Ironworker to Nuclear — Your Complete Guide
Your structural steel and rigging skills already qualify you for nuclear SMR projects and critical infrastructure jobs paying 40-65% more. Here's exactly what you need to get there.
What You'll Earn
Commercial Ironworker
$26-34/hr
Nuclear Ironworker
$38-50/hr
Nuclear ironworkers earn 40-65% more than equivalent commercial roles. Senior nuclear ironworkers on SMR projects with crane signaling and rigging certifications can earn $55-65/hour plus per diem and benefits.
Certifications You Need
ANSI/ANS-3.1 Nuclear Safety Awareness (40 hours)
NRC Radiation Worker Training (RWT) (40 hours)
AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code
NCCER Rigger Level 2 or NCCCO Rigger Certification
Crane Signal Person Certification
OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety
Fall Protection & Working at Heights Certification
Nuclear ironworkers specialize in structural steel erection, heavy rigging, and crane operations for reactor containment structures, SMR modules, and critical safety-related steel. Experience with high-strength bolting and structural welding is highly valued.
How Long It Takes
4-6 months
Most ironworkers can complete all required nuclear certifications in 4-6 months while working their current job. ANSI/ANS-3.1 and RWT training are offered online and in-person at nuclear training centers across the US and Canada.
Once certified, you're immediately eligible for nuclear ironworker roles at SMR projects, reactor refurbishments, and new construction sites requiring nuclear-grade structural steel work.
Projects Hiring Now
Bruce Power MCR
OPG Darlington BWRX-300
Vogtle Units 3 & 4
Texas Nuclear Alliance SMR
Get Certified — Recommended Programs
NCCER Ironworker Nuclear Training
National Center for Construction Education
⏱️ 6 weeks
💰 $650
EPRI Nuclear Safety Training
Electric Power Research Institute
⏱️ 4 weeks
💰 $800
See Your Matches on WorkforceOS
Create your free profile and see which nuclear ironworker jobs you already qualify for — and which certifications unlock the rest.