Ironworker careers
Structural iron and steel workers install steel frameworks for buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure.
What does a ironworker do?
Structural iron and steel workers position and secure framework for buildings, bridges, and other projects.
Construction work is often outdoors and may involve heights, heavy material, and coordinated crews.
Ironworker career snapshot
- U.S. median annual pay
- $61,910 (May 2025)
- Projected U.S. employment change
- +1% (2025–35)
- Typical training path
- 3–4 yr apprenticeship
These national figures are context, not a guarantee of local pay or job availability. The linked BLS figures refer to structural iron and steel workers, not reinforcing iron and rebar workers. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.
How to get started
Compare supervised practice in layout, rigging, steel placement, and site safety. Structural and reinforcing work have different tasks; check which a program covers.
Compare any program or apprenticeship with the BLS occupational profile and with current local employer requirements. Training routes can differ by location and employer.
Questions to ask before choosing training
- Will you practice structural steel or a different kind of ironwork?
- How are job-site safety and supervised work taught?
Find a real next step
Search nearby schools and apprenticeship sponsors, or browse current Ironworker jobs. The map identifies institutions and registered sponsors; it does not confirm that a school teaches ironworker or that a sponsor has an open position. Review each listing directly.