Ironworker Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL: $50,600 (2026)

Ironworker Pay in Tuscaloosa: What to Expect (2026)

Tuscaloosa offers a median ironworker salary of $50,600, which is $575 above the Alabama state average of $50,025. Compared to the national median of $57,500, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $50,600 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for ironworkers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for ironworkers in Tuscaloosa spans from $31,680 at the 10th percentile to $80,960 at the 90th percentile — a $49,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,440, while senior ironworkers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,440. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Ironworker Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level ironworker earns around $33,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$33,440

$-4,560 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$51,040

$-6,960 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$77,440

$-10,560 vs national

Percentile	Tuscaloosa	AL State	National
10th Percentile	$31,680	$31,320	$36,000
25th Percentile	$38,720	$38,280	$44,000
Median (50th)	$50,600	$50,025	$57,500
75th Percentile	$66,000	$65,250	$75,000
90th Percentile	$80,960	$80,040	$92,000

Percentile

Tuscaloosa

10th Percentile

$31,680

25th Percentile

$38,720

Median (50th)

$50,600

75th Percentile

$66,000

90th Percentile

$80,960

How to Become a Ironworker in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most ironworker positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Structural SteelWeldingBlueprint ReadingRiggingSafety/Fall ProtectionPhysical Stamina

Job Outlook

Nationally, ironworker employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Ironworker Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Ironworker make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼

The median ironworker salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $50,600 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $57,500. Salaries range from $31,680 (10th percentile) to $80,960 (90th percentile).

How much does a Ironworker make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $50,600, a ironworker in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for ironworker pay? ▼

Tuscaloosa's median ironworker salary of $50,600 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $50,025. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼

Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a ironworker salary of $50,600 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a ironworker in Tuscaloosa? ▼

Most ironworker positions in Tuscaloosa require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Key skills include Structural Steel, Welding, Blueprint Reading, Rigging. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Ironworker Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama