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Trades & Construction

How to become an Ironworker

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there
3–4 years
Typical pay
$52k–$80k
Starting from
No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

See ironworker jobs open now

The route

  1. Apply to an ironworkers apprenticeship

    Structural, rebar and ornamental are separate tracks in most locals.

  2. Get your safety tickets

    OSHA 10 or 30 plus fall protection before you set foot on steel.

    Course that covers thisOSHA 30-Hour Construction Practice Test 2026Udemy · around $19.99

  3. Work through the apprenticeship

    Paid from the first day, with classroom nights. Connecting is taught last for good reason.

  4. Add welding and rigging certifications

    Certified welders and qualified riggers get called first when work is short.

    AWS welding certification

  5. Turn out

    Journeyman scale, and a body that needs looking after. Plan the second half of the career early.

  6. Destination

    Ironworker

    Browse jobs now

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