Ironworker Salary Guide (2025)
Ironworkers erect the steel skeletons of America's buildings, bridges, and industrial structures — physically demanding work that commands serious pay in union markets. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median of $57,600 for structural iron and steel workers. In major cities with IMPACT (Ironworkers Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust) union agreements, journeymen earn $80,000–$120,000+.
Ironworker Salary by State (2025)
| State | Annual Mean Wage | Hourly Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $84,840 | $40.79 |
| New York | $89,420 | $43.00 |
| New Jersey | $82,840 | $39.83 |
| Massachusetts | $80,840 | $38.87 |
| California | $78,840 | $37.90 |
| Hawaii | $77,840 | $37.42 |
| Alaska | $75,840 | $36.46 |
| Washington | $74,840 | $35.98 |
| Oregon | $72,840 | $35.02 |
| Nevada | $70,840 | $34.06 |
| Minnesota | $69,840 | $33.58 |
| Colorado | $67,840 | $32.62 |
| Ohio | $68,410 | $32.89 |
| Pennsylvania | $67,840 | $32.62 |
| Texas | $55,840 | $26.85 |
| Florida | $52,840 | $25.40 |
| Georgia | $49,840 | $23.96 |
| North Carolina | $47,840 | $23.00 |
Ironworker Specialty Breakdown
| Specialty | Annual Salary Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Ironworker | $55,000 – $95,000 | Steel frame erection on buildings and bridges |
| Ornamental Ironworker | $52,000 – $80,000 | Decorative metalwork, railings, stairs |
| Reinforcing Ironworker (Rodman) | $50,000 – $78,000 | Rebar placement in concrete structures |
| Rigger / Machinery Mover | $60,000 – $90,000 | Heavy equipment rigging and placement |
| Welding Ironworker | $65,000 – $100,000 | Structural welding (D1.1 certified) |
How to Become an Ironworker
The primary pathway is through the Ironworkers International (IWI) apprenticeship program, which runs 3–4 years. Programs include:
- Blueprint reading and rigging fundamentals
- Fall protection and aerial work platforms
- Structural steel erection techniques
- Welding (progressing from basic to structural certification)
- OSHA 30-hour construction safety
Apprentices earn 50% of journeyman scale in year one, advancing in 6-month increments. Journeyman card = full scale wages plus access to all union work within the local's jurisdiction.
See the Ironworker Career Guide. Compare with the Welder Salary Guide.
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