Ironworker vs Welder: which trade pays more?
Both trades side by side on the same BLS OEWS May 2025 data: national percentiles, union scales where a local publishes one, and the metros where both are measured.
In 2026, ironworkers out-earn welders nationally: the median is $62,780 a year for ironworkers vs $53,750 for welders, a gap of $9,030 (about 17%) (BLS OEWS May 2025). Last updated June 2026.
Ironworker vs Welder pay, nationally
| Measure | Ironworker | Welder |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $62,780/yr | $53,750/yr |
| 25th percentile | $49,880 | $46,790 |
| 75th percentile | $82,660 | $63,010 |
| Workers nationwide (BLS) | 68,380 | 416,210 |
| Highest-paying state | Massachusetts ($120,840) | Washington ($63,020) |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Wages are nominal, not cost-of-living adjusted.
Where both trades are measured: metro by metro
Metros where BLS publishes a median for both trades, ranked by combined employment. Gap is the ironworker median minus the welder median: positive means ironworkers earn more in that metro.
| Metro | Ironworker | Welder | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | $58,030 | $57,940 | +$90/yr |
| Dallas, TX | $53,600 | $51,630 | +$1,970/yr |
| Chicago, IL | $102,350 | $52,650 | +$49,700/yr |
| Los Angeles, CA | $78,040 | $56,160 | +$21,880/yr |
| Phoenix, AZ | $59,540 | $56,540 | +$3,000/yr |
| New York, NY | $102,060 | $61,680 | +$40,380/yr |
Compare by state
National medians hide big state swings. Every covered state's median for each trade is on its hub, and the compare tool puts both trades side by side in any state.
Ironworker vs Welder: FAQ
- Do ironworkers make more than welders?
- Nationally, ironworkers earn more: a median of $62,780 a year vs $53,750 for welders, a gap of $9,030 (about 17%) (BLS OEWS May 2025).
- What is the pay range for ironworkers vs welders?
- Ironworkers earn $49,880 to $82,660 a year between the 25th and 75th percentiles, with a median of $62,780. Welders earn $46,790 to $63,010, with a median of $53,750 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
- Where do ironworkers and welders earn the most?
- Among the states TradesPays covers, ironworkers earn the highest median in Massachusetts ($120,840 a year) and welders in Washington ($63,020) (BLS OEWS May 2025).
- Which trade employs more people, ironworkers or welders?
- BLS counts 416,210 welders nationwide vs 68,380 ironworkers (OEWS May 2025).
- Which trade pays more in my state?
- It varies by state. The Ironworker and Welder pay-by-state tables on TradesPays list the median in every covered state, and the compare tool at tradespays.com/compare puts both trades side by side in any state.
Already in one of these trades?
The negotiation kit is built per trade and state. Below is each trade's highest-paying covered state; for your own state, start from the pay-by-state list on the trade's page above.
Ironworkers earn the most in Massachusetts ($120,840 median).
Want the whole play, not just the number?
The full ironworker kit for Massachusetts: pay by metro, the union scale where one is public, three ready scripts, and answers to the pushback you will hear. $19, one time.
Get the full kit for $19Welders earn the most in Washington ($63,020 median).
Want the whole play, not just the number?
The full welder kit for Washington: pay by metro, the union scale where one is public, three ready scripts, and answers to the pushback you will hear. $19, one time.
Get the full kit for $19Other trade matchups
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