In TX most of us have BTJ Pipefitter cards. This entitles the holder to scale 27.50 which is the minimum they can pay. 90% of us make above that depending on what you know and what is in demand. 30-36 for process guys. Beware of the "Tradesman" designation. This is becoming more popular amongst contractors for those techs who wish to drop out of the apprenticeship program, or for folk who do pm's and filters. Most of them are promised eventual breakoout but never see that or even a raise.