Structural Steel Worker salary in the USA can vary a lot depending on the state, experience, type of construction work, and the employer. Structural iron and steel workers are the workers who raise, place, and connect steel beams, columns, girders, and other heavy structural parts used in buildings, bridges, industrial projects, and other large structures. According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median annual salary for Structural Iron and Steel Workers was $62,780 in May 2025. Workers in the lower 10 percent earned less than $44,580, while the top 10 percent earned more than $108,260. So, when people search for Structural Steel Worker Salary, Structural Steel Worker Salary by State, or How Much Does a Structural Steel Worker Make, the answer can be different based on where the worker lives and what kind of steel work they do.
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Structural Steel Worker Salary in the USA
A Structural Steel Worker, also commonly called a structural ironworker or steel erector, works with large steel parts that become the frame of a building or other structure. The job can include lifting and placing steel members, connecting them with bolts or other fasteners, working with cranes and rigging equipment, and making sure the steel is placed correctly. It is hands-on construction work and in many jobs the worker may need to work at significant heights.
The national median wage gives a useful starting point for understanding Structural Steel Worker pay, but it does not mean every worker gets the same amount. BLS data shows that wages can be quite different from one state to another. Industry also matters. In May 2025, structural iron and steel workers in heavy and civil engineering construction had a median industry wage of $73,470, while the median in nonresidential building construction was $61,930. Apprentices usually start lower, and BLS says apprentice pay is commonly around 50 percent of journey-level ironworker pay before increasing as skills improve.
State Wise Structural Steel Worker Salary
The table below shows the median annual salary for Structural Iron and Steel Workers by state based on the latest May 2025 wage information available through the U.S. Department of Labor's wage data. These are median wages, not guaranteed starting salaries. Some states can have much higher or lower pay depending on the local construction market, union work, experience and the type of steel project.
| State | Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $56,640 |
| Alaska | $76,970 |
| Arizona | $59,390 |
| Arkansas | $45,510 |
| California | $76,370 |
| Colorado | $58,830 |
| Connecticut | $62,400 |
| Delaware | $59,820 |
| Florida | $55,700 |
| Georgia | $48,090 |
| Hawaii | $99,860 |
| Idaho | $72,750 |
| Illinois | $101,850 |
| Indiana | $70,130 |
| Iowa | $77,400 |
| Kansas | $58,560 |
| Kentucky | $64,060 |
| Louisiana | $68,830 |
| Maine | $61,750 |
| Maryland | $71,730 |
| Massachusetts | $120,840 |
| Michigan | $62,830 |
| Minnesota | $95,320 |
| Mississippi | $50,690 |
| Missouri | $77,410 |
| Montana | $67,390 |
| Nebraska | $65,470 |
| Nevada | $62,510 |
| New Hampshire | $59,920 |
| New Jersey | $113,220 |
| New Mexico | $76,240 |
| New York | $92,610 |
| North Carolina | $48,740 |
| North Dakota | $64,870 |
| Ohio | $74,710 |
| Oklahoma | $47,660 |
| Oregon | $82,600 |
| Pennsylvania | $82,970 |
| Rhode Island | $98,320 |
| South Carolina | $50,750 |
| South Dakota | $57,050 |
| Tennessee | $56,750 |
| Texas | $52,240 |
| Utah | $58,250 |
| Vermont | $55,640 |
| Virginia | $60,260 |
| Washington | $107,660 |
| West Virginia | $71,850 |
| Wisconsin | $85,460 |
| Wyoming | $47,480 |
Note: Salary figures are annual median wage figures and can change with updated federal wage estimates. District of Columbia is not included in the 50-state table.
What Does a Structural Steel Worker Do?
A structural steel worker does more than just move steel around a jobsite. The work starts with reading plans and understanding where each steel member needs to go. Workers then use rigging, cranes, tools and other equipment to move the steel into position. Once the piece is in the right place, it has to be connected properly so the structure can continue safely.
The exact duties can change from one project to another. A worker on a commercial building may spend most of the day connecting beams and columns, while another worker may be involved in bridge construction, industrial structures or prefabricated metal buildings.
- Raise and place structural steel beams and columns
- Connect steel members using bolts and other fasteners
- Work with cranes, rigging equipment and hand tools
- Read basic construction drawings and measurements
- Work from elevated platforms and steel structures
- Follow jobsite safety rules and fall-protection requirements
How Much Does a Structural Steel Worker Make?
