Across U.S. metros, ironworkers typically earn $17,150 more a year than construction laborers (37%). In the 155 metros where BLS publishes both, construction laborers earn more in 2 and ironworkers in 153.
| Construction Laborer | Ironworker | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $46,850 | $64,000 |
| Lowest metro median | $23,510 | $31,480 |
| Highest metro median | $83,680 | $120,840 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +7.3% | +3.1% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 120,000 | 5,900 |
| Self-employed | 27% | — |
| Typical education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Short-term on-the-job training | Apprenticeship |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 218 | 131 |
| Metros with pay data | 391 | 155 |
On safety, construction laborers report more injuries that cause missed work (218 vs. 131 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where construction laborers out-earn ironworkers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where ironworkers out-earn construction laborers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, construction laborers earn more in 0 states and ironworkers in 50. The gap favors ironworkers most in Wyoming ($1,450) and ironworkers most in Massachusetts ($57,450).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Outdoors, in all kinds of weather: very often for construction laborers, sometimes for ironworkers. Working at heights: occasionally for construction laborers, often for ironworkers.
| Construction Laborer | Ironworker | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Sometimes |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Very often | Often |
| Working at heights | Occasionally | Often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Sometimes | Often |
| Sitting | Rarely | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Construction Laborer
Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instruments. May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support the sides of excavations, erect scaffolding, and clean up rubble, debris, and other waste materials. May assist other craft workers.
Ironworker
Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings.
Compare one trade across two cities →
More comparisons
More trade comparisons
Still deciding? Rank every trade by what matters to you with which trade fits me.