Across U.S. metros, ironworkers typically earn $2,570 more a year than plumbers (4%). In the 155 metros where BLS publishes both, ironworkers earn more in 75 and plumbers in 80.
| Ironworker | Plumber | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $64,000 | $61,430 |
| Lowest metro median | $31,480 | $29,690 |
| Highest metro median | $120,840 | $107,560 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +3.1% | +6.8% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 5,900 | 42,000 |
| Self-employed | — | 8% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Apprenticeship |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 131 | 144 |
| Metros with pay data | 155 | 387 |
On safety, plumbers report more injuries that cause missed work (144 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 ironworkers out-earn plumbers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where plumbers out-earn ironworkers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, ironworkers earn more in 23 states and plumbers in 27. The gap favors ironworkers most in New Jersey ($34,980) and plumbers most in District of Columbia ($39,780).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Outdoors, in all kinds of weather: sometimes for ironworkers, often for plumbers. Cramped spaces and awkward positions: sometimes for ironworkers, often for plumbers.
| Ironworker | Plumber | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Sometimes | Often |
| 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 | Sometimes | Often |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Sometimes | Often |
| Loud noise | Often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Often |
| Sitting | Rarely | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
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.
Plumber
Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.
Compare one trade across two cities →