How much does a ironworker make?

In the United States, ironworkers with more experience or useful certifications may earn more, and pay can differ by employer and industry. Location, hours worked, and the kind of ironwork someone specializes in can also matter.

Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings. Excludes “Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers” (47-2171).

What's a typical day like?

They read blueprints, prepare steel, and signal crane operators to move beams into place. Then they line up the pieces with levels or lasers and bolt or weld them together, sometimes outdoors or high above the ground.

In the United States, many start after high school, often around age 18, in a paid 3- or 4-year apprenticeship; others learn on the job. Classes and site training cover blueprints and safety, while welding, rigging, or crane-signal certificates can help.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

On some skyscraper jobs, ironworkers may have to walk on narrow beams 50 stories or higher.