What does an ironworker do?
- Raise, place and connect steel beams and columns.
- Set and tie reinforcing bars (rebar) for concrete.
- Signal crane operators and guide heavy loads into place.
- Bolt, weld and cut steel to fit.
Where do ironworkers work?
- High-rise and commercial construction
- Bridges, highways and industrial plants
- Outdoors, often high above the ground
Is a career as an ironworker right for you?
It could be a good fit if:
- You're comfortable at heights and like physical work.
- You work well as part of a tight crew.
- You like seeing a structure take shape.
How to become an ironworker
Most ironworkers learn through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training, often through a union local.
How much do ironworkers make?
The median pay for ironworkers in the U.S. was $61,910 a year in May 2025, and most earned between $43,310 to $104,540 a year. Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage: pay usually rises with experience, licenses and specialty.
Ironworker pay by state
| State | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| United States | $62,780 |
| Massachusetts | $120,840 |
| New Hampshire | $59,920 |
Job outlook for ironworkers
U.S. employment of ironworkers is projected to change by +1% (slower than average) from 2025 to 2035, with about 6,800 openings each year on average. There were 84,800 ironworker jobs in the U.S. in 2025.
Things to know
- Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage. Pay rises with experience and skills.
- Ironwork is physically demanding and among the more dangerous trades, often at great heights. Safety gear and training are essential.
- Figures cover structural and reinforcing ironworkers together.
Ironworker FAQ
What does an ironworker do?
Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel that form and support buildings, bridges and roads. Typical work includes: raise, place and connect steel beams and columns; set and tie reinforcing bars (rebar) for concrete; signal crane operators and guide heavy loads into place; bolt, weld and cut steel to fit.
How do you become an ironworker?
Most ironworkers learn through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training, often through a union local.
How much do ironworkers make?
The median pay for ironworkers in the U.S. was $61,910 a year (May 2025, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Ironworkers). Most earn between $43,310 to $104,540 a year. Pay varies by state, experience and specialty.
Are ironworkers in demand?
U.S. employment of ironworkers is projected to change by +1% (slower than average) from 2025 to 2035, with about 6,800 job openings each year on average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Which states pay ironworkers the most?
By median annual wage in May 2025, the highest-paying states for ironworkers were Massachusetts ($120,840), New Hampshire ($59,920), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sources
Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wayforge is a career-planning tool, not an official licensing source; always confirm requirements with your state licensing board.