Trades & Labor Wisconsin (WI) Rank #35 of 50

Ironworker Salary in Wisconsin

The median ironworker salary in Wisconsin is $52,900 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $57,500.

Median Salary
$52,900
vs National
$-4,600
State Rank
#35 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Ironworker Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #35 out of 50 states for ironworker compensation. Ironworker salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $52,900 per year, ironworkers in Wisconsin earn $4,600 less than the national median of $57,500.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $52,900 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $57,500 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: ironworkers at the 10th percentile earn $33,120, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $84,640 — a $51,520 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, 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 Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level ironworker earns around $34,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,960
$-3,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,360
$-4,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,960
$-7,040 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $33,120
25th Percentile $40,480
Median (50th) $52,900
75th Percentile $69,000
90th Percentile $84,640

Ironworker Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for ironworkers in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Ironworker in Wisconsin

Education

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

Key Skills

Structural SteelWeldingBlueprint ReadingRiggingSafety/Fall ProtectionPhysical Stamina

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Ironworker Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Ironworker make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median ironworker salary in Wisconsin is $52,900 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $57,500. Salaries range from $33,120 (10th percentile) to $84,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Ironworker make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,900, a ironworker in Wisconsin earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for ironworkers? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #35 out of 50 states for ironworker pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level ironworkers earn $34,960, while senior professionals earn $80,960.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for ironworker salary? ▼
The highest paying state for ironworkers is Hawaii at $102,350. Wisconsin's median of $52,900 ranks #35 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Indiana ($52,900) and North Carolina ($52,900).
What is the entry-level ironworker salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level ironworker in Wisconsin earns approximately $34,960 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $53,360. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $80,960.
What city in Wisconsin pays ironworkers the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for ironworkers, with a median salary of $57,500. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.