In short
Most ironworkers learn through a 3 to 4 year apprenticeship that pays them while they work and study. Each year includes about 2,000 hours on the job and at least 144 hours of classroom instruction. Some learn through on-the-job training from an employer. The middle pay for structural ironworkers is about $62,780 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Fill out the form to hear from schools near you. The clipboard starts at "Not sure yet", since ironwork isn't on our trade list.
Quick facts
- Typical pay
- $62,780 a year, or $30.18 an hour, for structural iron and steel workers (median, May 2025). Reinforcing iron and rebar workers: $58,970.
- How you learn
- A 3 or 4 year apprenticeship, or on-the-job training from an employer.
- To start
- A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required to enter an apprenticeship. Some employer training doesn't require one.
- Useful extras
- Certifications in welding, rigging and crane signaling can make you more attractive to employers.
- Jobs and outlook
- About 85,100 jobs in 2024. BLS projects 4% growth through 2034, about average, with about 7,000 openings a year.
- Spread of pay
- Among rebar workers, the lowest 10% earned less than $43,310 and the highest 10% earned more than $104,540.
What the work is like
There are two main kinds. Structural ironworkers erect, place and join steel girders, columns and other pieces to form the frame of a building or bridge. Reinforcing ironworkers, sometimes called rod busters, position and secure steel bars or mesh in concrete forms. Either way you read blueprints, use shears, torches and welding equipment, align steel with levels and lasers, and connect it with bolts, wire or welds. You also signal the crane operators who lift the steel.
You're outside, in most weather. Ironworkers who work high up don't work when it's wet, icy or very windy, and rebar crews can be held up by rain. You may have to travel to job sites. BLS says some structural ironworkers walk narrow beams on buildings that are 50 stories or higher.
Is this for you?
It could be a fit if…
- You're comfortable at height and have good balance.
- You like physical work, and you'd rather be outside than in an office.
- You can judge distance and stay focused while a crane moves tons of steel.
- You want to be paid while you learn.
Think twice if…
- Heights are a hard no. BLS lists the ability to work at heights as one of the key qualities.
- You want a predictable indoor schedule. Weather decides some days.
- You can't travel to job sites.
Want to hear from schools and programs near you?
Ironwork isn't a tile on the clipboard, so "Not sure yet" is picked. Schools that call can talk about it.
How to get in
Apprenticeship
Many ironworkers learn their trade through a 3 or 4 year apprenticeship. Each year has at least 144 hours of classroom instruction and 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. Sponsors include unions and contractor associations, and nearly all programs teach both structural and reinforcing work. When you finish, you're a journey-level worker who can work without direct supervision. Apprenticeship Finder lists openings.
Employer training
Other ironworkers learn from their employer on the job, and how long that takes varies. BLS says the training doesn't always require a diploma.
Get ready first
Math, blueprint reading and welding all help. A vocational program can be a way to add welding before you apply. See the welder page and the certifications guide.
Pay and cost
The middle structural ironworker earns $62,780 a year. That's more than the middle for all construction trades workers ($56,490) and the middle for all U.S. workers ($49,500). The spread is wide. In the rebar group, 10% earned under $43,310 and 10% earned over $104,540.
Apprentices are paid while they learn, and they earn less than a journey-level ironworker until they finish. Ask any program about book, tool and fee costs. Paying for it, in order.
Median pay is national, May 2025, from the BLS OEWS survey. Source: BLS OEWS, structural iron and steel workers, and reinforcing iron and rebar workers. State and metro pay data from BLS.
Questions about ironwork
Do I need a degree?
No. BLS says a high school diploma or equivalent is generally required to enter an apprenticeship, and some employer training doesn't require one. No college degree.
What's a rod buster?
That's the nickname for a reinforcing ironworker, the person who places and ties rebar inside concrete forms.
Is it only for people who aren't afraid of heights?
Mostly. Structural ironwork is often high up. Rebar work is different, since it's about reinforcing concrete, but it's hard and physical too. Ask a program which kind you'd do.
Can I start without welding experience?
Yes. Apprenticeships teach you what you need. Some certifications in welding, rigging and crane signaling can make you more attractive to employers, so many ironworkers add them later.