How to become an Ironworker
Official title: Ironworkers
Also called: Ironworker, Apprentice ironworker, Ironworker apprentice, Ironworker generalist, Ornamental ironworker, Structural ironworker, Reinforcing ironworker, Ironworker - ornamental, Journeyman/woman ironworker, Reinforcing steel ironworker, Metal wall framing ironworker, Steel door setting ironworker
Ironworkers fabricate, erect, hoist, install, repair and service structural ironwork, precast concrete, concrete reinforcing materials, curtain walls, ornamental iron and other metals used in the construction of buildings, bridges, highways, dams and other structures and equipment. They are employed by construction ironwork contractors. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Read blueprints and specifications to lay out work
- Unload and position steel units so each piece can be hoisted as needed
- Erect and install scaffolding, hoisting equipment and rigging
- Signal crane operator to position steel units according to blueprints
- Align and weld or bolt steel units in place
- Erect structural and architectural precast concrete components for buildings, bridges, towers and other structures
- Assemble and erect prefabricated metal structures
- Position and secure steel bars or metal mesh in concrete forms to reinforce concrete structures
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a two- to three-year apprenticeship program or Over three years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in ironworking are usually required to be eligible for trade certification. Trade certification for ironworker (generalist) is compulsory in Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia. Trade certification for ironworker (reinforcing) is compulsory in Quebec and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Trade certification for ironworker (structural/ornamental) is compulsory in Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Trade certification for ironworker (metal building systems erector) is compulsory in Alberta. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified ironworkers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Red Seal trade. Completion of a two- to three-year apprenticeship program or Over three years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in ironworking are usually required to be eligible for trade certification. Red Seal endorsement is available. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $83,850 a year The middle half earn $70,200 to $91,650.
- About 14,700 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 16,700 are projected by 2033. (+13.6%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
- Tool and die makers
- Sheet metal workers
- Boilermakers
- Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
- Welders and related machine operators
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Ironworker?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a two- to three-year apprenticeship program or Over three years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in ironworking are usually required to be eligible for trade certification. Trade certification for ironworker (generalist) is compulsory in Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia. Trade certification for ironworker (reinforcing) is compulsory in Quebec and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Trade certification for ironworker (structural/ornamental) is compulsory in Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Trade certification for ironworker (metal building systems erector) is compulsory in Alberta. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified ironworkers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
How much does an Ironworker earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $83,850 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $70,200 to $91,650.
Is an Ironworker a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 14% by 2033, from about 14,700 to about 16,700 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an Ironworker?
Usually not. Only 3% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Red Seal trade.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03