Structural Iron and Steel Workers Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
The median pay for a structural iron and steel workers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $102,950/year ($49.5/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $66K at the entry level to $122K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.59), that's roughly $99,382 in purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,781/month, or 27.4% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $103K get you in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
About structural iron and steel workers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Entry-level structural iron and steel workers (10th percentile) start around $66K. Mid-career wages sit at $103K.Top earners bring in $122K or more - a $56K spread from bottom to top.
Structural Iron and Steel Workers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $117K | +86% | 2,160 |
| New Jersey | $112K | +78% | 1,250 |
| Washington | $106K | +69% | 1,140 |
| Illinois | $101K | +61% | 3,250 |
| Hawaii | $99K | +58% | 80 |
| Rhode Island | $96K | +53% | 390 |
| New York | $95K | +52% | 3,190 |
| Minnesota | $93K | +49% | 850 |
| Wisconsin | $92K | +47% | 710 |
| Oregon | $90K | +44% | 560 |
| Pennsylvania | $81K | +30% | 1,290 |
| Alaska | $81K | +30% | 180 |
| Connecticut | $80K | +28% | 260 |
| North Dakota | $79K | +27% | 270 |
| New Mexico | $76K | +22% | 100 |
Track structural iron and steel workers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Chicago-Naperville-Elgin numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do structural iron and steel workers make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median is $102,950 a year - that works out to about $49.5 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $65,680, and experienced structural iron and steel workers can clear $121,870. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $103K enough to live in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,310/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,781/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 28.2% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a structural iron and steel workers salary go in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has a Regional Price Parity of 103.59 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median structural iron and steel workers salary is worth about $99,382 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do structural iron and steel workers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.