Career Path

How to become a ironworker

Structural steel, rebar, and rigging in the sky.

The roadmap

1
Graduate HS or GED
Strong physical condition required.
2
OSHA 10 + fall protection
100% tie-off at height is non-negotiable.
3
Apply to Ironworkers Local
Iron Workers International (IW) — apprenticeships are union-dominant.
4
Aptitude + physical screen
Math, mechanical reasoning, and a real strength/agility test.
5
Apprentice (3–4 years)
Structural, reinforcing, ornamental, or rigging — your local will rotate you.
6
Journeyman
Connector, welder, rigger, or rodbuster — pick your specialty.
7
Foreman / General Foreman
Run a raising gang. Top of the trade for boots-on-iron.

Ranges vary by region, union vs non-union, and overtime. Union pay packages include benefits worth 30–50% on top.

We send you to the federal apprenticeship.gov database — official, free, and updated weekly.

Bull pin + spud wrench

Klein 3239 — aligning bolt holes on connections.

Connecting bar

Klein 3255. The connector's lever.

Sleever bar

For prying iron into position.

Rebar tying tool

Max RB401T-E auto-tier — saves your back on big mat pours.

Welding hood + leathers

Most journeymen end up welding too.

Full-body harness + lanyards

DBI-SALA. Double lanyard for 100% tie-off.

Hard hat with chin strap

Required at height — wind will take a regular hat.

Some apprenticeships supply the heavy stuff. Always ask your local what's expected before you spend.

Build a ironworker-specific apprenticeship resume in under 5 minutes with AI.