Structural ironworker
Also known as: rebar workers, steel erector, structural steel fitters, steel fitters, structural iron and steel worker, structural steel erector
About this occupation
Structural ironworker in construction install iron elements into structures. They erect steel frameworks for buildings, bridges and other construction projects. They set metal rods, or rebar, to form reinforced concrete.
Essential skills and knowledge
- apply spot welding techniques
- spot metal imperfections
- align components
- tend metal sawing machine
- apply arc welding techniques
- metal thermal conductivity
- work ergonomically
- tie reinforcing steel
- use safety equipment in construction
- rivet types
- operate handheld riveting equipment
- metal joining technologies
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Structural Iron and Steel Workers (O*NET 47-2221.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Read specifications or blueprints to determine the locations, quantities, or sizes of materials required.
- Verify vertical and horizontal alignment of structural steel members, using plumb bobs, laser equipment, transits, or levels.
- Erect metal or precast concrete components for structures, such as buildings, bridges, dams, towers, storage tanks, fences, or highway guard rails.
- Bolt aligned structural steel members in position for permanent riveting, bolting, or welding into place.
- Assemble or inspect hoisting equipment or rigging, such as cables, pulleys, or hooks, to move heavy equipment or materials.
- Lift steel beams, girders, or columns using cranes or forklifts, or by signaling hoisting equipment operators to lift or position structural steel members.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Coordination, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring
US median pay: US$62,780 a year (2025), 68,380 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionExtremely important (4.9)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (4.0)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.9)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.5)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.4)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.3)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
- Sheet Metal Workers
- Carpenters
- Millwrights
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
- Boilermakers
- Construction Laborers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.