2

Entry Level Union Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Union information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$33

How much do entry level union jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level union in California is $19.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.54 and $21.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level union members, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level union members often face challenges such as learning to navigate complex workplace policies, understanding union contracts, and adapting to a new team environment. It can also be daunting to build relationships with more experienced colleagues and become familiar with union procedures and representation. To overcome these challenges, new members are encouraged to participate in union meetings, seek guidance from union stewards or mentors, and take advantage of training programs offered by the union. This involvement helps them become more confident in their roles and better equipped to advocate for their rights and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level union worker, and why are they important?

To excel as an Entry Level Union Worker, you generally need a high school diploma or GED, a strong work ethic, physical stamina, and the ability to follow safety protocols. Familiarity with basic hand tools, machinery, and sometimes OSHA safety certifications are commonly required, depending on the industry. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills that help you integrate with crews and supervisors. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, efficient operations and to uphold union standards in the workplace.

What are entry level union jobs?

Entry level union jobs are positions within a labor union that typically require little to no prior experience in the field. These jobs allow individuals to join a unionized workforce, often providing better wages, job security, and benefits compared to non-union positions. Common entry level union jobs include roles in construction, manufacturing, public services, and transportation. Workers in these positions may receive on-the-job training and have opportunities for advancement within the union. Joining a union at the entry level can be a strong foundation for a stable and rewarding career.

What is the difference between Entry Level Union vs Entry Level Non-Union?

AspectEntry Level UnionEntry Level Non-Union
CredentialsMay require union membership or certificationTypically no union-specific credentials needed
Work EnvironmentUnionized workplaces with collective bargainingNon-unionized workplaces, more flexibility
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in construction, manufacturing, public sectorWidespread across various industries including retail, hospitality
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by job seekers interested in union benefitsCompared for flexibility and independent employment options

Entry Level Union jobs typically involve union membership, collective bargaining, and are common in industries like construction and manufacturing. Entry Level Non-Union roles usually offer more flexibility, with no union requirements, and are prevalent across diverse sectors. Understanding these differences helps job seekers choose roles aligned with their preferences for benefits, work environment, and job security.

What are the most commonly searched types of Union jobs in California? The most popular types of Union jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Union jobs in California? For Entry Level Union jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Union jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Union jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Union jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Union job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Union job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,307 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Entry Level Refrigeration Tradesman (Union) - Commercial & Industrial

CoolSys

San Jose, CA • On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


CoolSys rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 278 rated repair and maintenance companies


Job description

Overview

With over 150 years of experience,CoolSys is the market-leading indoor environment solutions company. Our full spectrum of best-in-class services includes HVAC & refrigeration installations, remodels, service & maintenance; and energy solutions, including controls and lighting.CoolSys serves customers in the retail, commercial, food service, educational, healthcare, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Southern California, CoolSys has more than 2,000 highly trained, field-based service and installation experts, serving more than 45,000 customer locations across North America daily. 
WHAT WE OFFER  
We are a large company serving many unique customers – because of this, we provide job stability and long-term opportunities for career growth. We invest in our technicians by offering:

  • Competitive Compensation: Hourly UNION pay $23-$26hr 
  • Ongoing Education & Training: Access to state-of-the-art facilities and paid online training.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: UNION Benefits 
  • Year-Round, Diverse Work: Stay engaged with consistent, interesting projects throughout the year, working across various industries and systems to keep learning and growing.

Join us and advance your career while working with top-tier clients in the HVAC and refrigeration industry!


Responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible to assist in the repair and overhaul equipment, refrigeration, heating and ventilation equipment to ensure customer needs are met efficiently, accurately and on-time.

Install equipment, in accordance with project requirements and under direction of a senior technician:

o Apprentice 1–HVAC: air handler drains, piping for split systems, overhead duct hangers and duct work, etc.

o Apprentice 1–Refrigeration: display case drains, walk in box drains, overhead hangers and piping, etc.

· Perform all assigned work in a safe and responsible manner. Use power and hand tools, powered vehicles, machinery, and PPE as directed and required by Source, customer, and contract policy.

· Escalate problems and concerns (safety, quality of work, etc.) to on-site senior technicians or project managers promptly.

· Maintain clean and professional jobsites/work areas at all time. Properly store, disassemble, or remove all spare and waste materials created on assigned jobsites.

· Provide assistance and support to senior technician/s on a job.

· Carry out all responsibilities in an honest, ethical and professional manner.

· Perform other duties as assigned.


Qualifications

· Education or experience equivalent to a High school diploma, GED, or completion from trade program or technical school.

· 1+ years of experience in the construction, refrigeration, HVAC, or other related industry/trade preferred.

· Ability to operate a scissor lift or forklift preferred.

· Knowledge of jobsite safety, ability to perform work in accordance with safe work practices and rules.

· Ability to use basic power and hand tools including drills, fuel gas tools, electrical meters, measurement tools, etc.

· Ability to be punctual and dependable.

· Ability to work in a variety of working conditions, including scaling ladders to various heights, outdoors in hot/cold temperatures, in noisy environments, etc.

· Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations including fractional addition/subtraction, multiplication, division, and measurements.

· Ability to read, write and communicate timely, clearly and concisely.

· Ability to work constructively in a team environment and follow instructions from senior technician.

· Ability to understand and follow all company policies and procedures and all applicable State and Federal laws.

· Good driving record.


Join Us

Today, there are 26 different companies that make up the CoolSys family of brandsOur valued employees are at the heart of our continued growth and success. We invite you to be part of that growth! 

Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter 

Coolsys is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified individuals - Including all ages, colors, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics are encouraged to apply.  

Pre-employment background screening (criminal and MVR for driving positions) and drug testing arerequiredfor all positions. Coolsys will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with federal law, state law, or local ordinance. 

Qualifications:

· Education or experience equivalent to a High school diploma, GED, or completion from trade program or technical school.

· 1+ years of experience in the construction, refrigeration, HVAC, or other related industry/trade preferred.

· Ability to operate a scissor lift or forklift preferred.

· Knowledge of jobsite safety, ability to perform work in accordance with safe work practices and rules.

· Ability to use basic power and hand tools including drills, fuel gas tools, electrical meters, measurement tools, etc.

· Ability to be punctual and dependable.

· Ability to work in a variety of working conditions, including scaling ladders to various heights, outdoors in hot/cold temperatures, in noisy environments, etc.

· Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations including fractional addition/subtraction, multiplication, division, and measurements.

· Ability to read, write and communicate timely, clearly and concisely.

· Ability to work constructively in a team environment and follow instructions from senior technician.

· Ability to understand and follow all company policies and procedures and all applicable State and Federal laws.

· Good driving record.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What CoolSys employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom