Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
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.
Median pay: $62,780/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +4.4% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 5,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
What's the median pay for Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
The median pay for Structural Iron and Steel Workers is $62,780 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
Employment for Structural Iron and Steel Workers is projected to change +4.4% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
About 5,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.