If you are searching How Much Does a Structural Steel Worker Make, the national median is a useful number to start with. The May 2025 BLS figure is $62,780 per year, or about $30.18 per hour when converted from the annual median. But a worker's actual paycheck can be very different from this number.
New workers and apprentices generally earn less than experienced journey-level workers. BLS notes that apprentice pay is usually about half of journey-level ironworker pay at the beginning, with increases as the apprentice learns more skills. Experience, location, overtime, type of construction and employer can all make a difference.
Structural Steel Worker Starting Salary
The Structural Steel Worker starting salary is normally below the national median because the median includes workers at different experience levels. A person entering the trade through an apprenticeship may begin at a lower wage and then receive increases as they complete training and take on more difficult work.
This is one reason it can be confusing when looking online for a Structural Steel Worker salary. A salary website may show an average or median number, while a new worker may actually see a much smaller starting paycheck. The federal wage data is designed to describe wages for workers in the occupation, not only people who are just starting out.
- Apprentice structural steel worker
- Entry-level ironworker
- Structural steel erector helper
- Journey-level structural ironworker
- Experienced structural steel worker
Structural Steel Worker Hourly Pay
Hourly pay is another common search term for this job because many structural steel workers are paid by the hour. The national median hourly wage for Structural Iron and Steel Workers was about $30.18 per hour in May 2025. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21.43 per hour and the highest 10 percent earned more than $52.05 per hour.
State-level hourly pay can move quite a bit. For example, CareerOneStop lists a 2025 median hourly wage of $36.72 in California, $44.52 in New York and $51.76 in Washington, while Florida's median was $26.78. These differences show why a person searching for Structural Steel Worker hourly pay should check the state as well as the national number.
Structural Iron Worker Salary vs Structural Steel Worker Salary
The terms Structural Iron Worker Salary and Structural Steel Worker Salary are often used in searches for the same general occupation. The federal occupation title used for this data is Structural Iron and Steel Workers, SOC 47-2221. These workers raise, place and connect structural steel members used to form completed structures and structural frameworks.
So, when someone searches for ironworker salary, steel erector salary or structural steel worker pay, it is important to check what exact occupation and wage source is being used. Different websites may use different job titles or salary calculations, which can make numbers look different even when they are talking about similar work.
Structural Steel Erector Salary
A structural steel erector is generally involved in putting structural steel into its final position on a construction project. The work can involve beams, columns, girders and other steel members. Because the job can involve heavy material and work at height, safety training and practical skills are a big part of the trade.
Pay for a structural steel erector can depend on whether the worker is an apprentice, experienced employee or journey-level worker. The project type also matters. BLS reported a May 2025 median wage of $73,470 for structural iron and steel workers in heavy and civil engineering construction, compared with $61,930 in nonresidential building construction.
Structural Steel Worker Salary by Experience
Experience is one of the main things that can change a structural steel worker salary. Someone who is new to the trade usually starts at a lower wage, while a worker who has spent several years doing steel erection, rigging and structural work can earn more. The job also has different skill levels, so two people with the same job title may not always get the same pay.
An experienced structural steel worker may be trusted with more difficult parts of a project. They may help new workers, understand construction drawings better, handle more complicated rigging work, or take responsibility for certain steel connections. This is why looking only at an average salary does not always tell the full story.
- Entry-level steel worker – usually starts at a lower wage
- Apprentice ironworker – pay increases during the training period
- Experienced structural steel worker – generally earns more with skills and experience
- Journey-level ironworker – can handle a wider range of structural work
- Foreman or lead worker – may earn more because of additional responsibility
Structural Steel Worker Apprentice Salary
The Structural Steel Worker Apprentice Salary is usually lower than the wage of an experienced journey-level worker. Apprentices learn the trade while working on real construction sites. Their training can include safety practices, rigging, welding-related skills, reading plans, using tools and understanding how structural steel is installed.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says apprentice pay is generally around 50 percent of journey-level ironworker pay when the apprenticeship starts, with pay increasing as the apprentice gains skills. The exact amount depends on the apprenticeship program, employer, location and stage of training. ([bls.gov](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/structural-iron-and-steel-workers.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
For someone searching Structural Steel Worker Starting Salary, it is therefore useful to check apprenticeship wages separately from the national occupation median. A starting worker should not expect the national median salary immediately on the first day of the job.
