According to the U.S. Department of Labor: In 2002, median
hourly earnings of structural iron and steel workers in all
industries were $19.55. The middle 50 percent earned between $14.45
and $26.00. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $10.81, and the
highest 10 percent earned more than $31.81. In 2002, median hourly
earnings of reinforcing iron and rebar workers in all industries
were $17.66. The middle 50 percent earned between $12.72 and
$25.74. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $10.07, and the
highest 10 percent earned more than $31.40. Median hourly earnings
of structural iron and steel workers in 2002in foundation,
structure, and building exterior contractors were $21.35 and in
nonresidential building construction, $16.98. Reinforcing iron and
rebar workers earned median hourly earnings of $18.46 in
foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors in 2002.
Many workers in this trade are members of the International
Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron
Workers. According to the union, average hourly earnings, including
benefits, for structural and reinforcing metal workers who belonged
to a union and worked full time were 34 percent higher than the
hourly earnings of nonunion workers. Structural and reinforcing
iron and metal workers in New York, Boston, San Francisco, Chicago,
Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and other large cities received the
highest wages. Apprentices generally start at about 50 percent to
60 percent of the rate paid to experienced journey workers.
Throughout the course of the apprenticeship program, as they
acquire the skills of the trade, they receive periodic increases
until their pay approaches that of experienced workers. Earnings
for ironworkers may be reduced on occasion because work can be
limited by bad weather, the short-term nature of construction jobs,
and economic downturns.
