Ironworker Jobs

Ironworkers, also known as structural iron and steel workers, erect metal frameworks for buildings, bridges, and other structures, including installing reinforcing iron and rebar. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for ironworkers is $61,940, or $29.78 per hour, as of May 2024, with structural iron and steel workers at $62,700 annually and reinforcing iron and rebar workers at $59,280.

The occupation requires a high school diploma or equivalent and typically involves a paid apprenticeship for training, with no formal education beyond that needed. Employment is projected to grow 4% from 2024 to 2034, as fast as the average for all occupations, with about 3,800 openings annually, many due to replacements. Common certifications include those from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), American Welding Society (AWS), OSHA safety training, and union-specific tickets from the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IWU).