical errors, and follow safety procedures and guidelines set by their employer.

33. Teacher

Average Annual Salary: $46,000

There is always a high demand for teachers, regardless of the age group you are targeting. If you have a particular subject that you are interested in teaching, then becoming an expert on that topic can help you find work with students or adults.

Becoming an elementary teacher is a great way to work with kids and help them learn all sorts of subjects.

No matter which route you choose, you will be able to use your problem-solving, conflict management, interpersonal, and organizational skills as a teacher.

Requirements needed:

To become a teacher in the United States, you need a bachelor’s degree, completion of a state-approved teacher education program, a successful background check, and passage of one of the following tests: the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) or Praxis II.

34. CNC Machinist

Average Annual Salary: $37,000

CNC machinists use computer-controlled machines to create metal parts and tools. These machines help the machinist create items with precise, repeatable patterns.

CNC machinists oversee the entire production process, from designing the product, choosing the materials, and inspecting the finished item.

CNC machinists are typically found in machine shops and manufacturing facilities, working in aerospace and automotive manufacturing and engineering industries.

Requirements needed:

To become a CNC operator or machinist, you will need to earn a certification from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS). This certification can be earned at a postsecondary trade or technical school.

35. Welder

Average Annual Salary: $33,000

Welders are skilled at fusing metal parts together. They can work on buildings, bridges, power plants, cars, or even ships – anything with a significant amount of metal construction.

Welding is a challenging job, but it pays well and provides the satisfaction of working with your hands.

Becoming a welder takes many hours of hard work, but there are many pathways to success.

Requirements needed:

welding programs are available at many types of colleges and trade schools. Some companies also offer on-the-job training programs and apprenticeships.

If you want to become a highly specialized welder, you can complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in welding.