🔧 Skilled Trades ↑ 5% growth · Average

Structural Steel Worker / Structural Ironworker

Structural steel workers erect the steel skeletons of skyscrapers, bridges, and stadiums — working at great heights to connect massive beams and columns. It's one of the most dramatic and well-compensated trades, with union wages that reflect the skill and courage the work demands.

$62,680 Median Salary
89K US Jobs
3–4 years Training
$0 (earn while you learn) Typical Cost
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💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$44,000
Median
$62,680
Experienced
$92,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

5%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Average
89K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
IMPACT Apprenticeship
Required Credential
IMPACT Apprenticeship (Ironworkers International)

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Apprenticeship
Program Length
3–4 years
Typical Tuition
$0 (earn while you learn)
Work Setting
High-rise buildings, bridges, stadiums, industrial plants
🏆 Credential Required: IMPACT Apprenticeship (Ironworkers International)

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Structural Steel Worker / Structural Ironworker involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a High-rise buildings environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Structural Steel Worker / Structural Ironworker by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC