Career comparison
Ironworker vs. Rebar Worker
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Ironworkers earn more at the median ($62,780 vs. $58,970), while ironworkers usually get to work faster (3–4 years (apprenticeship) of training). Ironworkers raise the steel frames of buildings, bridges and towers, high above the ground. Rebar workers place and tie the steel bars that reinforce concrete.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Ironworker | Rebar Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $62,780 ($30.18/hr) | $58,970 ($28.35/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $44,580 – $108,260 | $43,310 – $104,540 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.1% (about as fast as average) | -5.3% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 5,900 | 1,000 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 3–4 years (apprenticeship) | 3–4 year apprenticeship |
| Key credential | Apprenticeship completion | Ironworkers apprenticeship |
| Work setting | Ironworkers work outdoors at great heights on buildings, bridges and towers, in heat, cold and wind. | Rebar workers work outdoors on bridges, buildings and roads.. |
What each job does
Ironworker
- 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
Rebar Worker
- Read rebar drawings
- Place rebar
- Tie bars
- Set spacing
- Install chairs
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, working outdoors, and teamwork. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose ironworker if…
- I’m comfortable working at great heights
- I like physical, high-energy work
- I trust and depend on my crew
Choose rebar worker if…
- I like heavy physical work
- I like big projects
- I don’t mind weather
Still torn? Take the Ironworker fit quiz and the Rebar Worker fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, ironworker or rebar worker?
Ironworkers earn more at the median: $62,780 versus $58,970 for rebar workers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Ironworkers typically train faster (3–4 years (apprenticeship)) than rebar workers (3–4 year apprenticeship).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects ironworkers to grow +3.1% from 2025–35, compared with -5.3% for rebar workers.