Structural Steel Worker Salary in California
California is one of the states where structural steel workers can earn a relatively high wage compared with the national median. The May 2025 median annual wage listed for Structural Iron and Steel Workers in California was $76,370. The median hourly wage was about $36.72.
Construction activity, large commercial projects and the cost of labor in different parts of California can all affect actual pay. A worker in Los Angeles, the Bay Area or another large construction market may see different job offers than someone working in a smaller local market.
Structural Steel Worker Salary in New York
New York also shows a higher wage level for this occupation. The May 2025 median annual wage for Structural Iron and Steel Workers in New York was $92,610. That works out to a median hourly wage of about $44.52.
New York has a large amount of commercial, infrastructure and building construction work. The actual salary for an individual worker can still change based on experience, employer, project and whether overtime is available.
Structural Steel Worker Salary in Washington
Washington had a May 2025 median annual wage of $107,660 for Structural Iron and Steel Workers. The median hourly wage was approximately $51.76. This state figure is much different from the national median, showing why Structural Steel Worker Salary by State is an important search when comparing jobs.
However, a state median should not be treated as a guaranteed salary for every worker. Individual job offers can be below or above the state figure depending on experience, project type and other employment conditions.
Structural Steel Worker Salary in Massachusetts
Massachusetts reported a May 2025 median annual wage of $120,840 for Structural Iron and Steel Workers. This is one of the higher state wage figures in the federal data. The hourly median is about $58.10.
Large construction and infrastructure projects can create demand for skilled steel workers, but the number of available jobs can change from year to year. Someone comparing jobs should also look at the local cost of living and not only the salary number.
Structural Steel Worker Salary in New Jersey
In New Jersey, the May 2025 median annual wage for Structural Iron and Steel Workers was $113,220. The state's location near major metropolitan construction markets can be important when looking at opportunities in this trade.
A worker may also find jobs that involve traveling to different construction sites. In those cases, the total compensation can depend on overtime, travel arrangements and the employer's pay structure.
Structural Steel Worker Salary in Illinois
Illinois had a May 2025 median annual wage of $101,850 for Structural Iron and Steel Workers. The state includes major construction markets, especially around Chicago, where large commercial and infrastructure projects can require structural steel workers.
For people searching Structural Steel Worker Salary in Illinois, it is worth remembering that the state median covers workers with different experience levels and does not represent the starting wage for a new worker.
Structural Steel Worker Salary in Minnesota
Minnesota reported a May 2025 median annual wage of $95,320. Structural steel workers in the state can work on commercial buildings, industrial projects and other construction jobs where steel framing is needed.
Weather can also be a practical part of construction work in Minnesota. Outdoor steel erection can be affected by winter conditions, which may influence the timing of some projects and available working hours.
Structural Steel Worker Salary in Hawaii
The May 2025 median annual wage for Structural Iron and Steel Workers in Hawaii was $99,860. Hawaii's construction market is different from many mainland states because of its location and the cost of moving construction materials.
Workers should look at the complete employment offer rather than salary alone. Housing, transportation and the general cost of living can make a large difference in how far a yearly salary goes.
Structural Steel Worker Salary in Oregon
Oregon had a May 2025 median annual wage of $82,600 for Structural Iron and Steel Workers. Portland and other growing areas can provide construction opportunities, although the amount of work can change depending on the local building market.
Workers with experience in steel erection, rigging and related construction skills may qualify for a wider range of jobs as they build their work history.
Structural Steel Worker Salary in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania reported a May 2025 median annual wage of $82,970. Structural steel workers in the state may work on commercial buildings, industrial facilities, bridges and other large construction projects.
The type of project can matter quite a lot. Heavy construction and civil engineering work can have a different wage level than ordinary building construction.
Structural Steel Worker Salary in Wisconsin
Wisconsin had a May 2025 median annual wage of $85,460. The state's construction and manufacturing activity can provide opportunities for workers who have structural steel and ironworking skills.
A worker's actual pay can also be affected by overtime. Structural steel projects sometimes have schedules that require longer hours when a project is working toward an important deadline.
