Ironworker Apprenticeship in Washington

Ironworkers in Washington earn a median of $106,340/yr — 121% above the national all-occupation median of $48,060. That puts this apprenticeship path well into upper-middle-income territory for the state.

Compared to the $59,280 national median for Ironworkers, Washington pays 79% more. The state ranks among the top-paying markets for this trade nationally.

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 Washington (320 workers, 0.6% 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.

Washington has 434 organizations running registered apprenticeship programs. Start with your local trade union or check apprenticeship.gov — the state's mid-range sponsor count means programs exist but may not be around every corner.

The earning trajectory in Washington is solid: a Ironworker starting near $46,000/yr can work toward $118,940 at the 90th percentile. The $72,940 progression typically takes 10-15 years of steady advancement.