Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using physical effort and endurance safely and effectively over time.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Using precise hand and finger movements to control tools, equipment, or materials.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Most ironworkers learn through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. PayThe median annual wage for reinforcing iron and rebar workers was $58,970 in May 2025.The median annual wage for structural iron and steel workers was $62,780 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of ironworkers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 6,800 openings for ironworkers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for ironworkers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of ironworkers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about ironworkers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Learn about training pathways and use the career details above to identify the type of apprenticeship or technical preparation to research.
Pay
The median annual wage for reinforcing iron and rebar workers was $58,970 in May 2025.The median annual wage for structural iron and steel workers was $62,780 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of ironworkers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 6,800 openings for ironworkers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for ironworkers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of ironworkers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about ironworkers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of ironworkers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 6,800 openings for ironworkers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for ironworkers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of ironworkers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about ironworkers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads.
Work Environment
Ironworkers perform physically demanding and dangerous work, often at great heights. Workers must wear safety equipment to reduce the risk of falls or other injuries.
How to Become an Ironworker
Most ironworkers learn through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
Pay
The median annual wage for reinforcing iron and rebar workers was $58,970 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for structural iron and steel workers was $62,780 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of ironworkers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 6,800 openings for ironworkers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for ironworkers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of ironworkers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about ironworkers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Ironworkers perform physically demanding and dangerous work, often at great heights. Workers must wear safety equipment to reduce the risk of falls or other injuries.
How to Become an Ironworker
Most ironworkers learn through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
Pay
The median annual wage for reinforcing iron and rebar workers was $58,970 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for structural iron and steel workers was $62,780 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of ironworkers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 6,800 openings for ironworkers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for ironworkers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of ironworkers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about ironworkers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for ironworkers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of ironworkers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about ironworkers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about ironworkers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.