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Structural Iron and Steel Workers Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for structural iron and steel workers in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Structural Iron and Steel Workers in California

Estimated timeline: 2-18 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    must be at least 18 years of age

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  3. 3

    All contractors/builders must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board in order to perform work in California.

  4. 4

    License Application Fee: $450.

  5. 5

    Initial License Fee: Sole Owner $200 for 2 years.

  6. 6

    Experience Requirement: At least four (4) years journey level experience

    • must be at least 18 years of age.
  7. 7

    Exam Requirement: Business/law exam and trade exam.

  8. 8

    Exam Frequency: Computerized exams given daily at 20 sites throughout the state.

Exam and processing details

Frequency
Computerized exams given daily at 20 sites throughout the state. Re-exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Contractors State License Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $72,050 median (15% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #18 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (must be at least 18 years of age; Experience Requirement: At least four (4) years journey level experience; must be at least 18 years of age.).
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (Experience Requirement: At least four (4) years journey level experience; must be at least 18 years of age.).
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Frequency: Computerized exams given daily at 20 sites throughout the state. Re-exam.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (License Application Fee: $450.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Contractors State License Board and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $72,050, Structural Iron and Steel Workerss in California earn 15% above the national median of $62,700. California ranks #18 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2-18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$72,050

Hourly estimate

$34.64
15% above national median

Difference: +$9,350

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$46,100
  • P2525th percentile$49,480
  • P50Median$72,050
  • P7575th percentile$101,640
  • P9090th percentile$108,510

State vs National Median

State: $72,050
National: $62,700

Total employment: 6,970 | Annual openings: N/A

Structural Iron and Steel Workers Salary Ranking

#18 of 50 statesfor Structural Iron and Steel Workers median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Massachusetts$116,630
#2New Jersey$111,800
#3Washington$105,970
#4Illinois$101,030
#5Hawaii$99,370

Nearby States Comparison

Structural Iron and Steel Workers licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$72,050Varies by state boardState-approved exam2-18 years
Oregon$90,060Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$62,990Degree requiredState exam required10 years
Arizona$60,030Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Consumer Affairs • Contractors State License Board

9821 Business Park Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95827

Phone: 8003212752

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$84,910Varies by state board1-17 years
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$63,370Varies by state board1-17 years
Carpenter$74,820Varies by state boardVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$101,160Varies by state board1-6 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Structural Iron and Steel Workers in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Structural Iron and Steel Workers salary in California?

The median annual salary for Structural Iron and Steel Workerss in California is $72,050. Salaries range from $46,100 (10th percentile) to $108,510 (90th percentile).

How does the Structural Iron and Steel Workers salary in California compare to the national average?

Structural Iron and Steel Workerss in California earn 15% above the national median of $62,700, with a state median of $72,050.

How many Structural Iron and Steel Workerss work in California?

California employs approximately 6,970 Structural Iron and Steel Workerss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Structural Iron and Steel Workers license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Structural Iron and Steel Workerss in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Contractors State License Board. Review agency details at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Structural Iron and Steel Workers license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.