Ironworker salary
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What an ironworker does
Ironworkers erect the structural steel and reinforcing that buildings and bridges are built on. Well paid, highly skilled and not for anyone uneasy at height.
Day-to-day duties
- Erect structural steel frames
- Place and tie reinforcing bar
- Bolt, weld and align steel members
- Rig and signal for crane lifts
- Work at height with fall protection
Skills employers look for
- Genuine comfort at extreme height
- Rigging and signalling
- Welding and bolting
- Physical strength and stamina
Requirements
- Apprenticeship (typically 3–4 years, paid)
- Welding certification for many positions
- OSHA and fall protection training
- Excellent physical fitness
How to get started
- 1 Apply to an ironworkers apprenticeship
- 2 Learn rebar work, then structural erection
- 3 Add welding and rigging certifications
- 4 Progress to foreman or specialise in rigging
Job outlook: Driven by commercial construction and infrastructure. Travel to large projects is common and usually paid at a premium.
Common questions about ironworkers
What does an ironworker do?
Ironworkers erect the structural steel and reinforcing that buildings and bridges are built on. Well paid, highly skilled and not for anyone uneasy at height. Day to day, that means erect structural steel frames, place and tie reinforcing bar, bolt, weld and align steel members and rig and signal for crane lifts.
How do you become an ironworker?
The usual route is: (1) apply to an ironworkers apprenticeship, (2) learn rebar work, then structural erection, (3) add welding and rigging certifications, (4) progress to foreman or specialise in rigging. Employers typically look for apprenticeship (typically 3–4 years, paid), welding certification for many positions and OSHA and fall protection training.
Do you need a certification to work as an ironworker?
Usually not. Most employers hire ironworkers without a specific licence, though welding certification for many positions will widen your options and often your pay.
Are ironworkers in demand?
Driven by commercial construction and infrastructure. Travel to large projects is common and usually paid at a premium.
Where are ironworkers most in demand?
See the metro and rural areas with the highest concentration of this work, ranked from Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data.
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Pay figures are estimates for guidance only, not an offer or guarantee. Advertised ranges come from job postings on LocalWork; government figures come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Actual pay depends on experience, certifications, shift and employer.