How to become a Structural Iron and Steel Worker

Official title: Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Also called: Field Iron Worker, Iron Worker, Ironworker, Steel Erector, Steel Fabricator, Steel Worker, Structural Erector, Structural Steel Erector, Tower Hand, Union Ironworker

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.

Main tasks

• 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.
• Fabricate metal parts, such as steel frames, columns, beams, or girders, according to blueprints or instructions from supervisors.
• Connect columns, beams, and girders with bolts, following blueprints and instructions from supervisors.

How to become one

Most ironworkers learn through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.

Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Assembler, Metal Building. BLS lists an apprenticeship as the typical training for this occupation.
• Apprenticeship: Structural Steel Worker - 3 Years. BLS lists an apprenticeship as the typical training for this occupation.
• Apprenticeship: Tank Setter (Petrol Prod). BLS lists an apprenticeship as the typical training for this occupation.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $62,780 a year The middle half earn $49,880 to $82,660.
• About 68,300 people work in this job now, and about 70,400 are projected by 2035. (+3.1%)
• People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Structural Iron and Steel Worker?

Most ironworkers learn through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.

How much does a Structural Iron and Steel Worker earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $62,780 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $49,880 to $82,660.

Is a Structural Iron and Steel Worker a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 3% by 2035, from about 68,300 to about 70,400 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Structural Iron and Steel Worker?

Usually not. Only 5% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Assembler, Metal Building.

Will AI change the work of a Structural Iron and Steel Worker?

People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

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.