Across U.S. metros, ironworkers typically earn $2,540 more a year than sheet metal workers (4%). In the 135 metros where BLS publishes both, ironworkers earn more in 86 and sheet metal workers in 49.
| Ironworker | Sheet Metal Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $64,000 | $61,460 |
| Lowest metro median | $31,480 | $28,340 |
| Highest metro median | $120,840 | $109,830 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +3.1% | +2.5% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 5,900 | 9,800 |
| 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 | 163 |
| Metros with pay data | 155 | 273 |
On safety, sheet metal workers report more injuries that cause missed work (163 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 sheet metal workers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where sheet metal workers out-earn ironworkers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
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.
Sheet Metal Worker
Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal; shaping metal over anvils, blocks, or forms using hammer; operating soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts; or inspecting, assembling, and smoothing seams and joints of burred surfaces. Includes sheet metal duct installers who install prefabricated sheet metal ducts used for heating, air conditioning, or other purposes.
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