Structural Metal Workers

Career summary

Structural metal workers may also be called iron workers, steel workers, steel fabricators, and reinforced iron workers.

There are several types of structural metal workers.

Structural iron and steel workers

Structural iron and steel workers work at construction sites. They construct steel columns, beams, and girders according to blueprints or instructions from supervisors. They set up the hoisting equipment used to move structural steel around the construction site. Workers usually get steel sections already cut to the proper size, with holes drilled for bolts. They unload and stack the fabricated steel so it can be hoisted easily when needed. To hoist the steel, they attach cables from a crane or derrick. One worker directs the hoist operator with hand signals. Several workers align the holes in the steel with holes in the framework. Workers bolt pieces in place temporarily, and check the alignment with levels, lasers, or plumb bobs. They then bolt or weld the pieces permanently in place.

Some structural iron and steel workers install ornamental ironwork after the building is completed. They check the fit, and then bolt, braze, or weld pieces into place.

Structural metal fabricators and fitters

Structural metal fabricators and fitters work at shops rather than at construction sites. They cut, bend, drill, bolt, and weld raw steel according to the requirements for the job. They fabricate structural steel, reinforcing rods, and ornamental ironwork. Fabricators and fitters also make tanks used to store oil or water and assemble parts for bridges and prefab metal buildings.

Reinforcing iron and rebar workers

Reinforcing iron and rebar workers set bars in forms that hold concrete. They follow blueprints showing the location, number, and size of the reinforcing bars. They fasten the bars together by tying wire around them with pliers. To reinforce floors, workers place blocks under the reinforcing bars to hold the bars off the floor. Workers may have to cut, bend, or weld the bars to fit at the site.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Aircraft Mechanics
• Airplane Assemblers
• Boilermakers
• Carpenters
• Construction Helpers
• Metal and Plastic Processing Workers
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Welders and Solderers
• Welding and Soldering Machine Operators

Military careers

• Welders and Metal Workers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to structural metal workers.

• Lay out the raw steel. Cut, bend, bolt, and weld each piece according to requirements.
• Construct steel columns, beams, and girders according to blueprints or instructions from supervisors.
• Set up hoisting equipment for moving structural steel.
• Unload and stack the fabricated steel so it can be hoisted.
• Attach cables from a crane or derrick to the steel pieces. Direct the hoist operator with hand signals. Hold a rope attached to the steel.
• Align holes in the steel with holes in the framework.
• Bolt the pieces in place. Check alignment with levels, lasers, or plumb bobs. Bolt or weld pieces permanently in place.
• Follow blueprints and study drawings showing the location, number, and size of reinforcing bars.
• Fasten the bars together by tying wire around them with pliers.
• Place blocks under reinforcing bars to reinforce floors.
• May cut, bend, or weld bars at the job site, using metal shears, torches, or welding equipment.
• Position ornamental ironwork on the outside of buildings. Check fit. Bolt, braze, or weld them into place.
• Fabricate and assemble structural metal products, such as metal tanks. Assemble metal parts for bridges and prefabricated metal buildings.

Common work activities

Structural metal workers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Handle and move objects
• Get information needed to do the job
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Control machines and processes
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Evaluate information against standards

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, structural metal workers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of other workers.
• Have a low level of job-required social contact. Many metal workers work alone most of the time. However, structural metal workers who erect structures have a medium level of social contact with coworkers.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other metal workers.
• Communicate mostly in person, but also talk to others on the telephone.
• Usually work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Work both outdoors and indoors. Workers at construction sites often work outdoors. Fabrication workers usually work indoors in shops.
• Often use safety devices such as safety belts, scaffolding, and nets to reduce their risk.
• Are regularly exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
• Are often exposed to contaminants.
• Are often exposed to very hot or very cold weather while working outdoors. Indoor locations may not have heating or air conditioning.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment, especially those who work in fabrication shops.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations that can produce cuts or minor burns.
• Are sometimes exposed to high places, especially structural metal workers at construction sites.
• Are sometimes exposed to extremely bright or dim lighting conditions.
• May sometimes work in cramped work places that require getting into awkward positions. This is more likely for reinforcing metal workers.
• May work physically near other workers.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details of the job are done and their work is very exact. Errors or omissions could seriously endanger the safety of workers. Errors could also make structures unsafe to use.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Usually determine their daily tasks and goals with some input from a supervisor first, but sometimes are able to act independently.
• Must meet weekly and monthly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a regular 40-hour week.

Physical demands

Structural metal workers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for structural metal workers to be able to:

• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Determine the distance between objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for structural metal workers to be able to:

• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.

