Ok AS AN IRONWORKER, I know what we make. The rate depends on the local that you are working out of (where the work is being done). In my local the rate is 39$/hour plus benefits. Some locals in the southern states are very low -20$/hour since the cost of living is so low; other locals like NYC make over 50$/hour.

That rate doesn't include pension approx 7$/hour, vacation pay, excellent medical coverage, life insurance, travel, possibly living out allowance (100-130/day approx tax free) and other benefits. These the employer pays for. The contractor will bill labor costs nominally 100$/hour and actually pay 55$-60$/ hour for him.

Most ironworkers work 32-40 hours a week depending on weather (wind, rain, other factors) and would typically only take home 11-1200$/week.

Some work does allow for significant OT at double time. So depending on the amount of DT you get you may make as much as 3000$/week plus loa. It's not uncommon to net 3-5$grand a week.

For that you are however doing a very physical job and are expected to put your job first. No crybabies need apply. At the expense of social life and family at times to be able to work ot when you're needed.

These are union wages and non union would be another story (up to 25$/hour no benefits, medical etc.)

Other building trades (boiler makers, pipe fitters, sheet metal workers, electricians, union labourers (real unions not CLAC or similar), operating engineers, carpenters, millwrights, make nearly identical money. The full breakdown of benefits vary by trade and local.

These rates are full journeyman rate and foremans, general foremans, etc. Will make progressively more.

If you have little social life it's possible to make 200k+/year.