Trades & Labor San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Ironworker Salary in San Diego, California

The median ironworker salary in San Diego, CA is $84,525 per year, which is 47.0% above the national median and 2.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$84,525
vs State Avg
+$2,300
vs National
+$27,025
Cost of Living
142%

Ironworker Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median ironworker salary of $84,525, which is $2,300 above the California state average of $82,225. Compared to the national median of $57,500, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $84,525 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $59,525. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for ironworkers in San Diego spans from $52,920 at the 10th percentile to $135,240 at the 90th percentile — a $82,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,860, while senior ironworkers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $129,360. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Ironworker Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level ironworker earns around $55,860, while experienced professionals earn up to $129,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,860
+$17,860 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,260
+$27,260 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$129,360
+$41,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $52,920
25th Percentile $64,680
Median (50th) $84,525
75th Percentile $110,250
90th Percentile $135,240

Ironworker Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$107,525
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$99,475
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$86,825
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$70,725
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Ironworker in San Diego

Education

Most ironworker positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. San Diego and the surrounding California 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 San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Ironworker Jobs in San Diego

Browse open ironworker positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Ironworker Salary in San Diego

How much does a Ironworker make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median ironworker salary in San Diego, California is $84,525 per year, which is 47.0% above the national median of $57,500. Salaries range from $52,920 (10th percentile) to $135,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Ironworker make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,525, a ironworker in San Diego earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for ironworker pay? ▼
San Diego's median ironworker salary of $84,525 is 2.8% above the California state average of $82,225. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a ironworker salary of $84,525 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a ironworker in San Diego? ▼
Most ironworker positions in San Diego 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.