Ironworker Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $49,450 (2026)

Ironworker Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median ironworker salary of $49,450, which is $3,450 below the North Carolina state average of $52,900. Compared to the national median of $57,500, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $49,450 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for ironworkers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for ironworkers in Winston-Salem spans from $30,960 at the 10th percentile to $79,120 at the 90th percentile — a $48,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,680, while senior ironworkers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Ironworker Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level ironworker earns around $32,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$32,680

$-5,320 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$49,880

$-8,120 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$75,680

$-12,320 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$30,960	$33,120	$36,000
25th Percentile	$37,840	$40,480	$44,000
Median (50th)	$49,450	$52,900	$57,500
75th Percentile	$64,500	$69,000	$75,000
90th Percentile	$79,120	$84,640	$92,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$30,960

25th Percentile

$37,840

Median (50th)

$49,450

75th Percentile

$64,500

90th Percentile

$79,120

How to Become a Ironworker in Winston-Salem

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Ironworker Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Ironworker make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median ironworker salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $49,450 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $57,500. Salaries range from $30,960 (10th percentile) to $79,120 (90th percentile).

How much does a Ironworker make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $49,450, a ironworker in Winston-Salem earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for ironworker pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median ironworker salary of $49,450 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $52,900. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a ironworker salary of $49,450 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a ironworker in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most ironworker positions in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, North Carolina