Structural Steel Worker Salary in Alaska
Alaska reported a May 2025 median annual wage of $76,970 for Structural Iron and Steel Workers. Construction work in Alaska can involve different conditions from jobs in the lower 48 states, including remote locations and transportation challenges.
For this reason, workers considering an Alaska job should check the complete job offer and ask about travel, housing, overtime and other compensation before comparing it with a normal local position.
Structural Steel Worker Salary in Idaho
The May 2025 median annual wage in Idaho was $72,750. Idaho has experienced construction growth in some areas, and structural steel workers can be involved in commercial, industrial and other building projects.
People looking for Structural Steel Worker Jobs should compare several local employers because wages can be different even within the same state.
Structural Steel Worker Salary in Iowa
Iowa reported a May 2025 median annual wage of $77,400. Structural steel workers can find work in building construction, industrial facilities and infrastructure-related projects.
Workers who can safely handle rigging equipment, understand measurements and follow construction drawings can build useful skills for moving into more advanced steel work.
Structural Steel Worker Salary in Missouri
Missouri had a May 2025 median annual wage of $77,410. The state has construction work across commercial and industrial markets, and structural steel workers may work on both new construction and large renovation projects.
As with other states, the median salary is only one part of the picture. Experience, overtime, employer and the exact construction trade classification can affect a worker's actual yearly earnings.
Structural Steel Worker Salary in Ohio
Ohio reported a May 2025 median annual wage of $74,710. Industrial and commercial construction can create opportunities for workers with steel erection skills, particularly those who have several years of experience in the trade.
Someone starting out should compare apprentice wages, training opportunities and future wage increases instead of looking only at the experienced worker salary.
Structural Steel Worker Salary in Indiana
The May 2025 median annual wage for Structural Iron and Steel Workers in Indiana was $70,130. Indiana's manufacturing and construction economy can provide work for structural steel workers on industrial and commercial projects.
Workers who develop additional skills can sometimes qualify for jobs with more responsibility. Rigging knowledge, blueprint reading and safe steel connections are useful parts of the trade.
Structural Steel Worker Salary in Maryland
Maryland had a May 2025 median annual wage of $71,730. Structural steel workers can be involved in commercial buildings, infrastructure and other projects around the state.
Because Maryland is close to major metropolitan areas, some workers may also find jobs connected with larger regional construction projects. The employer and exact work location should be checked when comparing salary offers.
Structural Steel Worker Salary in Louisiana
Louisiana reported a May 2025 median annual wage of $68,830. Industrial construction is an important part of the state's economy, and structural steel workers can be involved in large industrial and commercial projects.
Workers with experience around industrial construction may have different opportunities from workers who mainly work on smaller building projects. This is another reason that job title alone does not tell the complete salary story.
Does Union Work Affect Structural Steel Worker Pay?
Union work can be an important part of the ironworking trade. Union and non-union employers can have different wage rates, benefit packages, training systems and work rules. A union job may also include benefits that are not shown in a simple hourly wage number.
Anyone comparing Structural Steel Worker Pay should look at the full compensation package. The hourly rate is important, but health benefits, retirement contributions, overtime rules and paid time off can also affect the overall value of a job.
- Hourly wage
- Overtime pay
- Health and welfare benefits
- Retirement contributions
- Training and apprenticeship opportunities
- Travel or project-related compensation
What Skills Can Help a Structural Steel Worker Earn More?
There is no single skill that automatically gives a worker a higher salary, but having more useful trade skills can open the door to different types of work. Structural steel workers often need good physical coordination, attention to safety and the ability to work as part of a crew.
Some workers also develop skills in rigging, welding, blueprint reading or supervising other workers. These skills can make a worker more useful on larger or more complicated projects.
- Blueprint and construction drawing reading
- Steel rigging and lifting knowledge
- Safe use of hand and power tools
- Fall protection and jobsite safety
- Basic welding or related fabrication skills
- Accurate measurement and layout
- Communication with crane operators and other crew members
How to Become a Structural Steel Worker
People who want to become a structural steel worker normally learn the trade through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. A high school diploma or equivalent is generally needed for an apprenticeship, while some people may enter through employer training. Math, blueprint reading and vocational classes such as welding can be useful before starting this career.
