Ironworker Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$63,000
national median salary
$48,000 to $82,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$88,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$66,000
Arlington, VA
Lowest Paying
$49,000
Jackson, MS
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Ironworker salary in the United States is $63,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $48,000 at the 25th percentile to $82,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $88,000, while Arlington offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Structural ironworkers on high-rise projects earn the most due to height premiums and physical risk factors.
Ironworker salary by city
Skills that increase Ironworker pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Ironworkers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $8,820 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$8,820 per year
≈ +$8,190 per year
≈ +$7,560 per year
≈ +$6,930 per year
≈ +$6,930 per year
≈ +$6,300 per year
≈ +$6,300 per year
≈ +$5,670 per year
What you should know
Structural ironworkers on high-rise projects earn the most due to height premiums and physical risk factors. Welding certifications combined with ironworking skills add 15 to 20% to base rates. Union ironworkers in major cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco see the strongest wage floors, with journeyman rates exceeding $45 per hour.
Ironworker apprentices start at $34,000 to $42,000 during their three to four year training period. Journeyman ironworkers earn $48,000 to $70,000, while foremen and superintendents reach $72,000 to $95,000. Project managers with ironworking backgrounds earn $90,000 to $125,000 at large structural contractors.
Union benefits add $18,000 to $28,000 annually including health insurance, pension, annuity, and training fund contributions. Hazard pay for bridge, high-rise, or demolition work can add $2 to $8 per hour on top of base journeyman rates.