You’ve seen them. The guys walking across narrow steel beams hundreds of feet in the air, seemingly unfazed by the wind or the sheer drop. It looks intense because it is. But beyond the adrenaline, there's a practical question everyone asks: is the paycheck worth the risk? If you're looking for the short answer on how much do union ironworkers make, the national average for 2026 is sitting around $55,689 per year.
But that number is kind of a lie.
It’s a "blended" average that mixes a first-year apprentice in Alabama with a seasoned journeyman in Manhattan. In the world of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers, location and "the book" (your contract) are everything.
The Breakdown: What’s Actually in the Envelope?
When you talk about union pay, you have to stop thinking about just the "check." Union members talk in terms of the Total Package.
For instance, a Journeyman in Local 111 (covering parts of Iowa and Illinois) might see a base wage of $38.25 an hour through June 2026. That sounds solid. But the total cost to the contractor—the "total package"—is actually $70.94. Where does the rest go? It’s not disappearing. It’s funding a health and welfare plan ($13.22/hr), a pension ($9.90/hr), and annuity funds.
Why the Gap?
Most non-union jobs give you a high hourly rate but then you're on your own for health insurance or retirement. In the union, your "wage" is your take-home, but your "package" is your actual wealth.
- Apprentice (1st Year): Usually starts at 50% to 60% of the journeyman rate. In some locals, that’s about $19.35 to $22.95 per hour.
- Journeyman: The "100%" rate. Depending on the city, this ranges from $26 to over $55 per hour in cash wages.
- Foreman: Typically earns 8% to 10% above the journeyman scale.
- General Foreman: Often 15% or more above scale.
Honestly, if you're in a high-demand area like San Francisco or New York City, a journeyman's total package can easily soar past $100 per hour. In San Mateo (Zone 1 for Local 378), some contracts have hit an incredible $100.51 per hour total package as of early 2026.
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High-Paying States and Cities
If you want to maximize what you make, you go where the skyscrapers are or where the cost of living is high enough that the union has fought for massive rates.
New York and Washington state are consistently at the top of the list. In Washington, the average annual salary for a union ironworker is roughly $63,073, while New York isn't far behind at $60,925.
But check out these specific high-earning spots:
- Surry, VA: A bit of an outlier due to specific industrial projects, with averages hitting $80,093.
- San Francisco, CA: Where base wages are high, but the cost of a burrito might also break the bank.
- Chicago, IL: A massive union stronghold where the "package" is famously robust.
It’s not just about the city name. It’s about the project. Industrial work—think power plants, refineries, or "outage" work—often pays a premium. We’re talking $4.00 an hour or more on top of the standard journeyman rate just because the work is specialized or requires extra certifications like 1” SMAW or FCAW welding.
The Apprentice Journey: Earning While Learning
Nobody starts at the top. The apprenticeship is a four-year grind. You’re basically in college, but instead of paying tuition, they pay you.
In Local 808 (Orlando), a 60% apprentice starts at about $19.35/hr. Every six months or year, as you log hours and pass your classes, that percentage clicks up. By the time you're a 90% apprentice, you might be at $29.02/hr with a pension finally kicking in.
It’s a steep climb.
You’ll be carrying rods (rebar) in the mud. You’ll be the "connector" waiting for the crane. It’s physically exhausting. But by year four, you’ve got a career that can’t be outsourced or replaced by an app.
The "Extras" That Boost the Paycheck
When asking how much do union ironworkers make, you have to look at the fringe benefits that don’t show up on a standard salary site.
Subsistence and Travel Pay
If the job site is far from the "city center" defined in the union contract, you get paid to drive. In Northern California’s Local 378, if a job is over 100 miles away, you might get $80 to $90 a day in "subsistence." That’s tax-free money meant for food and lodging, but if you’re thrifty, it’s a massive bonus.
Shift Differentials
Working nights? That usually earns you a 10% to 15% bump. If you’re on the "swing shift" or "graveyard," you’re making more per hour than the guys working in the sun.
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Overtime (The Big Game Changer)
Union ironworkers almost always get time-and-a-half after 8 hours and double time for Sundays or holidays. In a busy construction season, an ironworker willing to work 60-hour weeks can easily clear $100,000 in a year, even in a mid-range market.
What Really Matters: The Stability Factor
The construction industry is cyclical. It’s boom or bust.
The real value of being a union ironworker isn’t just the $35 or $50 an hour. It’s the Annuity and Pension. While most people are stressing about their 401(k) during a market dip, union members are accruing "credits."
When you retire after 25 or 30 years, you aren't just hoping there's money left. You have a defined benefit. That’s why you see guys in their 50s still out there—they’re "padding the pension."
Getting Started: Actionable Steps
If these numbers look good to you, don't just go to a job site and ask for a hammer.
- Find Your Local: Go to the Ironworkers International website and use the "Find a Local" tool. Every region has its own number (e.g., Local 1, Local 433).
- Check the JATC: Look for the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee in your area. This is where the applications happen.
- Gather Your Docs: You’ll usually need a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to pass a drug test.
- Prepare for the Test: Most locals have a basic aptitude test (math and reading). It’s not rocket science, but you need to know your fractions—ironworking is all about precise measurements.
The pay is high because the work is hard. If you can handle the heights and the weather, it's one of the few remaining ways to reach a six-figure lifestyle without a four-year degree. Just remember to save some of that "big money" for the rainy days when the job site is shut down.