A three-shop Midwest fabricator used IronKit to benchmark their cost-per-ton across a 40-ton structural warehouse job. The breakdown landed at $2,800/ton all-in: $1,700/ton for steel material (A992 W-shapes at $0.85/lb), $800/ton for labor (shop fabrication + field erection blended), and $300/ton for consumables (wire, gas, hardware, primer). At this rate, they were competitive with the Midwest market range of $2,600–$3,200/ton for delivered and erected structural packages. IronKit's per-ton view helped them identify that their primer and galvanizing cost was running 15% above benchmark due to subcontractor markup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drives the most variability in $/ton cost?
Labor hours per ton. Shops that build complex connections, short members, or difficult geometry spend 8–12 hr/ton in the shop versus 4–6 hr/ton for simple beams and columns. The steel cost ($1,700/ton) is relatively fixed — it's the labor hours that separate competitive shops from losers.
Is $2,800/ton competitive for the Midwest in 2026?
Yes. The 2026 Midwest range for shop-fabricated and field-erected structural steel is roughly $2,600–$3,200/ton delivered. Shops at $3,500+/ton are uncompetitive on larger jobs unless they bring specialty capability (galvanizing, complex geometry, tight schedule). Shops at $2,400/ton are leaving margin on the table.
How many labor hours per ton should I budget?
Simple beams and columns: 4–5 hr/ton. Mixed structural packages (stairs, mezzanines, connections): 6–8 hr/ton. Ornamental and misc metals: 10–15 hr/ton. These are shop hours only — field erection adds 1.5–3 hr/ton depending on job complexity.
How does IronKit calculate cost per ton?
IronKit takes the total job cost (materials + labor + consumables + overhead) and divides by the structural steel tonnage you enter. The per-ton view is useful for benchmark comparison and for providing a single number to GCs who want a $/ton erection price.