Many ironworkers complete a three or four year apprenticeship. During this time, they learn the job while also getting paid on-the-job training. BLS says apprenticeship programs generally include at least 144 hours of related technical instruction and 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training for each year of the program. After completing the apprenticeship, workers can become journey-level workers and perform more tasks without direct supervision.
- Finish high school or get an equivalent qualification
- Look for a structural ironworker apprenticeship
- Learn basic construction math and blueprint reading
- Complete required safety and technical training
- Build practical experience on construction sites
- Progress toward journey-level ironworker status
Structural Steel Worker Requirements
The Structural Steel Worker Requirements can be different from one employer to another, but the job usually requires physical strength, good coordination and the ability to work safely with heavy steel. The work is not normally an office job. Workers may spend most of the day outside and sometimes at significant heights.
Structural steel workers also need to communicate well with other members of the crew. A crane operator, rigger, foreman and steel erector all need to work together because even a small mistake while moving or connecting a large steel member can create a serious safety problem.
- Ability to work at heights
- Good physical condition for demanding construction work
- Ability to follow safety instructions
- Basic understanding of measurements
- Ability to read construction drawings
- Comfort working outdoors in different weather
- Willingness to work as part of a construction crew
Is Structural Steel Work a Good Career?
Structural steel work can provide a long-term skilled trade career for people who like hands-on construction work. The job is physically demanding and there are real safety risks, so it is not the right type of work for everyone. But workers who learn the trade can build skills that are useful across commercial construction, industrial construction and infrastructure projects.
The salary is also one reason people search for Structural Steel Worker Jobs and Structural Steel Worker Salary. The national median annual wage was $62,780 in May 2025, which was above the median wage for all occupations of $50,980.
Structural Steel Worker Job Outlook
The job outlook for structural steel workers is connected to construction activity, new buildings, industrial projects and infrastructure work. BLS projects employment for structural iron and steel workers to grow by about 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, with employment projected to increase from about 68,300 workers in 2025 to about 70,400 in 2035.
This does not mean every year will have the same amount of hiring. Construction work can move up and down depending on the economy, building projects and local demand. There will also be job openings when experienced workers retire or leave the occupation for another job.
BLS projects about 6,800 openings per year on average across the broader ironworker occupations during 2025–2035. Many of these openings are expected to come from replacing workers who leave the occupation rather than from new employment growth alone.
Where Do Structural Steel Workers Work?
Structural steel workers can work in several parts of the construction industry. The largest employment group is foundation, structure and building exterior contractors. Other workers are employed in nonresidential building construction, manufacturing, heavy and civil engineering construction and building equipment contractors.
This means the daily work can look different depending on the employer. One worker may spend most of the week on a commercial building, while another may work on an industrial structure, bridge project or prefabricated metal building.
- Commercial building construction
- Industrial construction
- Bridge and infrastructure projects
- Heavy and civil engineering construction
- Prefabricated metal building projects
- Manufacturing-related construction work
- Large building repair and rehabilitation projects
What Can Affect a Structural Steel Worker Salary?
There is no single salary number that applies to every structural steel worker. The national median is useful for comparison, but the actual pay offered to one worker can be very different from another worker's paycheck.
Location is one of the biggest differences. The state salary table above shows large gaps between states. Experience, industry, overtime, apprenticeship level and employer can also change the final yearly income.
- State and local construction market
- Years of experience
- Apprentice or journey-level status
- Type of construction project
- Union or non-union employment
- Overtime hours
- Specialized trade skills
- Employer and location of the jobsite
Structural Steel Worker Salary and Overtime
Overtime can make a noticeable difference in yearly earnings for workers who are paid hourly. A structural steel worker may work longer hours when a project has an important deadline or when a particular phase of construction needs to be completed quickly.
However, overtime is not guaranteed. It depends on the employer, project schedule, local rules and the worker's employment arrangement. This is why it is better to compare the regular hourly wage and overtime policy separately instead of adding overtime into a normal salary figure.
Structural Steel Worker Salary Compared With Other Construction Jobs
People searching for a Structural Steel Worker Salary often compare this career with other construction trades. BLS reported a May 2025 median annual wage of $62,780 for structural iron and steel workers. For comparison, the overall median for construction trades workers was $58,150.
But salary is only one part of choosing a trade. Training time, physical demands, job location, work schedule and the type of construction a person prefers can all matter when comparing different jobs.
