Structural iron and steel workers
SOC Code: 47-2221Also known as:
Assembler, Awnings Mechanic, Billboard Erector, Billboard Installer, Billboard Mechanic
Median Annual Salary
$62,700
+4.4% growth (2024-2034)
6K
Openings/Year
66K
Current Jobs
What Structural iron and steel workers Do
Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings.
💰 Salary
$62,700
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.4%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
6K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Apprenticeship
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
65,700
Projected Employment (2034)
68,600
Related Careers
Carpenters
$59,310 •
+4.5% growth
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers
$59,280 •
+4.6% growth
Sheet metal workers
$60,850 •
+2.4% growth
Millwrights
$65,170 •
+0.0% growth
Structural metal fabricators and fitters
$49,900 •
-16.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Coordination
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Read specifications or blueprints to determine the locations, quantities, or sizes of materials required.
- Connect columns, beams, and girders with bolts, following blueprints and instructions from supervisors.
- Bolt aligned structural steel members in position for permanent riveting, bolting, or welding into place.
- Fasten structural steel members to hoist cables, using chains, cables, or rope.
- Hoist steel beams, girders, or columns into place, using cranes or signaling hoisting equipment operators to lift and position structural steel members.
- Verify vertical and horizontal alignment of structural steel members, using plumb bobs, laser equipment, transits, or levels.
- Cut, bend, or weld steel pieces, using metal shears, torches, or welding equipment.
- Erect metal or precast concrete components for structures, such as buildings, bridges, dams, towers, storage tanks, fences, or highway guard rails.
- Force structural steel members into final positions, using turnbuckles, crowbars, jacks, or hand tools.
- Pull, push, or pry structural steel members into approximate positions for bolting into place.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
College rankings for this career path are being calculated. Check back soon!
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do structural iron and steel workers make?
The median annual salary for structural iron and steel workers is $62,700.
What education do structural iron and steel workers need?
Most structural iron and steel workers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming structural iron and steel workers a good career choice?
Structural iron and steel workers is projected to see +4.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 5,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for structural iron and steel workers?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to structural iron and steel workers?
Structural iron and steel workers may also be known as: Assembler, Awnings Mechanic, Billboard Erector, Billboard Installer, Billboard Mechanic, Bolter, Bridge Ironworker, Bridge Maintainer, Bridgeman, Building Construction Ironworker, Combination Worker, Construction Ironworker, Erector, Fitter, Guard Rail Installer, Guzzler Builder, Housesmith, Iron Erector, Iron Guardrail Installer, Iron Setter.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.