Trades & Labor San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Ironworker Salary in San Francisco, California

The median ironworker salary in San Francisco, CA is $107,525 per year, which is 87.0% above the national median and 30.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$107,525
vs State Avg
+$25,300
vs National
+$50,025
Cost of Living
182%

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

San Francisco offers a median ironworker salary of $107,525, which is $25,300 above the California state average of $82,225. Compared to the national median of $57,500, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $107,525 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $59,080. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for ironworkers in San Francisco spans from $67,320 at the 10th percentile to $172,040 at the 90th percentile — a $104,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,060, while senior ironworkers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $164,560. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Ironworker Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level ironworker earns around $71,060, while experienced professionals earn up to $164,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,060
+$33,060 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$108,460
+$50,460 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$164,560
+$76,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $67,320
25th Percentile $82,280
Median (50th) $107,525
75th Percentile $140,250
90th Percentile $172,040

Ironworker Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Ironworker in San Francisco

Education

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

Find Ironworker Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open ironworker positions in San Francisco, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Ironworker Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Ironworker make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median ironworker salary in San Francisco, California is $107,525 per year, which is 87.0% above the national median of $57,500. Salaries range from $67,320 (10th percentile) to $172,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Ironworker make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $107,525, a ironworker in San Francisco earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for ironworker pay? ▼
San Francisco's median ironworker salary of $107,525 is 30.8% above the California state average of $82,225. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a ironworker salary of $107,525 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a ironworker in San Francisco? ▼
Most ironworker positions in San Francisco 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.