Reinforcing ironworkers install rebar to strengthen concrete walls.
Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support bridges, roads, and other structures.
Duties
Ironworkers typically do the following:
Read and follow blueprints, sketches, and other instructions
Unload and stack prefabricated iron and steel so that it can be lifted with slings
Signal crane operators who lift and position structural and reinforcing iron and steel
Use shears, rod-bending machines, torches, handtools, and welding equipment to cut, bend, and weld the structural and reinforcing iron and steel
Align structural and reinforcing iron and steel vertically and horizontally, using tag lines, plumb bobs, lasers, and levels
Connect iron and steel with bolts, wire, or welds
Install metal decking used in building construction
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.
Ironworkers wear safety harnesses when they work at heights.
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers held about 19,500 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of reinforcing iron and rebar workers were as follows:
Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors
59%
Nonresidential building construction
6
Heavy and civil engineering construction
5
Other specialty trade contractors
2
Structural iron and steel workers held about 69,000 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of structural iron and steel workers were as follows:
Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors
48%
Nonresidential building construction
19
Manufacturing
9
Heavy and civil engineering construction
7
Building equipment contractors
5
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.
Injuries and Illnesses
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.
Work Schedules
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.
Many ironworkers learn their trade through a 3- or 4-year apprenticeship.
Most ironworkers learn through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
Education
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.
Training
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.
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.
Important Qualities
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.
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
The median annual wage for reinforcing iron and rebar workers was $48,830 in May 2021.
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 $36,930, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $97,630.
The median annual wage for structural iron and steel workers was $58,550 in May 2021.
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,610, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,000.
In May 2021, the median annual wages for reinforcing iron and rebar workers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
Other specialty trade contractors
$74,330
Heavy and civil engineering construction
73,590
Nonresidential building construction
49,780
Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors
48,670
In May 2021, the median annual wages for structural iron and steel workers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
Building equipment contractors
$61,910
Heavy and civil engineering construction
61,680
Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors
59,560
Nonresidential building construction
50,700
Manufacturing
48,000
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.
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Overall employment of ironworkers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 9,400 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.
Employment
Steel and reinforced concrete are important parts of commercial and industrial buildings. Future construction of these structures is expected to require ironworkers. The need to fix, maintain, or replace an increasing number of older highways and bridges also is expected to lead to some employment growth.
Employment projections data for ironworkers, 2021-31
Occupational Title
SOC Code
Employment, 2021
Projected Employment, 2031
Change, 2021-31
Employment by Industry
Percent
Numeric
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
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