Reinforcing iron and rebar workers
SOC Code: 47-2171Also known as:
Concrete Buster, Concrete Rod Buster, Concrete Worker, Field Ironworker, Iron Installer
Median Annual Salary
$59,280
+4.6% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
19K
Current Jobs
What Reinforcing iron and rebar workers Do
Position and secure steel bars or mesh in concrete forms in order to reinforce concrete. Use a variety of fasteners, rod-bending machines, blowtorches, and hand tools. Includes rod busters.
💰 Salary
$59,280
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.6%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Apprenticeship
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
19,400
Projected Employment (2034)
20,300
Related Careers
Brickmasons and blockmasons
$60,800 •
+3.2% growth
Cement masons and concrete finishers
$54,660 •
+1.8% growth
Drywall and ceiling tile installers
$58,140 •
+4.2% growth
Structural iron and steel workers
$62,700 •
+4.4% growth
Structural metal fabricators and fitters
$49,900 •
-16.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Coordination
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Operation and Control
Judgment and Decision Making
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Determine quantities, sizes, shapes, and locations of reinforcing rods from blueprints, sketches, or oral instructions.
- Space and fasten together rods in forms according to blueprints, using wire and pliers.
- Position and secure steel bars, rods, cables, or mesh in concrete forms, using fasteners, rod-bending machines, blowtorches, or hand tools.
- Cut rods to required lengths, using metal shears, hacksaws, bar cutters, or acetylene torches.
- Place blocks under rebar to hold the bars off the deck when reinforcing floors.
- Cut and fit wire mesh or fabric, using hooked rods, and position fabric or mesh in concrete to reinforce concrete.
- Bend steel rods with hand tools or rod-bending machines and weld them with arc-welding equipment.
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do reinforcing iron and rebar workers make?
The median annual salary for reinforcing iron and rebar workers is $59,280.
What education do reinforcing iron and rebar workers need?
Most reinforcing iron and rebar workers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming reinforcing iron and rebar workers a good career choice?
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers is projected to see +4.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for reinforcing iron and rebar workers?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to reinforcing iron and rebar workers?
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers may also be known as: Concrete Buster, Concrete Rod Buster, Concrete Worker, Field Ironworker, Iron Installer, Iron Worker, Ironworker, Journeyman Ironworker, Post Tensioning Ironworker, Rebar Bender, Rebar Fabricator, Rebar Production Fabricator, Rebar Rodbuster, Rebar Tier, Rebar Worker, Reinforced Ironworker, Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers, Reinforcing Iron Worker, Reinforcing Metal Worker, Reinforcing Rod Layer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.