Ironworker Apprenticeship in Ohio

Wages, programs & career outlook
OH Median Salary
$73,560/yr
+24% vs. national
National Median
$59,280/yr
OH Employment
330
Ironworkers employed
OH Sponsors
805
Registered programs

Ohio Wage Spread

Annual wages for Ironworkers in Ohio across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$47,580
25th %ile
$59,070
Median
$73,560
75th %ile
$76,500
90th %ile
$77,880

Ironworker Apprenticeship in Ohio

At $73,560 per year, Ohio Ironworkers earn 53% more than the typical American worker ($48,060 national median). The wage premium reflects both the trade's skill requirements and Ohio's labor market.

The 24% wage premium over the national Ironworker median ($59,280) makes Ohio one of the stronger markets for this apprenticeship path.

Federal projections put Ironworker growth at 4.6% over the next decade. The trade generates about 1,500 openings per year, driven more by an aging workforce than by net new positions.

Ohio's 330 Ironworkers represent just 0.6% of the national workforce. A thinner market means fewer apprenticeship sponsors and potentially longer waits for program openings.

At 6,000 hours over 3 years, the Ironworker apprenticeship is comprehensive. You'll spend most of your time working alongside certified professionals, supplemented by classroom training in blueprint reading, building codes, and material estimation. Every hour is paid.

With 805 sponsors on record, Ohio ranks among the top states for apprenticeship access. Whether through IBEW locals, contractor-run programs, or state-sponsored initiatives, entry points are plentiful.

The wage band for Ironworkers in Ohio is narrow: $47,580 to $77,880 at the extremes. The $30,300 range means compensation is relatively standardized, often set by union contracts or prevailing wage rates.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Ohio

805 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Ohio. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
AKRON FIRE DEPT. TRAINING DEPT. Akron Summit County
Akron Area Electrical JATC Akron Summit County
Community Drug Board, Inc. Akron
ELECTRICIANS JATC, AKRON Akron Summit County
IBH Addiction Recovery Akron
Landi Industries Akron
OhioMeansJobs Summit County Akron
Oriana House, Inc, Akron Summit County
Oriana House, Inc. Akron
PLUMBERS, STEAMFITTERS & MES JATC, AKRON Akron Summit County
Summit/Medina Workforce Development Board Akron
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON Akron Summit County
Urban Ounce of Prevention Behavioral Health Services, Inc. Akron
WHITACRE GREER COMPANY Alliance Mahoning County
NORTHERN OHIO ADMIN DISTRICT CO OF BRICKLAYERS Amherst Lorain County
ORRSON CUSTOM FARMING LTD. Apple Creek
Northwest State Community College Archbold Fulton County
Sauder Manufacturing Co. Archbold
BCU Electric, Inc. Ashland
OhioMeansJobs Ashland County Ashland
INEOS KOH Ashtabula Ashtabula County
INEOS PIGMENTS PLANT 1 Ashtabula Ashtabula County
OhioMeansJobs - Ashtabula County Ashtabula
AREA 14 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD Athens Athens County
Athens Mold and Machine Athens
+ 5 more sponsors in Ohio

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Ironworker salary in Ohio?
The median annual wage for Ironworkers in Ohio is $73,560 as of May 2024. Wages range from $47,580 at the 10th percentile to $77,880 at the 90th percentile.
How many years does it take to become a Ironworker through apprenticeship?
The standard Ironworker apprenticeship is 3 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom education. Some programs offer accelerated paths for candidates with prior experience.
Is an apprenticeship better than trade school for Ironworkers?
The key difference: apprenticeships pay you during training while trade schools charge tuition. Many employers prefer apprenticeship-trained Ironworkers, but trade school can give you a head start on the classroom requirements.
Is there demand for Ironworkers?
Demand for Ironworkers is steady, with 4.6% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
Where can I apply for a Ironworker apprenticeship in Ohio?
Contact one of the 805 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Ohio, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
How much do Ironworker apprentices earn?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In Ohio, a first-year Ironworker apprentice might earn around $36,780/yr (roughly half the $73,560 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 3-year program.

Ironworker in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Ohio

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.