Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support bridges, roads, and other structures.
Ironworkers typically do the following:
Structural and reinforcing iron and steel are important components of buildings, bridges, roads, and other structures. Even though the primary metal involved in this work is steel, workers often are known as ironworkers or erectors. Most of the work involves erecting new structures, but some ironworkers also help in the demolition, decommissioning, and rehabilitation of older buildings and bridges.
Structural iron and steel workers erect, place, and join steel girders, columns, and other pieces to form structural frameworks. They also may assemble precut metal buildings and the cranes and derricks that move materials and equipment around the construction site. Some ironworkers install precast walls or work with wood or composite materials.
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers position and secure steel bars or mesh in concrete forms for purposes of reinforcement. Those who work with reinforcing steel (rebar) are sometimes called rod busters, in reference to rods of rebar.
Structural metal fabricators and fitters manufacture metal products in shops that are usually located away from construction sites.
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers held about 18,800 jobs in 2019. The largest employers of reinforcing iron and rebar workers were as follows:
| Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors | 71% |
| Nonresidential building construction | 8 |
| Heavy and civil engineering construction | 7 |
| Other specialty trade contractors | 5 |
Structural iron and steel workers held about 77,000 jobs in 2019. The largest employers of structural iron and steel workers were as follows:
| Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors | 46% |
| Nonresidential building construction | 23 |
| Building equipment contractors | 7 |
| Heavy and civil engineering construction | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Ironworkers usually work outside in many types of weather. Some work at great heights. Their tasks are physically demanding, as they spend much of their time moving and stooping to carry, bend, cut, and connect iron or steel at a steady pace so projects stay on schedule.
The work of ironworkers can be dangerous. Common injuries include cuts, sprains, overexertion, and falls; from great heights, falls can be deadly. To reduce these risks, ironworkers must wear safety equipment such as harnesses, hard hats, boots, gloves, and safety glasses.
Most ironworkers work full time. They may have to travel to jobsites.
Structural ironworkers who work at great heights do not work when conditions are wet, icy, or extremely windy. Reinforcing ironworkers may be limited by precipitation.
Most ironworkers learn through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required to enter an apprenticeship. Workers learning through on-the-job training may not need a high school diploma or equivalent. Courses in math, as well as training in vocational subjects such as blueprint reading and welding, are useful.
Many ironworkers learn their trade through a 3- or 4-year apprenticeship. Sponsors of apprenticeship programs, nearly all of which teach both reinforcing and structural ironworking, include unions and contractor associations. For each year of the program, apprentices must have at least 144 hours of related technical instruction and 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. Ironworkers who complete an apprenticeship program are considered journey-level workers and may perform tasks without direct supervision.
Other ironworkers receive on-the-job training that varies in length and is provided by their employer.
On the job, apprentices and trainees learn to use the tools and equipment of the trade; handle, measure, cut, and lay rebar; and construct metal frameworks. They also learn about topics such as blueprint reading and sketching, general construction techniques, safety practices, and first aid.
Certifications in welding, rigging, and crane signaling may make ironworkers more attractive to prospective employers. Several organizations provide certifications for different aspects of the work. For example, the American Welding Society offers welding certification, and several organizations offer rigging certifications, including the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators, and the National Center for Construction Education and Research.
After gaining experience, ironworkers may advance to become a supervisor or a manager, a position in which they have more responsibilities and are tasked with directing other ironworkers.
Ability to work at heights. Ironworkers must not be afraid to work at great heights. For example, workers connecting girders during skyscraper construction may have to walk on narrow beams that are 50 stories or higher.
Balance. Ironworkers often walk on narrow beams, so a good sense of balance is important to keep them from falling.
Critical thinking. Ironworkers need to identify problems, monitor and assess potential risks, and evaluate the best courses of action. They must use logic and reasoning when finding alternatives so that they safely accomplish their tasks
Depth perception. Ironworkers often signal crane operators who move beams and bundles of rebar, so they must be able to judge the distance between objects.
Hand-eye coordination. Ironworkers must be able to tie rebar together quickly and precisely.
Physical stamina. Ironworkers must have physical endurance because they spend many hours each day performing physically demanding tasks, such as moving rebar.
Physical strength. Ironworkers must be strong enough to guide heavy beams into place and tighten bolts.
Median annual wages, May 2020
The median annual wage for reinforcing iron and rebar workers was $49,390 in May 2020. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,940, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $88,380.
The median annual wage for structural iron and steel workers was $54,830 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,330, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $94,140.
In May 2020, the median annual wages for reinforcing iron and rebar workers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Heavy and civil engineering construction | $56,830 |
| Nonresidential building construction | 52,340 |
| Other specialty trade contractors | 51,020 |
| Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors | 48,860 |
In May 2020, the median annual wages for structural iron and steel workers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Heavy and civil engineering construction | $62,830 |
| Building equipment contractors | 61,700 |
| Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors | 56,650 |
| Nonresidential building construction | 51,860 |
| Manufacturing | 46,890 |
The starting pay for apprentices is usually about 50 percent of what journey-level ironworkers make. They receive pay increases as they learn to do more.
Most ironworkers work full time. Structural ironworkers who work at great heights do not work when conditions are wet, icy, or extremely windy. Reinforcing ironworkers may be limited by precipitation.
Percent change in employment, projected 2019-29
Overall employment of ironworkers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
Steel and reinforced concrete are an important part of commercial and industrial buildings. Future construction of these structures is expected to require ironworkers. The need to rehabilitate, maintain, or replace an increasing number of older highways and bridges is also expected to lead to some employment growth.
About 10,600 openings for ironworkers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Jobseekers who are certified in welding, rigging, and crane signaling should have the best job opportunities.
As with many other construction workers, employment of ironworkers is sensitive to fluctuations of the economy. On the one hand, workers may experience periods of unemployment when the overall level of construction falls. On the other hand, shortages of workers may occur in some areas during peak periods of building activity.
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2019 | Projected Employment, 2029 | Change, 2019-29 | Employment by Industry | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | ||||||
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program |
|||||||
Ironworkers |
— | 95,900 | 100,400 | 5 | 4,500 | — | |
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers |
47-2171 | 18,800 | 19,800 | 5 | 900 | Get data | |
Structural iron and steel workers |
47-2221 | 77,000 | 80,600 | 5 | 3,600 | Get data | |
For information about apprenticeships or job opportunities as an ironworker, contact local structural and reinforcing iron and steel construction contractors, a local joint union–management apprenticeship committee, or the nearest office of your state employment service or apprenticeship agency. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship program online or by phone at 877-872-5627. Visit Apprenticeship.gov to search for apprenticeship opportunities.
For ironworker and apprenticeship information, visit
International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers
For more information about ironworkers, visit
Associated Builders and Contractors
Associated General Contractors of America
National Center for Construction Education and Research
For more information about certification, visit
National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators