Trades & Labor Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Ironworker Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median ironworker salary in Reading, PA is $50,600 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$50,600
vs State Avg
$-4,600
vs National
$-6,900
Cost of Living
88%

Ironworker Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)

Reading offers a median ironworker salary of $50,600, which is $4,600 below the Pennsylvania state average of $55,200. Compared to the national median of $57,500, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $50,600 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for ironworkers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for ironworkers in Reading spans from $31,680 at the 10th percentile to $80,960 at the 90th percentile — a $49,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,440, while senior ironworkers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,440. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Ironworker Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level ironworker earns around $33,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,440
$-4,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,440
$-10,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $31,680
25th Percentile $38,720
Median (50th) $50,600
75th Percentile $66,000
90th Percentile $80,960

Ironworker Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$58,650
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$54,050
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$53,475
Pop. 302,971
Erie, PA
$48,300
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Ironworker in Reading

Education

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

Find Ironworker Jobs in Reading

Browse open ironworker positions in Reading, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Ironworker Salary in Reading

How much does a Ironworker make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median ironworker salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $50,600 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $57,500. Salaries range from $31,680 (10th percentile) to $80,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Ironworker make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,600, a ironworker in Reading earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for ironworker pay? ▼
Reading's median ironworker salary of $50,600 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $55,200. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a ironworker salary of $50,600 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a ironworker in Reading? ▼
Most ironworker positions in Reading 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.