Harold Daggett’s Net Worth Breakdown: From Dockworker to Union Leader

Harold Daggett’s story is one of determination, hard work, and leadership. He started as a humble dockworker on the busy piers of New Jersey and climbed his way to the top to become one of America’s most influential union leaders.

As the president of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), Daggett represents thousands of workers who keep the nation’s ports running. His journey from the docks to the boardroom not only highlights his strong leadership skills but also raises curiosity about his financial success and net worth built through decades of service and dedication.

In this guide, I am going to tell you about Harold Dagget, his early life, net worth, and career journey from dockworker to union leader.

Who is Harold Daggett and why is he famous?

Harold Daggett is the President of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the largest union of maritime workers in North America. He began his career as a dockworker before rising through the ranks to become a respected labor leader.

His strong leadership, negotiation skills, and commitment to fair wages and safe working conditions have earned him respect among union members and employers alike.

Early Life, Education and Family

Daggett was born in Lower Manhattan, New York (West Greenwich Village) and spent his boyhood years in Woodside, Queens. 

He is a third-generation ILA member, following in the footsteps of his father, Harold Daggett Sr., who worked in the ILA industry for 57 years. After an honorable discharge from the United States Navy, where he served in the Vietnam era, he joined ILA Local 1804-1 in 1967, beginning his waterfront career.

Here’s a quick overview of his background:

Education:

Daggett attended and graduated from Cardinal Farley Military Academy in upstate New York.

His practical education came from his early career on the docks, working first as a mechanic and then advancing through roles such as foreman, business agent and union officer.

Family:

Harold Dagget Facts – Age, Birthday, and Height

Harold Daggett was born on May 12, 1946, in New York City, United States. As of 2025, he is 79 years old. Dagget is 5 feet 8 inches (1.72 m) tall.

Here’s a quick overview of his key personal facts:

Harold Daggett Net Worth and Salary

Harold Dagget’s exact net worth is not publicly verified and depends on assets (homes, yacht, investments) minus liabilities.

According to recent estimates, Daggett’s net worth is in the range of $6 million to $8 million. However, some lower estimates put the range at $4 million to $7 million.

Salary & Compensation

Based on union filings and press reports:

Harold Daggett earns an estimated annual salary of around $728,000 as the President of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), according to public union records and financial disclosures.

However, he earns a very high salary compared with many union leaders. Recent filings show his base pay for the ILA presidency climbed into the high-$700,000s, and total compensation (including his emeritus post at Local 1804-1) approached or exceeded $850,000+ in 2023 and nearly $954,542 million in 2024.

Career Beginnings: From Dockworker to Union Member

After serving honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era, Daggett began his waterfront career in 1967 by joining ILA Local 1804-1, located in North Bergen, New Jersey. This marked the start of a long and successful journey in the labor industry that would later lead him to become one of the most influential union leaders in North America.

Coming from a third-generation ILA family, Daggett followed in the footsteps of his father, Harold Daggett Sr., who worked on the docks for 57 years. This strong family connection to dock work and union life gave Harold both the knowledge and the motivation to stand up for the rights of longshoremen.

Key Early Career Milestones

Career Highlights in the Early Years

• Learned the ins and outs of dock operations firsthand, including cargo handling, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols.
• Gained a strong reputation among peers for being fair, honest, and deeply committed to worker welfare.
  Built leadership skills that helped him guide others and navigate the complex world of labor relations.
• Used his Navy discipline and mechanical expertise to bring a results-driven mindset to union work.

From the moment Harold Daggett stepped onto the docks, he proved himself as more than just a worker, he became a trusted leader who understood both the physical and personal challenges of longshoremen. These early years laid the foundation for his rise through the ranks of the International Longshoremen’s Association.

Rise Within the ILA (International Longshoremen’s Association)

Harold Daggett’s rise in the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) shows how hard work and loyalty can lead to great success.

After starting as a regular dockworker, Daggett worked his way up step by step, earning the trust and respect of his fellow longshoremen. His strong voice for fairness and worker safety helped him become one of the most respected leaders in the union.

His Journey to the Top

Key Achievements

• Better Contracts: Helped workers get fair pay, safer workplaces, and good benefits.
• Modern Leadership: Encouraged the use of new tools and training to keep workers skilled and safe.
• Strong Negotiator: Known for standing firm against big shipping companies to protect workers’ rights.
• Respected Leader: Keeps the ILA united and ensures longshoremen’s voices are heard across North America.

From a hardworking dockworker to the president of the ILA, Harold Daggett’s journey proves that dedication, courage, and belief in fairness can lead to powerful change.

Harold Daggett as ILA President

As president of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) since 2011, Harold Daggett has become one of the most influential voices in the American labor movement. 

Leading over 70,000 dockworkers across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, Daggett is known for his tough yet fair leadership style. He has successfully negotiated several major labor contracts that secured higher wages, better healthcare, and improved working conditions for ILA members. 

Under his leadership, the union has remained strong and united, even during times of major industry changes and global challenges.

Daggett also focuses on keeping the ILA prepared for the future. He has supported new technology training for workers, promoted job safety, and defended union jobs from automation threats at ports. 

His leadership continues to protect the rights of longshoremen while ensuring that the union remains powerful in an ever-changing shipping industry. Through determination and a deep commitment to workers, Harold Daggett has strengthened the ILA’s legacy and secured its place as a key force in North America’s maritime world.

Harold Dagget House – Where he lives

Harold Daggett lives in a beautiful and spacious Tudor-style mansion in Sparta, New Jersey, about 50 miles from New York City. His home has gained attention for its size and luxury features. The house is around 7,100 square feet and sits on nearly 10 acres of land, offering plenty of space and privacy for his family.

The property includes several impressive features such as a five-car garage, a large swimming pool, a guest house, a backyard patio, and even a wood sauna. It’s designed for comfort and relaxation, reflecting Daggett’s success after many years of hard work in the union world.

In 2004, the home was reportedly listed for about $3.1 million, though it’s unclear if he ever sold it. The house remains one of the most well-known properties in Sparta due to its size and elegant design.

Does Harold Dagget have a Business and Investments?

There is no public record showing that Harold Daggett owns or runs any private businesses. Most of his income comes directly from his work as President of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and his longtime position with ILA Local 1804-1. These union roles make up nearly all of his verified earnings.

Some reports mention that Daggett owns a home in Sparta, New Jersey, and may have real estate investments, but there is no official proof of other business ventures. Claims about him investing in shipping or logistics companies are unverified and not supported by public documents.

Summary of Harold Daggett’s net worth and achievements

Harold Daggett’s net worth reflects not just financial success but a lifetime of dedication to the American labor movement. Rising from a dockworker to the President of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), Daggett has built a strong reputation as a fearless and committed leader. 

His estimated net worth of around $8 million comes mainly from his long career in union leadership and his role in shaping labor policies that protect workers’ rights. Beyond money, his greatest achievement lies in earning the respect of thousands of longshoremen and being a powerful voice for fair treatment and equality in the workplace.

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