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Ironworker Structural Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIESdevelops and integrates products, engineering support, repair and ... Current Union ironworkers may be given preference. * Ability to travel up to 100%. Weekend trips ...

Ironworker Structural information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$18

$27

$51

How much do ironworker structural jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for ironworker structural in Chicago, IL is $27.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.30 and $28.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a structural ironworker?

A Structural Ironworker fabricates, installs, and repairs steel frameworks for buildings, bridges, and other structures. They read blueprints, unload and position steel components, and use welding and bolting techniques to secure them. This job requires working at heights, using heavy equipment, and ensuring all structures meet safety standards. Ironworkers need physical strength, attention to detail, and knowledge of construction techniques.

What does a structural ironworker do?

As a structural ironworker, your duties and responsibilities are to fabricate, assemble, and connect ironwork, such as rebar, steel columns, and beams, using tools like metal sheers, rod-bending machines, and welding equipment. When you are working on a building project that involves constructing a tall building, such as a skyscraper, you erect the metal framework or structure, put together cranes and other necessary construction equipment, and connect metalwork. When cranes or derricks are no longer needed, you help dismantle them and remove them from the construction site.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a structural ironworker?

To thrive as an Ironworker Structural, you need expertise in reading blueprints, welding, cutting, rigging, and assembling structural steel, usually backed by a high school diploma and completion of an apprenticeship program. Familiarity with tools and equipment such as cranes, hoists, welding machines, and safety harnesses, as well as an OSHA safety certification, is typically required. Excellent teamwork, communication, physical stamina, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills for this position. These skills ensure the safe, accurate, and efficient construction of steel frameworks essential to large infrastructure projects.

What is a typical work environment like for a structural ironworker?

As a Structural Ironworker, you can expect to work primarily outdoors at construction sites, often at significant heights and sometimes in challenging weather conditions. The job involves collaborating closely with other ironworkers, crane operators, and contractors to safely erect and secure steel frameworks for buildings, bridges, or other large structures. Safety is a top priority in this role, and you'll regularly participate in safety briefings and use protective equipment. The work environment is dynamic and requires both physical strength and mental focus, making strong teamwork and communication essential for success.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ironworker Structural jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Ironworker Structural jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Ironworker Structural jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Ironworker Structural jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ironworker Structural jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Ironworker Structural jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Ironworker Structural job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,193 per year, or $28 per hour.

BRIDGE AND STRUCTURAL IRON WORKER

Chicago, IL • On-site

$64.19/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
BRIDGE AND STRUCTURAL IRON WORKER
CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Division of In-House Construction
Number of Positions: 1
(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)
Starting Annual Salary: $64.19/ Hourly
This position is open to the public and all current City employees covered under the City's collective bargaining agreement with the INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BRIDGE, STRUCTURAL AND REINFORCING IRONWORKER- LOCAL 1 (BARGAINING UNIT 46). Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.
BID INSTRUCTIONS: Apply on the bid site: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/103/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en AND
1. Check the box on your profile titled "Currently employed by the City of Chicago"
2. Enter your employee ID (located on your pay stub labeled 'payee/employee number')
3. Select your correct bargaining unit
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN A REJECTED BID APPLICATION
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on September 1, 2026
Under supervision, performs journey-level bridge and structural ironwork in the installation, repair, and maintenance of structural elements and framework on City bridges, viaducts, buildings, and other steel structures, and performs related duties as required
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Reads blueprints, specifications, and work orders to assess work required and to layout and cut steel units
• Cuts metal units with hacksaws, burning torches, or plasma cutters to remove damaged ironwork and to install or repair steel structures
• Ensures adequate supplies of tools, equipment, and materials are at work sites to complete jobs
• Fastens steel units to cables from a crane or derrick to hoist steel into place
• Checks the vertical and horizontal alignment of steel and iron framework and guides units into position
• Operates turnbuckles, crowbars, and jacks to fit steel units into final position
• Drills and rings out rivet holes in steel units
• Aligns rivet holes and uses a pneumatic riveter to bolt steel units into place
• Repairs and maintains ironwork by welding steel joints with wire-feeding machines and electric or acetylene torches
• Prepares work activity reports
• Installs reinforcing iron into concrete (e.g., foundations, walls)
• Loads, transports, and unloads equipment and supplies as required
• Cleans equipment and work site after repairs as required
NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to particular positions within the class.
Location: 31 ST & Sacramento Blvd
Days: Monday - Friday
Hours: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
Qualifications
THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training, and Experience
• Successful completion of a US Department of Labor registered structural ironwork apprenticeship training program and journeyman status
Should the above criteria not be fulfilled, the following options are acceptable:
o Successful completion of an industry or company sponsored apprenticeship training program in structural ironwork, PLUS two (2) years of journey level work experience as a structural iron worker
o Five (5) years of experience as a Bricklayer
Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications
• A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Substantial lifting (up to 75 pounds) is required
• Ability to walk and stand for extended or continuous periods of time
• Ability to quickly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with one's body, arms, and/or legs
• Ability to climb staircases, ladders, and/or step stools
• Ability to access difficult to enter spaces (e.g., roofs, basements, tanks, field equipment, cramped quarters)
• Ability to operate applicable hand tools, power tools, and equipment
• Ability to tolerate heights while working
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions
• Exposure to loud noise, fumes or dust
• Exposure to hazardous conditions (e.g., construction sites, heavy machinery)
• Work performed above or below ground level
• Work performed using scaffolds and ladders
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS: This position requires candidates to pass a job knowledge exam. Test results will be sent out by the Department of Human Resources after test results have been analyzed and compiled. Bidders who receive a passing score on the test will be hired in seniority order. External applicants who receive a passing score will be hired in lottery/random order.
EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION : Please be advised that if you are selected to be hired, you must provide, upon request, adequate information regarding your educational and employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position for which you are applying. If you received your degree internationally, all international transcripts/diplomas must be accompanied by a Foreign Credential Evaluation. You must provide your transcripts or diploma, professional license, or training certificates at the time of processing, if applicable. If the City of Chicago cannot verify this information, any offer extended to you will be withdrawn, and you will not be hired.
For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html
For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dhr/provdrs/Job_Classification_Compensation/svcs/classification-and-pay-plan.html#docaccess-ba6c316e7a6d538348ff53b1eeebb6ab
APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor