Ironworker Salary Guide 2026
Salary by Experience Level
Learning basic skills. Ground-level work before heights.
Starting to work at heights. Progressing toward journeyman.
Full connector or rodman. Work the iron at any height.
Run a gang. Coordinate with crane operators and other trades.
Manage multiple gangs or entire structural projects.
Salary by State
Top Paying States
Lower Paying States
Note: High-salary states often have higher costs of living. Consider local cost of living when comparing salaries.
Top Paying Metro Areas
Factors Affecting Ironworker Salary
Union Status: Union ironworkers earn significantly more with strong benefits and pension
Specialty: Structural ironworkers typically earn more than reinforcing (rebar) workers
Location: Major metropolitan areas with high-rise construction pay premium rates
Risk Premium: The dangerous nature of the work commands higher pay
Job Outlook
Employment of ironworkers is projected to grow 4% over the next decade. Infrastructure investment and commercial construction drive demand. The physically demanding and dangerous nature of the work keeps supply limited.
Interested in becoming a Ironworker?
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Salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. Data reflects national and state-level statistics and may not reflect local market conditions.