Construction Teamster
IBT Local 120
Drive dump trucks, cement trucks, and other heavy vehicles on building and highway construction projects.
Starting Pay
$25.52/hr
1st year apprentice
Journeyman Pay
$42.53/hr
~$85k/year
Apprenticeship
3 years
earn while you learn
Total Package
$115,000+
wages + benefits
Overview
The Work
Construction teamsters from IBT Local 120 drive dump trucks, ready-mix cement trucks, water trucks, and other heavy vehicles on building and highway construction projects across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Chartered in 1903, Local 120 is the largest Teamsters local in Minnesota with over 15,000 members across multiple industries. The construction division handles material hauling, earthmoving support, and equipment transport on everything from highway reconstruction to commercial site work. You'll haul aggregate, deliver concrete, transport heavy equipment on lowboys, and operate water trucks for dust control. The work is outdoor and seasonal, with the heaviest activity from spring through fall. Local 120 runs a joint apprenticeship program with Local 346 that covers both classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
Day One as an Apprentice
Your first day you'll report to a construction site or the union hall and meet your supervisor. Expect to start with a safety orientation covering pre-trip inspections, load securement, and site-specific traffic patterns. Early weeks involve ride-alongs with experienced drivers, learning routes, backing techniques, and how to work safely around other heavy equipment on an active construction site.
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 | $25.52/hr | ~$51k |
| 2 | 2nd Year Apprentice | $31.90/hr | ~$64k |
| 3 | 3rd Year Apprentice | $42.53/hr | ~$85k |
| 4 | Journeyman Teamster | $42.53/hr | ~$85k |
Benefits Package
Full family health insurance, Teamsters pension, 401(k), and paid vacation. Benefits are among the strongest in the construction industry. Note: The rate shown is the MN DLI Hennepin County prevailing wage for Group 4 truck drivers (two-axle / dump truck) — actual rates vary by truck class (single-axle, four-axle, tractor-trailer, mechanic-welder). Contact the hall for the rate that applies to your specific job.
Apprenticeship Program
3 years
Program Length
288 hrs
Classroom Hours
4,000 hrs
On-the-Job Hours
How to Apply
Contact the Local 120 office or apply through teamsterslocal120.org. You'll need a high school diploma or GED, a valid CDL (or willingness to obtain one), and a clean driving record.
Application Windows
Check teamsterslocal120.org or call the hall for current application dates.
Requirements
General Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license (CDL required or must obtain during apprenticeship)
- Clean driving record
- At least 18 years old (21 for interstate CDL)
- Drug-free workplace — DOT drug and alcohol testing required
- Pass DOT physical examination
Physical Requirements
- Ability to climb in and out of truck cabs repeatedly
- Ability to sit for extended periods while driving
- Good spatial awareness for backing and maneuvering large vehicles
- Ability to secure loads and operate manual tarping systems
Tools You'll Need
- Work boots (steel-toed required on construction sites)
- Hard hat and safety vest (often provided by employer)
- Basic hand tools for pre-trip inspections
Physical Demand
3/5
Technical Level
2/5
Union Hall
Market Outlook
High Demand
MN DEED projects 6% growth for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers (SOC 53-3032, which includes construction teamsters) 2022–2032 with about 4,860 annual openings statewide. BLS projects 4% national growth 2024–2034 with about 237,600 annual openings — one of the highest-volume occupations in the projections.
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 Statewide. 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 IBT Local 120 or any union. Verify all information — including current pay rates, application windows, and requirements — directly with IBT Local 120.