Structural Steel Worker vs Ironworker
The terms Structural Steel Worker and Ironworker can create some confusion when people search for salary information. The federal BLS occupation group called Ironworkers includes structural iron and steel workers as well as reinforcing iron and rebar workers.
For May 2025, BLS reported a median annual wage of $62,780 specifically for structural iron and steel workers. The median for the broader ironworker occupation was $61,910, while reinforcing iron and rebar workers had a median of $58,970.
So, when researching salary, it is important to check the exact occupation instead of using the word "ironworker" alone. This helps avoid mixing structural steel work with reinforcing rebar work.
What Does a Structural Steel Worker Do Every Day?
A normal workday can start with a safety meeting and a review of the day's construction plan. Workers may then prepare steel members, rig them for lifting and communicate with crane operators while the pieces are moved into position. After the steel is placed, workers align and connect it using bolts, welds or other approved methods.
The job can involve a lot of movement, climbing, bending and carrying. Workers also have to pay close attention to the work around them because cranes, heavy steel and other construction equipment are normally operating nearby.
- Review construction plans and instructions
- Prepare steel for lifting
- Attach slings and other rigging equipment
- Signal or communicate with crane operators
- Position and align steel members
- Connect steel with bolts, wire or welds
- Check measurements and alignment
- Follow fall-protection and other safety procedures
Is a College Degree Needed to Become a Structural Steel Worker?
A four-year college degree is generally not required for this career. Structural steel workers usually learn through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required to enter an apprenticeship, and practical construction training is an important part of learning the trade.
This can make the career interesting for people who prefer learning a practical skill instead of spending several years in a traditional college program. Still, apprenticeship training takes time, and the work itself can be physically demanding.
Structural Steel Worker Apprenticeship
A Structural Steel Worker Apprenticeship combines classroom-style technical instruction with paid job training. Apprentices learn how to use tools, understand construction drawings, work safely around cranes and steel, and perform the basic tasks needed on a jobsite.
Many apprenticeship programs last three or four years. During the training period, apprentices gradually take on more difficult work and receive wage increases as they gain skills. BLS reports that many ironworker apprenticeships are sponsored by unions and contractor associations.
Structural Steel Worker Salary After Apprenticeship
After completing an apprenticeship, a worker can become a journey-level structural ironworker. At this stage, the worker has more practical experience and can perform a wider range of tasks without direct supervision.
The salary after apprenticeship is not one fixed number. Some workers may earn close to the local market median, while others can earn more or less depending on location, employer, overtime and project type. The BLS national median of $62,780 is therefore better used as a broad reference point rather than a promise of what a newly qualified worker will earn.
Highest Paying Areas for Structural Steel Workers
Salary data shows that some states have much higher median wages than others. For example, the 2025 state data used in this article shows high median wages in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington and Illinois. This does not mean every job in those states pays the same amount, but it shows how much location can change the salary picture.
Local wages can also be different inside the same state. CareerOneStop provides wage information at the state and metropolitan-area level, and its current Structural Iron and Steel Workers data comes from the U.S. Department of Labor's BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
Structural Steel Worker Salary: Final Takeaway
The Structural Steel Worker Salary in the USA depends on more than just the job title. The latest May 2025 BLS data puts the national median annual wage for structural iron and steel workers at $62,780, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $44,580 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $108,260.
State can make a big difference, and the state salary table shows that clearly. Experience is also important because an apprentice normally starts below the journey-level wage and gets increases while learning the trade. Overtime, union or non-union work, project type and specialized skills can also affect total earnings.
For someone thinking about this career, structural steel work can be a practical skilled-trade path without the need for a four-year college degree. Most workers learn through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training, and the work can lead to journey-level positions after the required training is completed. At the same time, it is important to understand that the work is physically demanding and can involve working at heights and around heavy equipment, so safety training is a major part of the job.
When checking a real job offer, it is better to look at the complete package instead of salary alone. The hourly wage, overtime, benefits, retirement contributions, travel requirements, training and the local cost of living can all make a difference in what a Structural Steel Worker actually earns and takes home.
For current salary research, workers should check the latest federal and state wage information because wage estimates are updated over time. The figures in this article are based mainly on May 2025 wage data and the current BLS occupational information available for Structural Iron and Steel Workers.