The $78,000+ Career Path: 5 Crucial Facts About Roofers Local Union 36 In Los Angeles

Roofers Local Union 36, based in Los Angeles, California, stands as a cornerstone of the construction industry in Southern California, representing thousands of skilled roofers, waterproofers, and allied workers. As of December 17, 2025, the union continues its mission to secure superior wages, comprehensive benefits, and rigorous safety standards for its members through strong collective bargaining agreements with signatory contractors. This article provides the most current and essential information on Local 36, detailing its leadership, the highly sought-after apprenticeship program, and the impressive journeyman wage scale that makes a career in union roofing a highly lucrative and stable choice in the competitive Los Angeles market. The union's focus remains on training the next generation of craftsmen while defending its jurisdictional territory and improving the lives of its working families.

The United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local 36 has a rich history of advocacy, extending its influence across Los Angeles and partnering with other locals, such as Local 220, to cover the vast Southern California region. From commercial waterproofing projects on downtown skyscrapers to residential roofing repairs, Local 36 members are recognized for their high level of craftsmanship, a direct result of their commitment to world-class training. The latest news includes updates on their leadership, training facility improvements, and a renewed focus on political engagement to protect workers' rights and union job security.

Leadership Profile: Cliff Smith, Business Manager (Biography)

Roofers Local Union 36 is helmed by a dedicated team of elected officials who manage the union's operations, collective bargaining, and political advocacy. The most prominent leader is the Business Manager, who serves as the chief executive officer and primary negotiator for the local.

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• Name: Cliff Smith
• Primary Role: Business Manager / Financial Secretary-Treasurer
• Term Status: Currently serving his third elected term.
• Key Responsibilities: Overseeing all union operations, negotiating Master Labor Agreements, managing the union's finances, and directing political and organizing campaigns.
• Recent Activity: Smith is known for his strong stance on protecting the union's jurisdiction, including publicly addressing jurisdictional challenges from other trades like the UBC (United Brotherhood of Carpenters). His leadership is focused on aggressive organizing of non-union workers and ensuring fair competition for union signatory contractors.
• 2024 Compensation: According to recent Department of Labor filings (covering the period up to late 2024), the Business Manager's total compensation for the period was reported at over $105,000, reflecting the high-level responsibilities of the position.
• Other Key Official: Javier Rodriguez serves as the Sergeant-At-Arms, a role crucial for maintaining order and security at union meetings and events.

The Southern California Roofers JATC: Your Path to a Journeyman Card

The core strength of Roofers Local 36 is its commitment to training, delivered through the Southern California Roofers & Waterproofers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC). This rigorous, employer-sponsored program is the gold standard for becoming a skilled union roofer or waterproofer.

World-Class Apprenticeship Training

The JATC program is a comprehensive, multi-year commitment that combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction at the training facility in Pomona, CA. It is designed to produce highly competent journeymen capable of handling complex projects, adhering to the highest safety standards, and mastering the latest roofing technologies.

• Location: Pomona, CA (The JATC facility serves the entire Southern California region, including Local 36’s jurisdiction).
• Program Duration: Apprentices typically complete a program of several years, progressing through various pay tiers as they gain experience and hours.
• Key Skills Taught:
  • Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
  • Single-Ply Roofing (TPO, PVC, EPDM)
  • Tile, Slate, and Shingles Installation
  • Green Roof and Photovoltaic (Solar) Integration
  • Advanced Waterproofing and Dampproofing Techniques
  • Construction Safety (OSHA 10/30, Fall Protection)
• Leadership: The program is managed by key personnel, including the Apprenticeship Coordinator, Guadalupe Corral.

The Financial Incentive: Apprentice Pay Progression

Unlike traditional schooling, apprentices are paid from day one, with wages increasing significantly as they advance. While specific Local 36 apprentice rates are tied to the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), they are structured as a percentage of the Journeyman wage. This ensures a clear, upward financial trajectory for every participant.

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The 2025 Wage Rate: Why Union Roofing Pays More in Los Angeles

The most compelling reason to join Roofers Local Union 36 is the superior wage and benefits package secured through the Master Labor Agreement (MLA). These agreements ensure that members receive not only high hourly pay but also a robust benefits package that provides financial security.

Journeyman Roofer Wages (2025 Projections)

The union structure provides a clear, documented pay scale that significantly outpaces non-union competitors in the Los Angeles area. The combination of hourly wages and employer-paid fringe benefits (Health & Welfare, Pension, etc.) results in a Total Package Rate that provides a comfortable living in high-cost Southern California.

• Estimated Hourly Wage (On the Check): Approximately $39.42 per hour (Based on 2025 projections).
• Estimated Annual Salary (Based on 2000 hours): Approximately $78,840.00.
• Total Package Rate: The full cost to the contractor, including all benefits, is significantly higher, often exceeding $59.45 per hour (including fringe benefits like health, pension, and training contributions).

Comprehensive Benefits Package

The value of a union contract extends far beyond the hourly wage. Local 36 members receive a full suite of benefits, which are entirely employer-funded under the collective bargaining agreement. This is a major factor in the union’s topical authority and appeal.

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• Health & Welfare: High-quality medical, dental, and vision coverage for members and their families.
• Pension Fund: A secure retirement plan, ensuring financial stability after a long career in the trades.
• Annuity/401k: Additional retirement savings vehicles contributed to by the employer.
• Training Fund: Contributions that fund the JATC, ensuring the program remains tuition-free for apprentices.
• Vacation/Holiday Fund: Money set aside by the employer to provide paid time off.

Jurisdiction, Contractors, and Recent Union Updates

Local 36's jurisdiction is generally centered around Los Angeles County, but its influence is felt throughout Southern California. The union works closely with signatory roofing contractors to ensure all projects are staffed with skilled, certified workers.

Southern California Coverage

The Master Labor Agreement for the region is often negotiated in conjunction with other local unions, such as Local 220 (Orange County/Santa Ana), creating a cohesive labor market for union roofing in the region. This combined effort ensures that high standards and fair wages are maintained across a large geographical area, including key construction hubs in Los Angeles, Ventura, and potentially parts of San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

Key Entities and LSI Keywords

To fully understand the ecosystem of union roofing in Southern California, it is essential to recognize the network of entities involved. The union's strength comes from its affiliation with the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers (UURWAW) at the national level.

Important LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords and entities to note include:

• Union Roofing Contractors Los Angeles
• Roofers Local 36 Health and Welfare Fund
• Union Roofers Administrative Fund
• Southern California Master Labor Agreement
• Journeyman Roofing Certification
• Commercial Waterproofing Careers
• Construction Employers Association (CEA)

Defending the Trade: Jurisdictional and Political Action

A major ongoing activity for Business Manager Cliff Smith and Local 36 is the defense of their trade's jurisdiction. Recent union bulletins have specifically addressed challenges from other trades attempting to claim roofing and waterproofing work, such as the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC). This aggressive defense ensures that the work remains with the skilled members of Local 36, protecting job opportunities and the integrity of the roofing craft. The union also maintains an active political presence, with Cliff Smith himself engaging in local political races to ensure that pro-labor policies and project labor agreements (PLAs) are adopted across the city and county of Los Angeles.