Sprinkler Fitter
UA Local 417
Design and install the fire suppression systems that protect buildings, hospitals, and warehouses.
Starting Pay
$24.09/hr
1st year apprentice
Journeyman Pay
$58.10/hr
~$116k/year
Apprenticeship
5 years
earn while you learn
Total Package
$155,000+
wages + benefits
Overview
The Work
Sprinkler fitters from UA Local 417 install, test, and maintain fire suppression systems — the sprinkler heads, pipe networks, control valves, and water supplies that protect commercial buildings from fire. The work involves reading hydraulic calculations and blueprints, threading and grooving pipe, setting hangers, and commissioning the system with the fire marshal. It's precise, code-driven work largely done indoors on commercial construction sites.
Day One as an Apprentice
On your first day you'll report to a commercial job site — often a warehouse, school, or multi-story building under construction. You'll start by learning how to read fire protection drawings, identify system components, and hang pipe from overhead structure. The work is done at height on aerial lifts and scaffolding, so fall-protection training is early and thorough.
This trade is
Pay Scale
Pay increases each year of the apprenticeship as a percentage of the journeyman rate. All rates are hourly; estimated annual at 2,000 hrs/year.
| Year | Stage | Hourly | Annual Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1st Year Apprentice | $29.05/hr | ~$58k |
| 2 | 2nd Year Apprentice | $34.86/hr | ~$70k |
| 3 | 3rd Year Apprentice | $40.67/hr | ~$81k |
| 4 | 4th Year Apprentice | $46.48/hr | ~$93k |
| 5 | 5th Year Apprentice | $52.29/hr | ~$105k |
| 6 | Journeyman Sprinkler Fitter | $58.10/hr | ~$116k |
Benefits Package
Health, dental, and vision coverage through the UA health fund. Pension and annuity contributions. The fire protection industry provides stable, year-round indoor work with consistent hours.
Apprenticeship Program
5 years
Program Length
720 hrs
Classroom Hours
8,000 hrs
On-the-Job Hours
How to Apply
Apply through UA Local 417 at ua417.org or contact the hall at (651) 646-6434. Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and drug clearance. Math aptitude is tested during the application process.
Application Windows
Applications are accepted periodically. Call the hall to confirm current openings — commercial construction season (spring through fall) drives the most hiring.
Requirements
General Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license
- 18 years of age
- Pass a drug test
- Basic math skills — fractions and decimals required; algebra is helpful
Physical Requirements
- Work overhead on aerial lifts and scaffolding
- Carry pipe, hangers, and equipment in overhead positions
- Comfortable working at heights of 20–40+ feet
- Precision work in tight ceiling plenum spaces
Tools You'll Need
- Pipe threading machine (shop-provided on most jobs)
- Groove tools and press tools for no-weld couplings
- Tape measure, levels, and layout tools
- Aerial lift certification (earned during apprenticeship)
Physical Demand
3/5
Technical Level
3/5
Union Hall
Market Outlook
High Demand
Sprinkler fitters are included within BLS SOC 47-2152 (plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters), projected at 5% national growth 2024–2034 (faster than average) and 6% MN growth 2022–2032. Fire-protection code updates and commercial retrofits drive steady demand.
Next Steps
Ready to learn more or apply? Here's what to do right now.
Wage source: Journeyman base hourly rate is sourced from the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry Commercial Prevailing Wage Schedule (effective 2025-12-22), which is derived from the prevailing collective bargaining agreement for Twin Cities Metro. Total package (with fringe benefits) is higher than the base rate shown. Apprentice progression rates are calculated as standard percentages of journeyman scale and may differ slightly from the actual CBA. This page is not affiliated with UA Local 417 or any union. Verify all information — including current pay rates, application windows, and requirements — directly with UA Local 417.