Welder
Join and cut metal with MIG, TIG and stick welding for construction and manufacturing.
- $53,750
- 3–18 months
Skilled Trades & Construction career
Ironworker
Also called: Structural Ironworker · Steel Erector · Connector · Structural Steel Worker
What ironworkers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an ironworker do?
Structural iron and steel workers erect, bolt and weld the steel beams, columns and decking that form the skeletons of buildings, bridges and other structures. The median pay is $62,780 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 3–4 years (apprenticeship), and employment is projected to grow +3.1% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$62,780$30.18/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+3.1%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year5,900Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train3–4 years (apprenticeship)Typical program length
- U.S. jobs68,300Employment, 2025
What ironworkers do
Ironworkers turn steel into skylines. Working with crane operators, they guide beams and columns into place, connect them with bolts and welds, install metal decking and bracing, and plumb and align the structure. Some ironworkers specialize in reinforcing steel, ornamental metal, curtain walls or rigging heavy machinery.
Most ironworkers train through three- to four-year apprenticeships, often with the Ironworkers union, learning rigging, welding, blueprint reading and fall protection. The work is dangerous and physical, done at height and in all weather, and it pays well for those who master it.
Typical duties
- Read blueprints and erection drawings
- Signal cranes and rig steel members for lifting
- Guide beams and columns into position
- Bolt and weld connections
- Plumb and align steel frames
- Install metal decking, joists and bracing
- Set up and use fall protection systems
Work environment and schedule
Ironworkers work outdoors at great heights on buildings, bridges and towers, in heat, cold and wind. The work is physically demanding and among the most hazardous in construction, so strict safety practices are essential.
Schedule: Most ironworkers work full-time, with overtime common on big projects. Work may require travel and can stop for high winds or storms.
A day in the life
- Attend the job briefing on the day’s lifts, weather and fall protection.
- Rig a beam with chokers and tag lines for the crane.
- Connect beams to columns on the fourth floor, installing erection bolts.
- Signal the crane operator for a column lift.
See a full day in the life of an ironworker →
Ironworker salary
Half of ironworkers earned more than $62,780 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $44,580 for the lowest 10% to $108,260 for the top 10%.
Full ironworker pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an ironworker
- Finish high school
- Apply to an apprenticeship
- Learn rigging, connecting and welding
- Become a journeyworker
- Advance
A high school diploma is typical. Most ironworkers complete a three- to four-year apprenticeship with paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction in rigging, welding, blueprints and safety.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an ironworker →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Rigging and crane signaling
- Steel connection
- Bolting and torque
- Structural welding
- Blueprint reading
People skills
- Comfort with heights
- Teamwork and trust
- Situational awareness
- Physical courage and discipline
All ironworker skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- High pay with apprenticeship training
- Exciting work on major projects
- Strong union benefits in many areas
- Travel opportunities
Cons
- Dangerous work at height
- Extremely physical
- Weather and wind delays
- Travel away from home for some jobs
Certifications and licenses
- Apprenticeship completion: Journeyworker status from a registered apprenticeship.
- AWS structural welding certification: Such as AWS D1.1 qualification for structural steel.
- Signal person and rigger certification: Credentials such as NCCCO Rigger and Signal Person.
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction: Construction safety training, often required on large projects.
Career path
- Apprentice Ironworker: Learn rigging, connecting and safety.
- Journeyworker Ironworker: Erect steel and weld connections.
- Foreman or Rigging Specialist: Lead crews and complex lifts.
- Superintendent or Steel Inspector: Manage projects or inspect steel work.
Learn the job before day one
Our Ironworker training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as rig a steel beam for lifting and make a bolted connection, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Brickmason
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Compare: Ironworker vs. Welder · Ironworker vs. Brickmason · Ironworker vs. Crane Operator · Ironworker vs. Sheet Metal Worker
Ironworker FAQ
How long is an ironworker apprenticeship?
Typically three to four years.
Is ironworking dangerous?
It involves serious hazards at height, which is why training, fall protection and safety rules are strict.
Do ironworkers weld?
Yes. Many ironworkers earn structural welding certifications.
How much does an ironworker make?
The median annual wage for ironworkers was $62,780 ($30.18 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $44,580 and the highest 10% earned more than $108,260.
How long does it take to become an ironworker?
Most people need about 3–4 years (apprenticeship) of training. A high school diploma is typical. Most ironworkers complete a three- to four-year apprenticeship with paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction in rigging, welding, blueprints and safety.
Do you need a degree to be an ironworker?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus apprenticeship.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 47-2221 (Structural iron and steel workers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Structural iron and steel workers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.