IBEW Local 5 Pay Scale 2026 — Pittsburgh, PA Wages & Application Dates
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IBEW Local 5 in Pittsburgh, PA pays journeyman inside wiremen $49.11/hr on the check. Below: the full apprentice-to-journeyman scale period by period, whether applications are open right now, how the process works, and a free alert the moment the next window opens.
Application status
Always acceptingApplications are accepted year-round.
Applications are handled by Western Pennsylvania Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (Western PA Chapter NECA / IBEW Local 5 JATC).
Official application page ↗Status last verified September 29, 2026. Source: official JATC/local site. Windows can change on short notice — always confirm details with the JATC before making plans.
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IBEW Local 5 pay scale 2026
Local 5 wages are set by the local's collective bargaining agreement, not negotiated individually — everyone in a classification earns the same scale. The journeyman inside wireman rate is $49.11/hr (2025 contract data), and the total package — wage plus health, pension, and annuity contributions — is about $85.90/hr. Apprentices earn a percentage of the journeyman rate that steps up as they progress.
| Apprentice step | % of journeyman | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Period 1 | 45% | $22.10 |
| Period 2 | 50% | $24.55 |
| Period 3 | 55% | $27.01 |
| Period 4 | 65% | $31.92 |
| Period 5 | 75% | $36.83 |
| Period 6 | 85% | $41.74 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $49.11 |
Local 5 doesn't publish its apprentice percentage steps — the table shows typical IBEW steps applied to the local's journeyman rate. Rates move with each collective bargaining agreement; confirm current figures with the local before relying on them.
What to know before you apply
Must be at least 18 years old, high school graduate or GED (17-18 year old seniors may apply before graduation and take entrance test), valid PA driver's license required for entire apprenticeship, completed at least one algebra course, $25.00 nonrefundable processing fee, and must be willing to take required tests including substance testing, physical exams, and color blindness screening. Applications and updates for the 2027-2028 school year are posted on the official application-process page.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does IBEW Local 5 in Pittsburgh accept apprenticeship applications?
As of September 29, 2026: Applications are accepted year-round. Application schedules are set by the JATC and can change on short notice — always confirm on the JATC's own site before making plans.
How much does IBEW Local 5 pay?
The journeyman inside wireman rate for IBEW Local 5 is $49.11/hr (2025 contract data), with a total wage-plus-benefits package around $85.90/hr. Apprentices earn a percentage of that rate, typically starting near 45% and stepping up each period.
How much do IBEW Local 5 apprentices make?
A first-period IBEW Local 5 apprentice earns about $22.10/hr — 45% of the $49.11/hr journeyman scale — and steps up each period to $41.74/hr in the final period before turning out at full scale. Local 5 doesn't publish its own percentage steps, so these use typical IBEW steps applied to the local's journeyman rate.
How do I apply to IBEW Local 5?
Applications go through Western Pennsylvania Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (Western PA Chapter NECA / IBEW Local 5 JATC). The usual process: submit the application with your HS diploma or GED, transcripts showing algebra, and ID; take the aptitude test; then complete a scored interview that sets your rank on the eligibility list.
What test does IBEW Local 5 use?
Most IBEW inside-wireman programs use the Electrical Training Alliance aptitude test (algebra & functions plus reading comprehension); a growing number use the broader GAN battery. Either way, your test score plus interview decide your ranking — prep before the window opens.
Related Resources
More IBEW locals near Pittsburgh
Michael Briglio
IBEW Local 134 Journeyman · Licensed Contractor · IL Educator
Michael started in the IBEW at 18 and made foreman as a 3rd-year apprentice. Thirteen years in, he’s a Local 134 journeyman, a licensed electrical contractor, a licensed Illinois teacher, and OSHA 30 and EPA 608 certified. He teaches a federally recognized pre-apprenticeship on the south side of Chicago — where he’s helped 100+ students get into the IBEW. He built Sparky AI around exactly what the NJATC exam tests and what trips people up. Prep with this and you walk in ready.
Facts on this page trace to primary sources or first-hand IBEW Local 134 experience — see sources & methodology.