Carpenter vs Ironworker: Salary, Training & Career Comparison
Trying to decide between a career as a carpenter or a ironworker? Here's a side-by-side look at the numbers that matter most: pay, job outlook, training requirements, and more.
| Category | 🪓 Carpenter | 🏗️ Ironworker |
|---|---|---|
| Median Hourly | $25.50/hr | $29.50/hr |
| Median Annual | $53,000/yr | $61,400/yr |
| Job Growth (10-yr) | 2.0% | 4.0% |
| Total Jobs | 785,000 | 90,100 |
| Training Time | 4 years | 4 years |
| Top-Paying State | Hawaii ($72,100/yr) | New York ($83,000/yr) |
| Union Rate | $33/hr (UBC) | $38.50/hr (IW) |
Salary Comparison
Carpenters earn about $6,200/yr more on average
Which Career Is Right for You?
Both carpenters and ironworkers are solid career paths with good earning potential and strong job security. The best choice depends on your interests, physical abilities, and lifestyle preferences.
🪓 Choose Carpenter if...
Carpenters build, install, and repair structures made from wood and other materials. From framing houses to finishing trim work, carpentry covers a wide range of skills and pays solid wages in most markets.
Carpenter salary data →🏗️ Choose Ironworker if...
Ironworkers install structural steel, reinforcing bars, and metal frameworks for buildings, bridges, and other structures. The work is physically demanding and done at height, which is reflected in the pay.
Ironworker salary data →Training difference: Both require 4-year apprenticeships
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Ironworkers earn a slightly higher national median of $61,400/yr compared to $53,000/yr for carpenters.
Ironworker jobs are projected to grow at 4.0% over the next decade, compared to 2.0% for carpenters.
Both require 4-year apprenticeships. Both paths require dedication and hands-on training, but the length and structure differ.
While some skills transfer between trades, switching typically requires additional training and licensing. That said, the foundational skills -- problem solving, working with tools, reading blueprints -- are valuable in any trade. Some workers complete training in multiple trades over their career.