How to Become an Ironworker in New Jersey (2026)
New Jersey employs about 1,060 ironworkers earning a median $113,220 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most ironworkers train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in New Jersey.
New Jersey employs approximately 1,060 ironworkers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $113,220 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 New Jersey, 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 (New Jersey): $113,220 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become an Ironworker in New Jersey
How to become an Ironworker in New Jersey? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for ironworkers in New Jersey.
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 New Jersey? The median annual wage for ironworkers in New Jersey is $113,220 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $94,000 and experienced professionals can earn $130,710 or more 1.
How to Become an Ironworker in New Jersey
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. New Jersey’s apprenticeship program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development - Registered Apprenticeship 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: Cape May County Technical Schools
- Address: 188 Crest Haven Road, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
- Phone: (609) 380-0200
- Email: [email protected]
Ironworker Wages by Metro Area in New Jersey
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers Wages by Metro Area in New Jersey
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), reinforcing iron and rebar workers wages in New Jersey vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | 3,260 | $102,010 | $103,080 | $64,236 | $131,803 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | 880 | $103,330 | $92,840 | $52,750 | $121,440 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | 150 | $83,630 | $91,160 | $72,080 | $109,770 |
| Trenton-Princeton | 70 | $116,360 | $111,350 | $99,830 | $122,060 |
| Vineland | 40 | $105,370 | $103,660 | $84,670 | $117,380 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton | 30 | $114,570 | $110,360 | $90,480 | $133,180 |
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 New Jersey? New Jersey currently employs approximately 1,060 ironworkers 1. Nationally, ironworker employment is projected to grow 4.4% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in New Jersey? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in New Jersey. You can also contact the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development - Registered Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do ironworkers earn in New Jersey compared to the national average? The median annual wage for ironworkers in New Jersey is $113,220, which is $50,520 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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development - 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) |