Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Using physical effort and endurance safely and effectively over time.
Using precise hand and finger movements to control tools, equipment, or materials.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become an Ironworker Many ironworkers learn their trade through a 3- or 4-year apprenticeship. Most ironworkers learn through an apprenticeship or on-the-job
Education
A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required to enter an apprenticeship. Workers learning through on-the-job training may not need a high school diploma or equivalent. Courses in math, as well as training in vocational subjects such as blueprint reading and welding, are useful. Training Many ironworkers learn their trade through a 3- or 4-year apprenticeship. Sponsors of apprenticeship programs, nearly all of which teach both reinforcing and structural ironworking, include unions and contractor associations. For each year of the program, apprentices must have at least 144 hours of related technical instruction and 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. Ironworkers who complete an apprenticeship program are considered journey-level workers and may perform tasks without direct supervision. Other ironworkers receive on-the-job training that varies in length and is provided by their employer. On the job, apprentices and trainees learn to use the tools and equipment of the trade; handle, measure, cut, and lay rebar; and construct metal frameworks. They also learn about topics such as blueprint reading and sketching, general construction techniques, safety practices, and first aid.
Training
.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Certifications in welding, rigging, and crane signaling may make ironworkers more attractive to prospective employers. Several organizations provide certifications for different aspects of the work. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop. Advancement After gaining experience, ironworkers may advance to become a supervisor or a manager, a position in which they have more responsibilities and are tasked with directing other ironworkers.
Your Next Step
Learn about training pathways and use the career details above to identify the type of apprenticeship or technical preparation to research.
Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Overall employment of ironworkers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 6,800 openings for ironworkers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Projected employment of ironworkers varies by occupation (see table). Steel and reinforced concrete are important parts of commercial and industrial buildings. Future construction of these structures is expected to require ironworkers. The need to fix, maintain, or replace an increasing number of older highways and bridges also is expected to lead to employment growth. Ironworkers Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Construction trades workers 6% Total, all occupations 3% Structural iron and steel workers 3% Ironworkers 1% Reinforcing iron and rebar workers -5% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Ironworkers Do
Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support bridges, roads, and other structures.
Duties
Ironworkers typically do the following:
- Read and follow blueprints, sketches, and other instructions
- Unload and stack prefabricated iron and steel so that it can be lifted with slings
- Signal crane operators who lift and position structural and reinforcing iron and steel
- Use shears, rod-bending machines, torches, handtools, and welding equipment to cut, bend, and weld the structural and reinforcing iron and steel
- Align structural and reinforcing iron and steel vertically and horizontally, using tag lines, plumb bobs, lasers, and levels
- Connect iron and steel with bolts, wire, or welds
- Install metal decking used in building construction
Structural and reinforcing iron and steel are important components of buildings, bridges, roads, and other structures. Even though the primary metal involved in this work is steel, workers often are known as ironworkers or erectors. Most of the work involves erecting new structures, but some ironworkers also help in the demolition, decommissioning, and rehabilitation of older buildings and bridges.
Structural iron and steel workers erect, place, and join steel girders, columns, and other pieces to form structural frameworks. They also may assemble precut metal buildings and the cranes and derricks that move materials and equipment around the construction site. Some ironworkers install precast walls or work with wood or composite materials.
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers position and secure steel bars or mesh in concrete forms for purposes of reinforcement. Those who work with reinforcing steel (rebar) are sometimes called rod busters, in reference to rods of rebar.
Structural metal fabricators and fitters manufacture metal products in shops that are usually located away from construction sites.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers held about 16,600 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of reinforcing iron and rebar workers were as follows:
| Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors | 55% |
| Self-employed workers | 18 |
| Nonresidential building construction | 8 |
| Heavy and civil engineering construction | 8 |
| Other specialty trade contractors | 2 |
Structural iron and steel workers held about 68,300 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of structural iron and steel workers were as follows:
| Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors | 47% |
| Nonresidential building construction | 19 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
| Heavy and civil engineering construction | 6 |
| Building equipment contractors | 5 |
Ironworkers usually work outside in many types of weather. Some work at great heights. Their tasks are physically demanding, as they spend much of their time moving and stooping to carry, bend, cut, and connect iron or steel at a steady pace so projects stay on schedule.
Injuries and Illnesses
The work of ironworkers can be dangerous. Common injuries include cuts, sprains, overexertion, and falls; from great heights, falls can be deadly. To reduce these risks, ironworkers must wear safety equipment such as harnesses, hard hats, boots, gloves, and safety glasses.
Work Schedules
Most ironworkers work full time. They may have to travel to jobsites.
Structural ironworkers who work at great heights do not work when conditions are wet, icy, or extremely windy. Reinforcing ironworkers may be limited by precipitation.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Ability to work at heights. Ironworkers must not be afraid to work at great heights. For example, workers connecting girders during skyscraper construction may have to walk on narrow beams that are 50 stories or higher. Balance. Ironworkers often walk on narrow beams, so a good sense of balance is important to keep them from falling. Critical thinking. Ironworkers need to identify problems, monitor and assess potential risks, and evaluate the best courses of action. They must use logic and reasoning when finding alternatives so that they safely accomplish their tasks Depth perception. Ironworkers often signal crane operators who move beams and bundles of rebar, so they must be able to judge the distance between objects. Hand-eye coordination. Ironworkers must be able to tie rebar together quickly and precisely. Physical stamina. Ironworkers must have physical endurance because they spend many hours each day performing physically demanding tasks, such as moving rebar. Physical strength. Ironworkers must be strong enough to guide heavy beams into place and tighten bolts.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about ironworkers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Explore Apprenticeship & Training
Learn about training pathways and use the career details above to identify the type of apprenticeship or technical preparation to research.
Explore pathway →Hear From ED
Use the guided career counseling experience to connect this career to your goals, skills and education preferences.
Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.