Trades & Labor Tennessee (TN) Rank #42 of 50

Ironworker Salary in Tennessee

The median ironworker salary in Tennessee is $51,175 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $57,500.

Median Salary
$51,175
vs National
$-6,325
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Ironworker Salary Overview in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee ranks #42 out of 50 states for ironworker compensation. Ironworker salaries in Tennessee are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $51,175 per year, ironworkers in Tennessee earn $6,325 less than the national median of $57,500.

A key advantage of working in Tennessee is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $51,175 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $57,500 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Tennessee is significant: ironworkers at the 10th percentile earn $32,040, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $81,880 — a $49,840 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Tennessee for this role is Nashville, where the median reaches $57,500.

Nationally, ironworker employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for ironworkers across the country.

Ironworker Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level ironworker earns around $33,820, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,320 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,820
$-4,180 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,620
$-6,380 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,320
$-9,680 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $32,040
25th Percentile $39,160
Median (50th) $51,175
75th Percentile $66,750
90th Percentile $81,880

Ironworker Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for ironworkers in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Ironworker in Tennessee

Education

Most ironworker positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Tennessee has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Structural SteelWeldingBlueprint ReadingRiggingSafety/Fall ProtectionPhysical Stamina

Job Outlook in Tennessee

Nationally, ironworker employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Tennessee's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Ironworker Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Ironworker make in Tennessee? ▼
The median ironworker salary in Tennessee is $51,175 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $57,500. Salaries range from $32,040 (10th percentile) to $81,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Ironworker make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,175, a ironworker in Tennessee earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for ironworkers? ▼
Tennessee ranks #42 out of 50 states for ironworker pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level ironworkers earn $33,820, while senior professionals earn $78,320.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for ironworker salary? ▼
The highest paying state for ironworkers is Hawaii at $102,350. Tennessee's median of $51,175 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oklahoma ($51,175) and South Carolina ($51,175).
What is the entry-level ironworker salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level ironworker in Tennessee earns approximately $33,820 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,620. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $78,320.
What city in Tennessee pays ironworkers the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for ironworkers, with a median salary of $57,500. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.