How to become a Structural Steel Erector
Erects and dismantles structural steel frames of buildings and other structures.
Main tasks
- Erects lifts and positions girders, plates, columns and other structural steel components
- Aligns, levels and secures structural steel components
- Lifts, positions and installs bracing, temporary supports, safety nets and scaffolding
- Dismantles and removes steel structures and temporary structures at project completion
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Rail Structures (TLI32121); Certificate III in Scaffolding (CPC30920); Certificate III in Steelfixing (CPC31120)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $151,320 a year
- About 26,400 people work in this job group now, and about 27,600 are projected by 2035. (+4.6%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Structural Steel Erector?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Rail Structures; Certificate III in Scaffolding.
How much does a Structural Steel Erector earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $151,320 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Structural Steel Erector a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5% by 2035, from about 26,400 to about 27,600 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Structural Steel Erector?
Usually not. Only 3% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Rail Structures; Certificate III in Scaffolding.
Will AI change the work of a Structural Steel Erector?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04