Across U.S. metros, elevator installers typically earn $44,250 more a year than ironworkers (69%). In the 44 metros where BLS publishes both, elevator installers earn more in 42 and ironworkers in 2.
| Elevator Installer | Ironworker | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $108,250 | $64,000 |
| Lowest metro median | $38,330 | $31,480 |
| Highest metro median | $173,920 | $120,840 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +5.7% | +3.1% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 1,900 | 5,900 |
| Self-employed | — | — |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Apprenticeship |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 101 | 131 |
| Metros with pay data | 53 | 155 |
On safety, ironworkers report more injuries that cause missed work (131 vs. 101 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 elevator installers out-earn ironworkers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where ironworkers out-earn elevator installers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, elevator installers earn more in 34 states and ironworkers in 2. The gap favors elevator installers most in Maine ($81,940) and ironworkers most in Kentucky ($21,390).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Hazardous conditions: very often for elevator installers, sometimes for ironworkers. Cramped spaces and awkward positions: very often for elevator installers, sometimes for ironworkers.
| Elevator Installer | Ironworker | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Very often | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Often | Often |
| Working at heights | Very often | Often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Very often | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Very often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Very often | Sometimes |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Often |
| Sitting | Occasionally | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Elevator Installer
Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.
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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