Structural Iron and Steel Workers Salary
The median pay for a structural iron and steel workers in Oregon is $96,050/year ($46.18/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $53K at the entry level to $121K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 102.44), that's roughly $93,762 in purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,555/month, or 25.8% of estimated take-home pay.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Oregon. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $96K get you in Oregon?
About structural iron and steel workers
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What this looks like in Oregon
Oregon sits well above the national pay line for structural iron and steel workers, local pay runs about 53% higher than the U.S. median of $63K. Rent runs $1,555/month for a 2-bedroom (HUD FMR), taking 27.4% of the median take-home. That's within the 30% rule, though not by much. Cost of living (RPP 102.44) is near the national average, so spending patterns here track the typical American budget fairly closely. Use the affordability calculator above to model your specific situation.
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Oregon
Entry-level structural iron and steel workers (10th percentile) start around $53K. Mid-career wages sit at $96K. Top earners bring in $121K or more, a $68K spread from bottom to top.
Structural Iron and Steel Workers salary by metro in Oregon
3 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro | $98K | +2% | 410 |
| Eugene-Springfield | $93K | -4% | 40 |
| Salem | $75K | -22% | 40 |
Compare to other states
Track structural iron and steel workers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Oregon numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
Can a structural iron and steel worker afford a 2BR apartment alone in Oregon?
Yes — at the median salary of $96K, rent takes 27.4% of take-home pay. A 2-bedroom at the HUD Fair Market Rent runs $1,555/month. That stays under the 30% guideline most financial planners use.
What’s the entry-level salary for structural iron and steel workers in Oregon?
The 10th-percentile wage — what new structural iron and steel workers typically earn — is $53K/year. Take-home on that works out to about $3,158/month. At HUD’s $1,555/month FMR, rent would take 49% of that take-home — above the 30% guideline, so a 1-bedroom or shared housing is likely necessary starting out.
Is structural iron and steel worker a high-paying job in Oregon?
Local pay is 53% above the national median — $96K here vs. $63K nationally.
How does Oregon compare to the national average for structural iron and steel workers?
Oregon pays $96K median vs. the U.S. average of $63K — that’s +53%. After adjusting for local cost of living (RPP 102.44), the purchasing-power equivalent is $94K — still ahead of the national median.
How much do structural iron and steel workers make in Oregon?
The median is $96,050 a year, that works out to about $46 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $52,630, and experienced structural iron and steel workers can clear $120,860. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $96K enough to live in Oregon?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,673/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,555/month, which eats 27.4% 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 Oregon?
Oregon has a Regional Price Parity of 102.44 (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 $93,762 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.