by our College Data Analytics TeamStudying Ironworking/Ironworker covers Ironworking/ironworker. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Make And Install Structural, Ornamental, And Reinforcing Metal Structures And Supports. Includes Instruction In Drafting, Technical Mathematics, Blueprint Interpretation, Welding, Riveting, Beam Placement, Ornamental Design, Structural Reinforcement, Crane Operation, Safety, And Applicable Codes And Standards. Examples: [Ironworker (Generalist)], [Ironworker (Reinforcing)], [Ironworker (Structural/ornamental)], [Ironworker Reinforcing Rebar], [Ironworker Rodworker]. Read on to learn the key facts every ironworking/ironworker student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering ironworking/ironworker programs.
Nationwide, ironworking/ironworker is a widely-pursued major, with 161 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Ironworking/Ironworker Schools ranking analyzes these 4 schools to determine the best overall colleges for ironworking/ironworker students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of ironworking/ironworker programs later in this article.
Programs in Ironworking/Ironworker develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations ironworking/ironworker graduates commonly enter.
The skill set built by a ironworking/ironworker program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a ironworking/ironworker major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several ironworking/ironworker degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 123 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 37 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1 |
People currently working in careers related to ironworking/ironworker tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 64.4% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 35.6% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in ironworking/ironworker careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in ironworking/ironworker prepares you for many career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to ironworking/ironworker.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to ironworking/ironworker.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Foundry Mold and Coremakers | 783,409 | 4.6% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of ironworking/ironworker graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $33,800 |
| 4 years | $39,416 |
| 5 years | $44,203 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for ironworking/ironworker graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers ironworking/ironworker grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Foundry Mold and Coremakers | $69,095 |
With 4 different ironworking/ironworker programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased ironworking/ironworker school rankings to help you.
Students interested in ironworking/ironworker, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Welding Technology/Welder | 57,768 |
| Machine Tool Technology/Machinist | 3,539 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist | 2,174 |
| Machine Shop Technology/Assistant | 1,634 |
| Metal Fabricator | 552 |
| Tool and Die Technology/Technician | 509 |
| Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking | 386 |
| Precision Metal Working, Other | 340 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
