Ironworker Apprenticeship in Texas

Wages, programs & career outlook
TX Median Salary
$49,150/yr
-17% vs. national
National Median
$59,280/yr
TX Employment
3,530
Ironworkers employed
TX Sponsors
1964
Registered programs

Texas Wage Spread

Annual wages for Ironworkers in Texas across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$36,200
25th %ile
$38,690
Median
$49,150
75th %ile
$57,430
90th %ile
$62,120

Ironworker Apprenticeship in Texas

The $49,150 median for Texas 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 Texas ($49,150) lag the national median by 17%. 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 3,530 Ironworkers working across Texas represent 6.1% of the national total. A market this size typically means more apprenticeship slots, more union locals, and more journeyman mentors available.

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 1,964 sponsors on record, Texas 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 Texas is narrow: $36,200 to $62,120 at the extremes. The $25,920 range means compensation is relatively standardized, often set by union contracts or prevailing wage rates.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Texas

1964 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Texas. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Goodwill Industries of Houston 2520 Brun Street Harris County
Aegis Onshore Abilene
Arrow Ford Abilene
Associated Contractors Abilene Taylor County
BWJ METAL WORKS Abilene
Best Tree Service LLC Abilene
Big Country Sheet Metal, INC Abilene Taylor County
Cary Services Abilene
MasterScapes Abilene
PHOENIX BODI AND BEAUTY INSTITUTE (PBBI) Abilene Taylor County
RobCo Lott, LLC Abilene Taylor County
Safety Technology Abilene Taylor County
Samuel EPC, LLC Abilene Taylor County
Texas Healthcare Linen Abilene Taylor County
West Central Texas Council of Governments (AHEC) Abilene Taylor County
Workforce Solutions West Central - Abilene Abilene
Z Winds LLC Abilene Taylor County
Attentive Network Solutions, Inc. Addison
Bed Beacon, LLC Addison Collin County
AApprenticeship Construction Academy, LLC Aledo Parker County
Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend - Alice Alice
Crawford and Company Allen Dallas County
The Goddard School of Allen (East) Allen
Total Cyber Solutions, LLC Allen
Workforce Solutions Borderplex Alpine
+ 5 more sponsors in Texas

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Ironworkers earn in Texas?
The BLS reports a median wage of $49,150/yr for Ironworkers in Texas (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
What is the length of a Ironworker apprenticeship program?
Most Ironworker apprenticeships run 3 years. Apprentices work under a journeyman while attending classes, typically earning wages from day one with scheduled increases.
Is an apprenticeship better than trade school for Ironworkers?
Apprenticeships offer paid training with no tuition, while trade school requires upfront costs but may be shorter. Many Ironworkers combine both — starting with trade school basics before entering an apprenticeship.
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.
Where can I apply for a Ironworker apprenticeship in Texas?
Contact one of the 1964 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Texas, 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?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $24,575/yr in Texas). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Ironworker in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Texas

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