Across U.S. metros, ironworkers typically earn $1,560 more a year than electricians (2%). In the 155 metros where BLS publishes both, electricians earn more in 93 and ironworkers in 59.
| Electrician | Ironworker | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $62,440 | $64,000 |
| Lowest metro median | $33,630 | $31,480 |
| Highest metro median | $105,500 | $120,840 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +9.2% | +3.1% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 72,700 | 5,900 |
| Self-employed | 7% | — |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Apprenticeship |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 97 | 131 |
| Metros with pay data | 390 | 155 |
On safety, ironworkers report more injuries that cause missed work (131 vs. 97 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 electricians out-earn ironworkers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where ironworkers out-earn electricians the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, electricians earn more in 28 states and ironworkers in 22. The gap favors electricians most in Wyoming ($28,640) and ironworkers most in Massachusetts ($41,420).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Hazardous conditions: very often for electricians, sometimes for ironworkers. Cramped spaces and awkward positions: very often for electricians, sometimes for ironworkers.
| Electrician | Ironworker | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Often | Sometimes |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Often | Often |
| Working at heights | Often | Often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Often | Sometimes |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Very often | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Very often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Very often | Sometimes |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Very often | Often |
| Sitting | Occasionally | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Electrician
Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
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.
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