Trades & Labor San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Ironworker Salary in San Jose, California

The median ironworker salary in San Jose, CA is $99,475 per year, which is 73.0% above the national median and 21.0% above the California state average.

City Median
$99,475
vs State Avg
+$17,250
vs National
+$41,975
Cost of Living
168%

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

San Jose offers a median ironworker salary of $99,475, which is $17,250 above the California state average of $82,225. Compared to the national median of $57,500, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $99,475 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $59,211. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for ironworkers in San Jose spans from $62,280 at the 10th percentile to $159,160 at the 90th percentile — a $96,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,740, while senior ironworkers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $152,240. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Ironworker Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level ironworker earns around $65,740, while experienced professionals earn up to $152,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,740
+$27,740 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$100,340
+$42,340 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$152,240
+$64,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $62,280
25th Percentile $76,120
Median (50th) $99,475
75th Percentile $129,750
90th Percentile $159,160

Ironworker Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$107,525
Pop. 873,965
Los Angeles, CA
$86,825
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$84,525
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$70,725
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Ironworker in San Jose

Education

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

Find Ironworker Jobs in San Jose

Browse open ironworker positions in San Jose, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Ironworker Salary in San Jose

How much does a Ironworker make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median ironworker salary in San Jose, California is $99,475 per year, which is 73.0% above the national median of $57,500. Salaries range from $62,280 (10th percentile) to $159,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Ironworker make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $99,475, a ironworker in San Jose earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for ironworker pay? ▼
San Jose's median ironworker salary of $99,475 is 21.0% above the California state average of $82,225. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a ironworker salary of $99,475 in San Jose has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a ironworker in San Jose? ▼
Most ironworker positions in San Jose 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.