Texas has no state license for ironworkers. Most train in a three- or four-year Ironworkers union apprenticeship, with pay raises along the way.
Facts from the official pages, checked October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm on the linked page before you apply.
An apprenticeship is a paid job with training, and your pay goes up as you learn.
Takes applications all year
Ironworker · 3 years
Ironworkers Local 135 · Apprenticeship and Training Center, 7521 Fauna St., Houston (shared with Local 84; 713-644-3206)
You'll need: 18+, diploma or equivalent, aptitude test, drug test, background check, reliable transportation; apply at the hall 8 AM–2 PM daily, the Houston training center, or online
Check their site for when applications open
Ironworker · 3 years
You'll need: DOL-registered; 102 class hours a semester, evening classes; apprentices bring their own welding gloves, hood and jacket
Check their site for when applications open
Ironworker · 3 years
Ironworkers Local 84 · Ironworkers Local 84 / 135 Apprenticeship and Training Center, 7521 Fauna St., Houston (713-644-3206)
You'll need: Online application, then in-person interview at the training center based on work projections; evening classes about 2 nights a week through Houston Community College, no cost to the apprentice
What ironworkers do all day, the training and the pay nationwide, in about 90 seconds.
Video from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Tap CC on the player for captions. On CareerOneStop ↗
Issued by Ironworkers union
Three or four years, at least 18 years old with a diploma or GED. At least 204 hours of class a year, and evaluations about every six months.
After the apprenticeship you can work without direct supervision.
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
| Where | Middle half (25th–75th) | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | $22.98 – $31.17 | $27.90 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth | $23.60 – $29.68 | $25.77 |
| San Antonio | $22.26 – $29.49 | $24.10 |
| Austin | $24.01 – $31.87 | $28.84 |
| All of Texas | $22.65 – $29.98 | $25.12 |
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
| Where | Middle half (25th–75th) | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | $23.06 – $28.35 | $24.93 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth | $22.74 – $29.02 | $24.48 |
| Austin | $22.04 – $29.74 | $24.17 |
| All of Texas | $22.04 – $28.35 | $24.35 |
An hour, for all workers in the occupation, not by license level. BLS: “Someone new to the field may expect wages near the 10th or 25th percentile, whereas those with more experience and education could expect wages near the 75th or 90th percentile.” BLS
Pay: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. bls.gov/oes
U.S. Department of Labor and the Texas Workforce Commission
An apprenticeship is a paid job with classes. Texas helps pay for the classes, but programs may still charge an application fee, tuition or books.
Texas Workforce Commission
If you qualify, your local Workforce Solutions board can pay a school for an approved training program. Each board sets its own limit, and money depends on its budget.
Next deadlines not announced yet
the mikeroweWORKS Foundation
A scholarship for trade school programs of two years or less. You'll need a tuition bill from your school, a short video and references.
We're not connected with the mikeroweWORKS Foundation. Apply on their site.
Training money in Austin, Houston, DFW and San Antonio →Veteran or still serving? →
Checked Oct 2026 from each program's own site. Amounts and rules can change; their page has the final word.
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