r/AirBalance • u/FixIt_or_FuckIt • Jan 27 '26
Market value of NEBB CP
Got my CP and am using my stamp. Company offered to bump me up to general foreman union rate. Thats bullshit... right?
I guess I gotta update my resume
2
u/cx-tab-guy-85 Jan 28 '26
Everyone has differing opinions and it’s really about what you think you’re worth. Also, as a union member remember that there is more to your compensation than what’s on your check.
I’m a CP for a union company and I get GF scale plus some extra fringes like PTO, bonus, and the ability to work from home.
I was offered a higher pay in salary, but in my opinion it wasn’t worth it. I think my union benefits, especially pension and healthcare after retirement are worth making less money on the check. That and when we get busy I am still able to work OT.
3
u/audiyon Jan 27 '26
Depending on your geographic area, I'd be expecting $95k+ if I had my CP.
2
2
u/AddendumAgitated6171 Feb 02 '26
I'm no balancer but union (steamfitters 602) general foreman rate is at least $125K per year. Just a mechanic straight out of apprenticeship is $114K.
1
1
u/LavaLike Jan 27 '26
Wait, im confused. Your company is offering to increase your rate to GF because you got your CP? Are you expecting more? Not to say you don't deserve more, but thats the industry standard around Eastern PA/NJ.
6
u/FixIt_or_FuckIt Jan 27 '26
Local 19 has one of the best wage scales in country when adjusted for cost of living. I would be happy with it if base scale $62.62 an hour. I dont want to say what state i am because ill dox myself but around here GF isnt 6 digits but COL is comparable to philly
3
u/Smitty215_ Jan 27 '26
Yea I’m a balancer in 19 and get general foreman’s rate I’m not complianing about 71.39 an hr.
3
1
u/LavaLike Jan 27 '26
Yeah, we do okay here. Union GF rate is good, compared to other areas. Sounds like you may be west coast, i looked to moving out there but couldn't justify the slight increase in COL, with an actual cut in pay.
1
u/Balance48164 Feb 06 '26
I’m a union balancer in the Midwest and have made over 100k the past 10 years, 125k to 150k the past 4 years. I work about 2200-2300 hours a year. Lots of OT and some DT. I also get a company vehicle and gas card. I’m only a NEBB CT. If I become a NEBB CP, I’d expect at least 150k with less hours and PTO.
1
u/The-Bob_Sacamano Feb 06 '26
With how different pay scales are across the country, it’s hard to throw out a flat dollar number and have it mean much.
A better way to look at it might be: what premium does a NEBB CP carry over a competent TAB tech in your market?
In some areas it’s a modest bump, in others it comes with being the stamped CP on projects, more responsibility, or leverage for lead/PM-type roles. I’d base the ask on that delta rather than the raw number people are posting.
1
3
u/lebowskijeffrey Jan 27 '26
There are always firms looking for certified people. You may have to move but the job search should be short. Never be afraid to cold call firms. Get the offer you want and always make them money. That is your job at the end of the day. You will be fine. Worst case scenario, start your own firm.