Ironworker Apprenticeship in Virginia

Wages, programs & career outlook
VA Median Salary
$58,750/yr
-1% vs. national
National Median
$59,280/yr
VA Employment
420
Ironworkers employed
VA Sponsors
2435
Registered programs

Virginia Wage Spread

Annual wages for Ironworkers in Virginia across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$41,440
25th %ile
$53,140
Median
$58,750
75th %ile
$62,970
90th %ile
$75,250

Ironworker Apprenticeship in Virginia

The median Ironworker in Virginia earns $58,750 annually, outpacing the national all-occupation median by 22%. The trade offers a reliable path to financial stability in the state.

Wages for Ironworkers in Virginia ($58,750/yr) track close to the $59,280 national median — within 1% either way. The state sits squarely in the middle of the pack.

Employment for Ironworkers is projected to grow 4.6% through 2034, roughly in line with the overall economy. About 1,500 positions open annually through both growth and replacement.

At just 0.7% of the national Ironworker workforce (420 employed), Virginia has a compact market. Apprenticeship programs may be concentrated in one or two metro areas rather than spread across the state.

The Ironworker apprenticeship path spans 3 years in a time-based format. During those 6,000 hours, apprentices rotate between jobsite work under a journeyman and formal instruction in blueprint reading, building codes, and material estimation.

Virginia's 2,435 registered apprenticeship sponsors create one of the more competitive markets for program placement. Candidates should apply to multiple programs, as the most popular ones fill quickly.

From $41,440 at the 10th percentile to $75,250 at the 90th, Ironworker wages in Virginia are fairly compressed. Flat wage structures are common in heavily unionized trades where pay scales are negotiated collectively.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Virginia

2435 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Virginia. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Abingdon Center Abingdon
Alana's Hair Place LLC Abingdon Washington County
Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center Abingdon
Commonwealth Senior Living at Abingdon Abingdon
EO Companies Abingdon Washington County
Eye Physicians of Southwest Abingdon Washington County
Pioneer Chevrolet Abingdon Washington County
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Abingdon Washington County
Vanity Beauty Lounge Abingdon Washington County
Virginia Career Works--Bristol Center Abingdon
Walmart Vision Center, Abingdon 0154 Abingdon Washington County
Wize Solutions Abingdon Washington County
SHEPHERD KGM SERVICES LLC Aldie Loudoun County
ABM Alexandria Alexandria City
American Boiler, Inc Alexandria Fairfax County
B-SAR Electric, LLC Alexandria Fairfax County
BECKER ELECTRIC CO., INC. Alexandria Alexandria
Beauthuyfy Salon LLC Alexandria Alexandria City
Blush Salon LLC Alexandria Alexandria City
CT Cuts Alexandria Alexandria City
City of Alexandria Virginia Sanitation Authority Alexandria Alexandria City
Costco Vision Center 1115 Alexandria Alexandria Fairfax County
Dawn Marie's Visage LLC Alexandria Alexandria City
Depeyrot Partners LLP Alexandria Alexandria City
ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS LLC. Alexandria Fairfax County
+ 5 more sponsors in Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Ironworkers earn in Virginia?
The BLS reports a median wage of $58,750/yr for Ironworkers in Virginia (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?
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.
Should I do a Ironworker apprenticeship or go to trade school?
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.
What is the job outlook 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.
How do I find a Ironworker apprenticeship in Virginia?
Contact one of the 2435 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Virginia, 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 $29,375/yr in Virginia). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Ironworker in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Virginia

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