Ironworker
Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads.
What the job is
- The work
- Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads.
BLS
Ironworkers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- How people get in
- Many ironworkers learn the trade through a 3- or 4-year apprenticeship; others train on the job. BLS names no ironworker license: certifications in welding, rigging and crane signaling help with hiring.
- Good fit for
- Strong, steady people with good balance who are not afraid of heights.
- Career cluster
- Construction
- Paying for it
- File the FAFSA (opens by October 1) for grants, work-study and federal loans; a Pell Grant pays up to $7,395 a year (2026–27). Average public four-year tuition and fees: $11,950 in-state vs $31,880 out-of-state (2025–26). Residency rules and regional discounts · Save with 2+2 transfer
- Your state
-
StateChoose a state
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Key numbers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, pay for May 2025.
- Median pay
- $61,910 a year ($29.77 an hour)
BLS
Ironworkers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Jobs in 2025
- 84,800
- Typical entry
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Training after hire
- Apprenticeship
Job outlook, 2025–35
- Projected growth
- +1%, which BLS calls "slower than average"
BLS
Ironworkers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Jobs added
- +1,300 over 2025–35
- All U.S. jobs
- 3.5% over the same period, for comparison
Tools overview
BLS does not publish what a starter tool set costs. Ask the school or apprenticeship sponsor which tools you must buy before you enrol.
- Ironworkers must wear safety equipment to reduce the risk of falls or other injuries.
BLS
Ironworkers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- They must be strong enough to guide heavy beams into place and tighten bolts, and tie rebar quickly and precisely.
BLS
Ironworkers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Step-by-step roadmap
The routes, step by step, the national certifications and the state licensing rules are on one page.
Ironworker: 3- or 4-year apprenticeship, rigging and welding certifications
See the roadmap
Route 1: Registered Apprenticeship · Route 2: On-the-job training
Every number links to the BLS page it came from, checked 21 Oct 2026. Education Margdarshan does not recommend paid courses. All trades