Ironworker Salary in Detroit, Michigan

Updated 2026-04-05BLS 2024 data — be the first to add a local report

Salary Distribution

BLS 2024
$56,549/ year

Median Ironworker in Detroit, MI

$33,915
10th
$41,360
25th
$56,549
Median
$73,040
75th
$89,109
90th

Compensation Breakdown

BLS 2024
Base salary (median)
$56,549
Total compensation (est.)
$65,031
Bonus range
$2,350 – $9,960
Mean salary
$59,942

How This Compares

Detroit, MI median
$56,549
Michigan median
$65,545-13.7%
National median
$64,260-12.0%

Cost of living in Detroit is 12% below the national average. Salary of $56,549 here is equivalent to $64,260 nationally.

Salary by Experience

0-2 years
$40,715-28.0%
3-5 years
$51,460-9.0%
6-10 years
$63,335+12.0%
10+ years
$78,038+38.0%

Salary by Company Size

Startup (< 100 employees)
$49,763-12.0%
Mid-size (100–5,000)
$56,549
Enterprise (5,000+)
$66,728+18.0%

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Ironworker Salaries in Nearby Cities

Warren, MI$64,260/yr
Ann Arbor, MI$64,260/yr
Lansing, MI$64,260/yr

Related Jobs in Detroit

Electrician$54,199/yr
Plumber$54,164/yr
HVAC Technician$50,424/yr
Carpenter$49,799/yr
Welder$41,369/yr

Quick Numbers

Hourly (40hr week)$27/hr
Monthly gross$4,712/mo
25th percentile$41,360/yr
75th percentile$73,040/yr

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Market Context

via FRED

Fed Funds Rate

Mar 2026

3.64%

Inflation (CPI)

year-over-year

2.4%+0.04

National Unemployment

Mar 2026

4.3%-0.10

Michigan Unemployment

Dec 2025

5.0%

Avg Hourly Earnings

all private workers

$37.38+$0.09

10yr Treasury

Apr 2026

4.31%

Source: St. Louis Fed (FRED). Updated daily.

Ironworker Salaries by City

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Ironworker salary in Detroit?

The median Ironworker salary in Detroit is $56,549 per year, with a range from $41,360 at the 25th percentile to $73,040 at the 75th percentile. Total compensation including bonuses typically runs higher — see the breakdown above for the full picture.

How does Ironworker pay in Detroit compare to the national average?

Ironworker salaries in Detroit are 12% below the national median of $64,260. After adjusting for Detroit's cost of living, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to roughly $64,260 nationally — which is the number that actually matters when comparing offers across cities.

What factors affect Ironworker salaries in Detroit?

In Detroit, the biggest drivers are years of experience, company size, and industry vertical. Entry-level Ironworker roles start around $33,915, while senior and staff-level positions at larger employers can reach $89,109 or above. Specialized skills and in-demand tools can also meaningfully shift where you land in the range.

Is Detroit a good place for Ironworker jobs?

Detroit offers a Ironworker median of $56,549, which is 12% below the US median of $64,260. Whether that makes it a good market depends on your personal cost-of-living equation — Detroit is 12% cheaper than the national average, so factor that into your math.

How do I negotiate a higher Ironworker salary?

Start with the data on this page: the 75th percentile for Ironworker in Detroit is $73,040, which is a defensible anchor for a negotiation. Come in with a specific number backed by real market data — not a range — and reference your experience tier. If you're above the median, ask for the 75th percentile. If you're already at the 75th, push for total comp improvements like equity or bonus instead.