Ironworker Salary - Mid-Atlantic
Major metro markets drive some of the highest wages in the country
Wage figures reflect all ironworkers across all employment types -- union and non-union, residential and commercial, apprentice through master. Union journeymen typically earn above the state median. Non-union residential work typically falls below it. State figures are averages -- wages vary significantly between metro and rural markets within the same state. City-level data coming soon.
The Mid-Atlantic is a top-paying region for ironworkers driven by New York City, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. New Jersey leads the region at $113,220 median -- one of the highest in the country -- reflecting NYC metro union scale rates. New York at $92,610 and DC at $61,240 round out the region. The density of commercial high-rise construction and infrastructure work creates consistent demand for structural ironworkers across the region.
AIAW locals dominate structural steel erection across the Mid-Atlantic. New York City's ironworker locals are among the most recognized in the trade. New Jersey locals benefit directly from NYC metro construction activity. Philadelphia ironworker locals cover a large geographic jurisdiction across eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. DC ironworkers benefit from consistent federal and commercial construction demand. The Mid-Atlantic has some of the deepest ironworker union traditions in the country.
Cost of living is high across the Mid-Atlantic. New Jersey at 118.8 and New York at 124.7 are well above average. DC at 134.3 and Maryland at 121.1 are also expensive. Delaware at 101.7 and Pennsylvania at 96.2 offer relative value. The ironworker wage premium in New Jersey and NYC is substantial enough to justify the high cost of living for travelers on major projects.
- →Commercial high-rise and mixed-use construction in New York City -- consistent large-scale structural steel work
- →Bridge and infrastructure construction and rehabilitation across the region
- →Federal and commercial construction in the DC metro
- →Data center and industrial facility structural steel in Northern Virginia
- →Stadium and arena construction and renovation
The Mid-Atlantic is a top destination for traveling ironworkers. New Jersey and New York City pay among the highest ironworker scale rates in the country. NYC has strict jurisdictional requirements -- verify reciprocity before making the trip. Philadelphia and DC are more accessible markets for travelers. Check RoadDog Jobs and Where2Bro for current openings.
Effective wage adjusts the BLS median for cost of living -- what your paycheck actually buys relative to the national average.
| State | Median Annual | COL Index | Effective Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $113,220 +$50,440 vs. national | 118.8 | $95,303 +$32,523 vs. national |
| New York | $92,610 +$29,830 vs. national | 124.7 | $74,266 +$11,486 vs. national |
| Pennsylvania | $82,970 +$20,190 vs. national | 96.2 | $86,247 +$23,467 vs. national |
| Maryland | $71,730 +$8,950 vs. national | 121.1 | $59,232 $-3,548 vs. national |
| District of Columbia | $61,240 $-1,540 vs. national | 134.3 | $45,599 $-17,181 vs. national |
| Delaware | $59,820 $-2,960 vs. national | 101.7 | $58,820 $-3,960 vs. national |
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 - Ironworkers - Cross-Industry, All Ownership
Cost of living data provided by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC). The data has been modified for use from its original source, which is the State of Missouri. THE STATE OF MISSOURI MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTY AS TO THE COMPLETENESS, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, OR CONTENT OF ANY DATA MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS SITE. THE STATE OF MISSOURI EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Data is subject to change as modifications and updates are complete. Use at your own risk.