The Benefits of Joining IBEW Local 48
Looking for better pay, career growth, and health and retirement benefits? Electricians across Oregon and Southwest Washington are discovering the incredible advantages of IBEW Local 48 membership. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned professional, joining us provides the support, stability, and benefits necessary to expand your career and realize your full potential, empowering you to take control of your career.
What Is IBEW Local 48? 
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) has represented skilled electrical workers since its founding in 1891. IBEW members have powered North America with expert craftsmanship, innovative thinking, and the skills that keep our world running.
IBEW Local 48 is more than just a labor union for electricians in Oregon and Southwest Washington. It is a long-standing advocate for worker rights, industry excellence, and professional growth. The Local’s reputation is built on raising industry standards, securing strong contracts, and offering the training and resources electricians need to thrive in a competitive and fast-changing field.
When you join IBEW Local 48, you are not just joining a union. You are becoming part of a respected, future-focused organization that is deeply committed to creating the best opportunities for its members.
5 Exclusive IBEW Local 48 Union Member Advantages
1) Industry Advocacy & Support
IBEW Local 48 works to ensure electricians receive fair wages, strong labor protections, and safe working conditions. Joining Local 48 means gaining a collective voice that helps shape workplace policies and secure competitive benefits. As a member, you have the support and resources needed to navigate career transitions, negotiate fair wages, and build long-term stability in the electrical trade.
2) Training, Education & Certifications
IBEW offers continuing education programs, apprenticeships, and access to cutting-edge technology training to help members stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re looking to expand your skills and advance in the industry, membership gives you the tools and resources to gain new knowledge, making you a highly desired electrician. If you are thinking of making a career move into the exciting electrical industry, apprenticeships give you the skills to start on your career path.
3) Competitive Wages & Benefits
IBEW members consistently earn higher wages when compared to non-union electricians. Through union-negotiated contracts, members receive better-paid leave options, comprehensive health benefits, and retirement security, ensuring long-term stability for you and your family.
4) Community & Networking
IBEW Local 48 membership means more than just professional benefits. It means becoming part of a powerful network of professionals who have your best interests at heart. From monthly mentorship committee meetings to industry events, electricians gather to support one another and foster lasting connections.
5) Career Advancement
Being an IBEW member is a mark of excellence, reliability, and experience in the electrical industry. Membership offers access to world-class training and ongoing education, ensuring electricians stay current with the latest technologies and industry advancements. It’s a powerful way to sharpen your skills, enhance job prospects, and open the door to expanded career opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, IBEW membership sets you apart and helps you build a future rooted in quality and professionalism.
Who Should Join? 
Anyone who wants to become part of the growing electrical profession should join. Whether you’re a seasoned electrician looking for better job security or brand new to the trade, IBEW Local 48 is here to help you succeed!
If you want:
- Better wages and robust health and retirement benefits
- Stronger job security
- Access to education and training
- A supportive network of professionals
Then IBEW Local 48 membership is the right move for you!
Hear From Current Members
See what our members have to say about being a part of the IBEW Local 48 community.
I’m surrounded by some of the most inspiring, hardworking, and smart people—some of them are really competitive, too. But they’re also a lot of fun to be around, whether it’s on the job site or with my classmates. I’m so happy and fortunate to be part of this community…I can’t stress enough what the union means, not just to me, but to working Americans and to American history.
~ Steven Chang, NIETC Apprentice
I met an electrician who changed everything for me. He told me about an apprenticeship program. Meeting him was lucky because it led me to a career where I could use my hands-on skills in a big way…[Now] I also run our Ambassador 48 program, which is a platform to train our members for career fairs and speaking engagements in classrooms. This allows us to match individuals from our diverse community with schools that share similar diversity and age groups.
~ Bridget Quinn, Workforce Development Coordinator at NIETC
I’m now gainfully employed making $60.50 an hour as a Journeyman Electrician, own my own home, and have all the resources of a strong union at my fingertips. What’s more, I get to help others succeed. It’s the absolute all-time high for me.
~Michelle Thomas, IBEW Local 48 Journeyman
Become a Member of the IBEW Local 48
From stronger support to better benefits, career advancement, and continuing education, membership pays off.
Ready to secure the future you deserve? Join IBEW Local 48 today and start reaping the benefits. Learn more about the difference membership can make in your life and career.
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