What the Iron Workers Union Offers
Joining the Iron Workers Union secures top wages, quality health care, secure retirement, and safe working conditions through collective bargaining agreements. Union members earn wages that are 28 percent higher on average than non-union workers, with access to health insurance and retirement security their non-union counterparts lack. The union provides comprehensive benefits including an annuity plan and a defined benefit pension plan, managed by the Iron Workers Trust Fund. Local 22 offers a starting pay range of $25.20 to $39.90 per hour, with total earnings over three years reaching $223,000 to $290,000 plus benefits. Members also gain access to Union Plus benefits and discounts automatically.
How to Join the Ironworker Trade
The road to becoming a journeyman ironworker is through apprenticeship training, which is well-organized and supervised by the Iron Workers apprenticeship program. To become an apprentice, you must have a strong foundation in math and literacy skills, a high school diploma or equivalency, and be physically fit. Qualifications also include being drug-free, having access to reliable transportation, and proof of citizenship or legal right to work in the U.S.. For experienced Iron Workers, gather your work history, paystubs, W-2 forms, letters from employers, and certifications to apply for membership. The Local 7 apprenticeship program includes classroom instruction, shop hours, and on-the-job training.
Key Data and Career Outlook
While specific BLS median wage data for ironworkers is not provided in the search results, union contracts ensure top wages significantly above non-union rates. The apprenticeship program is designed to help students gain necessary skills for a successful career. Annual openings and growth projections are not explicitly stated in the provided sources, but the structured apprenticeship system indicates steady demand for skilled ironworkers. OSHA statistics and other safety data are not included in the search results, but the union emphasizes safe working conditions as a core benefit.