How to Become an Ironworker in Illinois (2026)
Illinois employs about 2,740 ironworkers earning a median $101,850 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most ironworkers train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in Illinois.
Illinois employs approximately 2,740 ironworkers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $101,850 1. Nationally, ironworker employment is projected to grow 4.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 5,500 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become an Ironworker in Illinois, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Illinois): $101,850 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become an Ironworker in Illinois
How to become an Ironworker in Illinois? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for ironworkers in Illinois.
How long does it take? Most paths into the ironworker field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do ironworkers earn in Illinois? The median annual wage for ironworkers in Illinois is $101,850 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $64,830 and experienced professionals can earn $124,450 or more 1.
How to Become an Ironworker in Illinois
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Illinois training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an approved trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Illinois that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Meet state and employer requirements. Confirm any registration, certification, or employer requirements that apply to ironworkers in Illinois before you start working.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Ironworker Apprenticeship Information in Illinois
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Illinois’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Illinois Department of Employment Services - Registered Apprenticeship 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: BEST, Inc
- Address: 815 N. Orlando Smith Ave., Oglesby, IL 61348
- Phone: (815) 224-0375
- Email: [email protected]
Ironworker Wages by Metro Area in Illinois
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers Wages by Metro Area in Illinois
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), reinforcing iron and rebar workers wages in Illinois vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | 2,120 | $102,352 | $100,624 | $64,638 | $124,530 |
| St. Louis | 670 | $81,640 | $78,360 | $50,380 | $97,970 |
| Rockford | 190 | $100,290 | $92,900 | $60,200 | $114,730 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | 90 | $79,090 | $79,680 | $58,810 | $105,170 |
| Peoria | 90 | $80,060 | $81,890 | $63,470 | $98,320 |
| Decatur | 40 | $64,830 | $72,880 | $64,830 | $99,540 |
| Springfield | 40 | $81,750 | $76,990 | $51,390 | $83,090 |
| Champaign-Urbana | 30 | $82,480 | $88,440 | $79,670 | $106,790 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for ironworkers in Illinois? Illinois currently employs approximately 2,740 ironworkers 1. Nationally, ironworker employment is projected to grow 4.4% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Illinois? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Illinois. You can also contact the Illinois Department of Employment Services - Registered Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do ironworkers earn in Illinois compared to the national average? The median annual wage for ironworkers in Illinois is $101,850, which is $39,150 above the national median of $62,700 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Illinois Department of Employment Services - Registered Apprenticeship: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |