Trades & Labor Wheeling, WV Pop. 26,711

Ironworker Salary in Wheeling, West Virginia

The median ironworker salary in Wheeling, WV is $46,000 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 7% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$46,000
vs State Avg
$-3,450
vs National
$-11,500
Cost of Living
78%

Ironworker Pay in Wheeling: What to Expect (2026)

Wheeling offers a median ironworker salary of $46,000, which is $3,450 below the West Virginia state average of $49,450. Compared to the national median of $57,500, Wheeling pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wheeling's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 78% of the national average. This means the $46,000 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $58,974 in an average-cost city. This makes Wheeling an attractive option for ironworkers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for ironworkers in Wheeling spans from $28,800 at the 10th percentile to $73,600 at the 90th percentile — a $44,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,400, while senior ironworkers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,400. Wheeling is a smaller market (pop. 26,711), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Ironworker Salary in Wheeling by Experience

In Wheeling, an entry-level ironworker earns around $30,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,400
$-7,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,400
$-11,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,400
$-17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wheeling, WV

Percentile Wheeling
10th Percentile $28,800
25th Percentile $35,200
Median (50th) $46,000
75th Percentile $60,000
90th Percentile $73,600

Ironworker Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$52,900
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$51,750
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$48,300
Pop. 46,842
Parkersburg, WV
$47,150
Pop. 29,675

How to Become a Ironworker in Wheeling

Education

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

Find Ironworker Jobs in Wheeling

Browse open ironworker positions in Wheeling, WV:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Ironworker Salary in Wheeling

How much does a Ironworker make in Wheeling, WV? ▼
The median ironworker salary in Wheeling, West Virginia is $46,000 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $57,500. Salaries range from $28,800 (10th percentile) to $73,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Ironworker make per hour in Wheeling? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,000, a ironworker in Wheeling earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wheeling compare to the West Virginia state average for ironworker pay? ▼
Wheeling's median ironworker salary of $46,000 is 7% below the West Virginia state average of $49,450. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wheeling, WV? ▼
Wheeling has a cost of living index of 78% compared to the national average. This means a ironworker salary of $46,000 in Wheeling has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a ironworker in Wheeling? ▼
Most ironworker positions in Wheeling 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.