Structural Iron & Steel Worker Apprenticeships in Illinois
Illinois has 13 registered apprenticeship sponsors training structural iron & steel workers — 10 of them union or joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and finish without tuition debt.
Registered sponsors
13
Union / joint programs
10
Median structural iron & steel worker wage
$101,030
Illinois, all experience levels
Job growth 2022–2032
+3%
300 openings/yr
Largest Registered Sponsors
Union and joint labor-management programs are listed first — they typically pay the best apprentice rates and charge no tuition.
| Sponsor | City | Program type |
|---|---|---|
| AAWSTLU JATC Union / joint | Pembrooke Township | Multiple Employer |
| Ironworkers 498 JATC Union / joint | ROCKFORD | Multiple Employer |
| IRONWORKERS LOC #1 Union / joint | Forest Park | Multiple Employer |
| Ironworkers Local 112 Joint Apprenticeship Training Union / joint | EAST PEORIA | Multiple Employer |
| Iron Workers Local 380 JATC Union / joint | Urbana | Multiple Employer |
| Iron Workers Local 392 Union / joint | EAST SAINT LOUIS | Multiple Employer |
| IRON WORKERS LOCAL 444 JATC Union / joint | JOLIET | Multiple Employer |
| Iron Workers Local 46 JATC Union / joint | Springfield | Multiple Employer |
| QUAD CITY IRONWORKERS JATC LU 111 Union / joint | Rock Island | Multiple Employer |
| QUAD CITY IRONWORKERS JATC LU 111 Union / joint | Rock Island | Multiple Employer |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov).
What Structural Iron & Steel Workers Earn in Illinois
Wages
- Median annual wage: $101,030
- Average annual wage: $96,670
- Structural Iron & Steel Workers employed statewide: 3,250
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. Apprentices typically start at 40–50% of the journeyman rate and get scheduled raises.
10-year outlook
- Projected growth 2022–2032: +3%
- Average openings per year: 300
- Employment: 3,370 → 3,470
Source: Projections Central / state workforce agencies.