Job Overview

Ironworkers are skilled tradespeople who fabricate, install, and reinforce the structural frameworks that support buildings, bridges, and industrial facilities. Their work ensures that steel and iron components are safely assembled and securely fastened to withstand heavy loads and environmental conditions.

If you enjoy physical work, have solid welding and construction skills, and want to contribute to major infrastructure projects, a career as an ironworker could be a strong fit.

$52,000
Entry Level Salary
$62,000
National Median Pay
$100,000+
Real Go-Getters Make
Source: Lightcast 2025

What Does an Ironworker Do?

Ironworker welding at work, sparks flying

What Does an Ironworker Do?

Ironworker welding at work, sparks flying

Ironworkers are responsible for assembling and securing metal structures, often at great heights. This includes work on skyscrapers, stadiums, transmission towers, and other large-scale projects. Many ironworkers are also skilled welders, able to fuse structural elements with precision.

Common tasks include:

  • Reading blueprints and following project specifications
  • Installing structural steel beams, columns, and girder
  • Using cranes, hoists, and rigging equipment to position heavy components
  • Welding and bolting connections between metal parts
  • Reinforcing concrete with rebar (reinforcing ironwork)
  • Inspecting and repairing metal structures over time

Ironworkers often work in teams and must follow strict safety protocols. Projects may take place in urban construction zones, on bridges over water, or in industrial facilities.

Ironworker welding at work, sparks flying

Career Requirements

Career Requirements

What Skills or Credentials Do You Need to Become an Ironworker?

Becoming an ironworker requires physical strength, coordination, and comfort working at heights. While many skills are learned on the job or through an apprenticeship, basic qualifications include:

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Mechanical aptitude and basic math skills
  • Comfort with heights, heavy equipment, and working outdoors
  • Welding skills and AWS certification (especially for ironworker welder roles)
  • OSHA safety training (commonly required for job sites)

Most ironworkers enter the field through union-sponsored or trade school apprenticeships, which typically last three to four years. During this time, workers gain hands-on experience and classroom instruction in rigging, welding, blueprint reading, and safety.

Salary & Career Outlook

Salary & Career Outlook

How Much Does an Ironworker Make?

Ironworkers enjoy strong wages, especially in unionized settings or large metropolitan areas. Pay varies depending on experience, certification, and project type:

  • Entry-level ironworkers: $40,000–$55,000 annually
  • Experienced ironworkers: $60,000–$75,000 annually
  • Certified ironworker welders or foremen: $80,000 or more

Union members may receive additional benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay. With ongoing infrastructure investments and commercial construction projects, job demand for ironworkers remains steady nationwide.

Training & Certifications

Training & Certifications

How Do I Get Started as an Ironworker?

Most ironworkers begin their careers through formal apprenticeship programs, which combine paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction. A typical path includes:

  • Applying to a union or trade school apprenticeship program
  • Learning welding, rigging, safety, and blueprint reading over 3–4 years
  • Earning AWS welding certifications, especially for structural or pipe welding
  • Completing OSHA 10 or 30-hour training for construction safety
  • Gaining real-world experience and building a strong work ethic

AWS offers welding certifications that are commonly required or preferred by ironworker employers. These credentials can boost employability and open the door to more advanced roles on the job site.

Ironworker Job Demand

The map below highlights current job demand for ironworkers across the U.S. Demand is highest in states with strong construction and industrial activity. Metropolitan areas and regions with major transportation infrastructure projects also show consistent hiring needs.

 

Learn More About Ironworker Careers

Learn More About Ironworker Careers

A career as an ironworker offers steady work, strong wages, and the satisfaction of helping shape the nation’s skyline and infrastructure. With the right training, certification, and commitment to safety, you can thrive in this high-impact trade.

Explore AWS resources and welding certifications to take your first step toward a rewarding ironworker career today.

Recommended Education icon

Minimum Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education

Recommended Education

Certificate in welding, metals fabrication, structural welding, etc.

Advanced Education icon

Advanced Education

Associate degree in welding, metals fabrication, structural welding, etc.

Recommended Training icon

Recommended Training

Related structural steel fabrication or steel erection work experience

Advanced Training icon

Advanced Training

Apprenticeship program

Recommended Certification icon

Recommended Certification

AWS Certified Welder