• Entry Level Salary

    $40,000

  • National Median Pay

    $54,000

  • Real Go-Getters Make

    $80,000+

  • Sources:  Emsi, 2022

Responsibilities 

  • Apply multiple welding techniques, metalworking concepts, and construction processes.
  • Work at considerable heights safely and efficiently
  • Analyze and interpret drawings, blueprints, and building codes
  • Positioning and tying steel rods, bars or mesh as a support for concrete
  • Erection and connecting of metal beams and columns to form structural skeleton

Education & Training

Education and training that can lead to a successful career may include:

Minimum Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Recommended Education

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

Advanced Education

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

Recommended Training

Related structural steel fabrication or steel erection work experience

Advanced Training

Apprenticeship program

Recommended Certification

AWS Certified Welder

Essential Skills

  • Highly motivated and self-directed
  • Flexible and able to work in a team environment
  • Physically fit and manual dexterity
  • Comfortable working with heights
  • Mechanically inclined

Work Environment

Many ironworkers work in the field on active construction sites. Opportunities also exist in shop environments. 

Career Spotlight 

Christian Gonzalez is an ironworker at the Local 444 in Joliet, IL and explains how he got his start in welding and it has unfolded into a successful career working as an ironworker. Click the video below to see more. 

Want to see  more career spotlight videos? Check all of them out Here!

The heat map below showcases the total number of job postings for Ironworkers in the last twelve months by state. As shown, the darker the color of the state, the higher the concentration of job postings. The heat map is intended to provide insight into areas where Ironworker careers are currently in demand.

Top Industries

Industrial

Industrial

Manufacturing Facility Erection, Power Generation Shutdowns and Expansion, Heavy Equipment Installation
Infrastructure

Infrastructure

Steel Structures, Bridge & Highway Installation, Building & Structural Construction

SIMILAR CAREERS

Want to explore other careers that have similar work environments, education, training, and responsibilities?

  • Structural Steel Worker
  • Bridge Welder
  • Structural Fabricator