Ironworker Salary in 2026
Install iron or steel structural members and reinforcing steel for buildings and bridges.
Median Salary
$62,780
$5,232/mo
Entry Level
$41,100
starting pay
Senior Level
$88,800
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Structural Iron and Steel Workers (SOC 47-2221) at a national median of $62,780 per year (mean $70,280), or $30.18 per hour, with 68,380 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Ironworker Overview
Install iron or steel structural members and reinforcing steel for buildings and bridges.
Education
Apprenticeship
Experience
3-4 years
Industry
Trades
Total Jobs (US)
68K
5-Year Growth
+3%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$30.18/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,232
Ironworker Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Ironworker salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Ironworker Salary
$73,000
$6,083/month · $2,808/biweekly · $35.10/hr
Ironworker Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Ironworker field.
Entry-level Ironworkers earn around $41,100, while the top 10% earn $98,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Ironworkers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $74,000 | +$11,220 |
| New York | $72,000 | +$9,220 |
| Illinois | $65,000 | +$2,220 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,000 | +$220 |
| Ohio | $60,000 | $-2,780 |
Top Paying Cities for Ironworkers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $74,000 | +$11,220 |
| Los Angeles | $70,000 | +$7,220 |
| Chicago | $66,000 | +$3,220 |
| Pittsburgh | $60,000 | $-2,780 |
| Cleveland | $58,000 | $-4,780 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Ironworker Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Ironworker from entry level to expert.
$41,100
0-2 years
$65,000
3-7 years
$88,800
8-14 years
$108,200
15+ years
Related Trades Jobs
Ironworker Salary FAQ
How much does a Ironworker make in 2026?
The median salary for a Ironworker in the United States is $62,780 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Structural Iron and Steel Workers (SOC 47-2221); the mean is $70,280. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $41,100, senior professionals around $88,800, and top earners at $108,200 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Ironworker?
A Ironworker typically requires a Apprenticeship with 3-4 years of experience. Key skills include Structural Steel, Welding, Rigging. Relevant certifications such as Welding Certification or OSHA 30 can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Ironworkers?
The job market for Ironworkers is projected to grow by 4% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 68K Ironworker positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 3%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Ironworkers the most?
The highest-paying states for Ironworkers include New York, California, Illinois. In New York, the median salary is approximately $72,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Ironworker salary?
To increase your Ironworker salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Structural Steel and Welding. Pursue certifications such as Welding Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 3-4 years of experience, you can progress from $41,100 to $88,800 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Ironworker Salary
How we calculate Ironworker salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Structural Iron and Steel Workers (SOC 47-2221), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $62,780, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Structural Iron and Steel Workers; BLS mean $70,280; BLS hourly median $30.18.
- Entry-level ($41,100) and senior-level ($88,800) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +4% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 68,380 Structural Iron and Steel Workers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 3% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Trades sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Apprenticeship, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $62,780; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Ironworker compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Ironworker job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Trades
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Ironworker salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Structural Steel, Welding, Rigging), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
Explore More Job Salaries
Compare salary data for hundreds of jobs across all industries. Find out what you should be earning.