Ironworker Apprenticeship in South Carolina

Wages, programs & career outlook
SC Median Salary
$47,050/yr
-21% vs. national
National Median
$59,280/yr
SC Employment
90
Ironworkers employed
SC Sponsors
1114
Registered programs

South Carolina Wage Spread

Annual wages for Ironworkers in South Carolina across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$35,300
25th %ile
$37,150
Median
$47,050
75th %ile
$59,380
90th %ile
$73,600

Ironworker Apprenticeship in South Carolina

The $47,050 median for South Carolina Ironworkers tracks close to the national all-occupation average. The value here is in the apprenticeship model: earn while you learn, graduate debt-free.

Ironworker wages in South Carolina ($47,050) lag the national median by 21%. The significant gap suggests either low demand, weak union presence, or a depressed local construction market.

The 4.6% projected growth rate for Ironworkers signals steady demand — not a boom, but reliable. 1,500 openings per year keep the pipeline of opportunities flowing.

The Ironworker workforce in South Carolina (90 workers, 0.2% of national employment) is relatively small. Fewer employers means fewer apprenticeship slots — competition for available programs can be stiffer.

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.

The apprenticeship infrastructure in South Carolina is extensive: 1,114 registered sponsors operate across the state. Union halls, contractors, and joint apprenticeship committees all accept applications.

The earning trajectory in South Carolina is solid: a Ironworker starting near $35,300/yr can work toward $73,600 at the 90th percentile. The $38,300 progression typically takes 10-15 years of steady advancement.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in South Carolina

1114 registered apprenticeship sponsors in South Carolina. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Abbeville County Emergency Management Services Abbeville Abbeville County
BVS Precision Casting Corp. Abbeville Abbeville County
City of Abbeville Abbeville Abbeville County
KSC Logistics, Inc. Abbeville Abbeville County
McNeil Company, Inc. Abbeville Abbeville County
Prysmian Cables and Systems USA Abbeville Abbeville County
SC Works Center - Abbeville Abbeville
Sage Automotive Interiors Abbeville Abbeville County
Sage Automotive Interiors - Abbeville Plant Abbeville Abbeville County
Stoll Industries Abbeville Abbeville County
Tahoma Rubber & Plastics, Inc. Abbeville Abbeville County
Village Career Center Abbeville Abbeville County
Aiken County Public School District Aiken
Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc. Aiken Aiken County
Autoneum Aiken Aiken County
Lower Savannah Workforce Development Board Aiken
Mr. Central Aiken Aiken County
SC Metal Products Aiken Aiken County
SC Works Center - Aiken Aiken
SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare Aiken Aiken County
Savannah River Mission Completion Aiken
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC Aiken Aiken County
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC. Aiken Aiken County
Shaw Industries South Carolina Fibers Division 78 Aiken Aiken County
The Carlstar Group Aiken Aiken County
+ 5 more sponsors in South Carolina

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Ironworkers make in South Carolina?
The median annual wage for Ironworkers in South Carolina is $47,050 as of May 2024. Wages range from $35,300 at the 10th percentile to $73,600 at the 90th percentile.
How many years does it take to become a Ironworker through apprenticeship?
A typical Ironworker apprenticeship lasts approximately 3 years (6,000 hours of on-the-job training). The program combines paid work experience with related classroom instruction.
What's the difference between a Ironworker apprenticeship and trade school?
An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn over 3 years with no tuition cost. Trade school is faster (6-24 months) but costs money upfront. Both can lead to the same journeyman credential.
Are Ironworker jobs growing?
Demand for Ironworkers is steady, with 4.6% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
How do I find a Ironworker apprenticeship in South Carolina?
Contact one of the 1114 registered apprenticeship sponsors in South Carolina, 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 South Carolina, a first-year Ironworker apprentice might earn around $23,525/yr (roughly half the $47,050 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 3-year program.

Ironworker in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in South Carolina

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