Trades & Labor Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Ironworker Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median ironworker salary in Durham, NC is $54,625 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$54,625
vs State Avg
+$1,725
vs National
$-2,875
Cost of Living
95%

Ironworker Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)

Durham offers a median ironworker salary of $54,625, which is $1,725 above the North Carolina state average of $52,900. Compared to the national median of $57,500, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for ironworkers in Durham spans from $34,200 at the 10th percentile to $87,400 at the 90th percentile — a $53,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,100, while senior ironworkers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Ironworker Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level ironworker earns around $36,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,100
$-1,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,100
$-2,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-4,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $34,200
25th Percentile $41,800
Median (50th) $54,625
75th Percentile $71,250
90th Percentile $87,400

Ironworker Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

How to Become a Ironworker in Durham

Education

Most ironworker positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Ironworker Jobs in Durham

Browse open ironworker positions in Durham, NC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Ironworker Salary in Durham

How much does a Ironworker make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median ironworker salary in Durham, North Carolina is $54,625 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $57,500. Salaries range from $34,200 (10th percentile) to $87,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Ironworker make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,625, a ironworker in Durham earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for ironworker pay? ▼
Durham's median ironworker salary of $54,625 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $52,900. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a ironworker salary of $54,625 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a ironworker in Durham? ▼
Most ironworker positions in Durham 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.