Skills and abilities

Structural metal workers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Building Construction Technology
• Construction Trades

Other programs of study to consider

• Machine Shop Technology
• Welding Technology

Training

To work as a structural metal worker, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete an apprenticeship program or moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Most structural metal workers learn their skills through apprenticeship training programs. Union and non-union apprenticeship programs are available. Admission to apprenticeship programs is competitive. To apply for an apprenticeship, you must:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• be at least 18 years old; and
• be in good physical condition.

Apprenticeship programs usually consist of four years of on-the-job training. You are paid for the time you spend on the job. In addition, each year you receive at least 144 hours of classroom training.

To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities in your area, consult the US Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information  website.

You can prepare for an apprenticeship by taking courses at a professional-technical or two-year school. Courses in blueprint reading, general math, and drafting prepare students to enter apprenticeship programs. However, these courses are not required to qualify for an apprenticeship.

On-the-job training

Some structural metal workers learn their skills informally on the job. In this case, you begin working as a helper and learn skills from an experienced worker. As you gain experience, you learn to cut and fit steel parts together. Training usually lasts about six months.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be welders and metal workers. Training lasts four to 15 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

If you receive this type of training in the military, you may earn credit for previous work experience when you enter a civilian apprenticeship program.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

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Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate. You should consider taking Algebra and Geometry as your math courses and Chemistry and Physics as your science courses.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Carpentry
• Construction
• Drafting
• Industrial Arts
• Physical Education
• Welding

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Metal workers must be at least 18 years old. Many employers prefer to hire applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some local apprenticeship committees may require a high school diploma. High school courses in general math, mechanical drawing, and shop are helpful.

Metal workers must be in good physical shape. Employers look for applicants with good agility, balance, eyesight, and depth perception. In addition, workers should not be afraid of heights or suffer from dizziness.

Costs to workers

Most workers must supply their own basic hand tools. The cost varies. Some workers may also be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers 
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers 
• Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Apprentices usually start at about 50 to 60 percent of the rate paid to experienced journey workers. They receive pay increases throughout the course of the program.

Earnings can sometimes be reduced because of work time lost due to bad weather. Structural metal workers can also lose work during economic slowdowns, when jobs are not available.

Wages vary by area of specialization. Wages also vary by employer and area of the country. Workers in New York, Boston, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, and other large cities receive higher wages. Wages also vary depending on the worker's experience. In addition, workers who are members of a union usually earn higher wages than non-union workers.

Benefits vary by employer. Full-time structural metal workers often receive typical benefits. These include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, the outlook depends on the employers' ability to replace workers who leave the occupation and the demand for nonresidential building construction. It also depends on the need for the repair and maintenance of manufacturing plants, highways, and bridges. Changing interest rates, the cost of materials, and other economic conditions also affect the demand for ironworkers. Job opportunities for some types of structural metal workers, such as reinforcing and rebar workers, tend to increase when there are public construction projects, but these are dependent on state and federal funding.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Nonresidential building construction companies
• Structural metals manufacturers
• Agricultural, construction, and mining machine manufacturers

National outlook

Demand is expected to show little to no change for this occupation. Construction of new industrial buildings is expected to increase. In addition, there is a need to repair and maintain older buildings. Additional demand will come from construction of bridges and other types of infrastructure. However, increased foreign competition for materials will limit growth.

Job prospects are best in large cities for those who have certifications in welding or rigging. Workers with former military training may have an advantage at the initial hiring.

Other resources

American Welding Society 
8669 NW 36 Street, #130
Miami, FL 33166
800.443.9353
305.443.9353

International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers 
1750 New York Avenue NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20006
202.383.4800

National Association of Reinforcing Steel Contractors 
PO Box 280
Fairfax, VA 22038
703.591.1870

North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) 
815 16th ST, NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006

Pacific Northwest Steel Fabricators Association 
147 SE 102nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97216
503.253.9030

Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council 
906 Columbia Street SW, Suite 107
Olympia, WA 98501
360.357.6778

Welding.com 

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupations

• Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers (47-2171.00) 
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers (47-2221.00) 
• Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters (51-2041.00) 

O*Net job zones 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Assembler, Ground Support Equipment (809.261-010) 
• Assembler, Metal Building (801.381-010) 
• Fitter (801.381-014) 
• Fitter I (801.261-014) 
• Metal Fabricator (619.361-014) 
• Metal-fabricator Apprentice (619.361-018) 
• Reinforcing-metal Worker (801.684-026) 
• Structural-steel Worker (801.361-014) 
• Structural-steel-worker Apprentice (801.361-018) 
• Tank Setter (801.361-022) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative
• Realistic/Investigative/Conventional

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled