Trades & Labor Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Ironworker Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median ironworker salary in Chattanooga, TN is $50,600 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$50,600
vs State Avg
$-575
vs National
$-6,900
Cost of Living
88%

Ironworker Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median ironworker salary of $50,600, which is $575 below the Tennessee state average of $51,175. Compared to the national median of $57,500, Chattanooga pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Chattanooga'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 Chattanooga an attractive option for ironworkers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for ironworkers in Chattanooga 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. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Ironworker Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga, TN

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

Ironworker Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$57,500
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$52,900
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$50,600
Pop. 190,740
Memphis, TN
$49,450
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Ironworker in Chattanooga

Education

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

Find Ironworker Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open ironworker positions in Chattanooga, TN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Ironworker Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Ironworker make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
The median ironworker salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee 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 Chattanooga? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,600, a ironworker in Chattanooga earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for ironworker pay? ▼
Chattanooga's median ironworker salary of $50,600 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $51,175. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a ironworker salary of $50,600 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a ironworker in Chattanooga? ▼
Most ironworker positions in Chattanooga 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.