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Structural Metal Workers


At a Glance

  • Build steel columns, beams, girders, and reinforced concrete
  • Usually work alone
  • Often use safety devices, such as scaffolding and nets
  • Typically work a standard work week
  • Most train through apprenticeship programs

Career summary

Structural metal workers make and install steel frameworks used in buildings and other structures. They also repair and renovate older buildings and structures.

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:

Military careers

Job duties

Task list

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

Common work activities

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

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, structural metal workers:

Interpersonal relationships

Physical work conditions

Work performance

Hours/travel

Physical demands

Structural metal workers frequently:

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

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

Skills and abilities

Structural metal workers need to:

Communicate

Reason and problem solve

Work with people

Work with things

Perceive and visualize

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

Other programs of study to consider

Training

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

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:

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 (external link) 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 (external link)

PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#ok 4/23/08 lh & 4/13/09, 4/27/11, 5/6/13, 1/31/17, 3/12/19 cj.

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:

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.

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

Wages

Reinforcing iron and rebar workers (SOC 47-2171)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $19.92 $27.46 $35.97 $45.00 $48.78
Monthly $3,452 $4,759 $6,234 $7,799 $8,454
Yearly $41,440 $57,120 $74,810 $93,610 $101,470
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $22.41 $28.46 $37.51 $45.97 $49.73
Monthly $3,884 $4,932 $6,500 $7,967 $8,618
Yearly $46,626 $59,189 $78,027 $95,604 $103,428
United States Hourly $15.67 $18.08 $23.23 $32.58 $43.94
Monthly $2,716 $3,133 $4,026 $5,646 $7,615
Yearly $32,590 $37,600 $48,320 $67,760 $91,400

Structural iron and steel workers (SOC 47-2221)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $17.88 $28.07 $40.36 $45.21 $48.11
Monthly $3,099 $4,865 $6,994 $7,835 $8,337
Yearly $37,200 $58,380 $83,950 $94,040 $100,060
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $27.63 $40.19 $43.76 $47.24 $49.32
Monthly $4,788 $6,965 $7,584 $8,187 $8,547
Yearly $57,478 $83,580 $91,017 $98,246 $102,582
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $13.98 $16.93 $30.02 $36.91 $40.53
Monthly $2,423 $2,934 $5,202 $6,397 $7,024
Yearly $29,084 $35,214 $62,447 $76,775 $84,309
    Vancouver Hourly $20.16 $27.30 $34.43 $42.07 $49.15
Monthly $3,494 $4,731 $5,967 $7,291 $8,518
Yearly $41,938 $56,770 $71,619 $87,498 $102,241
United States Hourly $15.50 $18.94 $25.95 $35.63 $45.08
Monthly $2,686 $3,282 $4,497 $6,175 $7,812
Yearly $32,240 $39,390 $53,970 $74,120 $93,760

Structural metal fabricators and fitters (SOC 51-2041)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $14.26 $16.82 $20.59 $25.28 $30.19
Monthly $2,471 $2,915 $3,568 $4,381 $5,232
Yearly $29,670 $34,990 $42,840 $52,580 $62,790
    Kennewick-Richland Hourly $16.12 $18.24 $22.67 $28.59 $36.50
Monthly $2,794 $3,161 $3,929 $4,955 $6,325
Yearly $33,519 $37,924 $47,146 $59,456 $75,932
    Longview Hourly $18.81 $20.82 $23.17 $26.10 $30.40
Monthly $3,260 $3,608 $4,015 $4,523 $5,268
Yearly $39,126 $43,312 $48,181 $54,294 $63,239
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes Hourly $16.29 $18.51 $22.28 $26.36 $31.86
Monthly $2,823 $3,208 $3,861 $4,568 $5,521
Yearly $33,893 $38,512 $46,326 $54,819 $66,264
    Olympia-Tumwater Hourly $16.34 $17.55 $19.63 $26.94 $29.77
Monthly $2,832 $3,041 $3,402 $4,669 $5,159
Yearly $33,995 $36,498 $40,825 $56,049 $61,925
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $14.50 $17.11 $20.82 $25.48 $30.68
Monthly $2,513 $2,965 $3,608 $4,416 $5,317
Yearly $30,169 $35,587 $43,314 $52,994 $63,826
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $14.32 $16.98 $21.89 $26.72 $31.63
Monthly $2,482 $2,943 $3,794 $4,631 $5,481
Yearly $29,790 $35,319 $45,530 $55,574 $65,792
    Vancouver Hourly $15.76 $17.92 $21.77 $26.72 $31.27
Monthly $2,731 $3,106 $3,773 $4,631 $5,419
Yearly $32,791 $37,282 $45,274 $55,579 $65,045
    Yakima Hourly $14.50 $18.91 $22.07 $25.54 $30.82
Monthly $2,513 $3,277 $3,825 $4,426 $5,341
Yearly $30,159 $39,347 $45,907 $53,124 $64,102
United States Hourly $12.76 $15.46 $18.89 $23.50 $28.92
Monthly $2,211 $2,679 $3,274 $4,073 $5,012
Yearly $26,530 $32,160 $39,290 $48,870 $60,150

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.

Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers (SOC 47-2171)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 510 15.7% 16.1% 73
    King County 242 16.5% 19.6% 36
    Snohomish County 184 16.3% 12.4% 26
    Spokane County 13 15.4% 13.9% 1
United States 18,500 10.8% 5.2% 2,500

Structural Iron and Steel Workers (SOC 47-2221)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 1,438 17.2% 16.1% 216
    Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties 23 -17.4% 8.6% 1
    Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties 19 21.1% 11.9% 3
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 130 14.6% 15.2% 19
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 50 14.0% 14.1% 7
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 153 15.7% 14.6% 22
    King County 215 14.4% 19.6% 30
    Pierce County 335 19.7% 15.2% 53
    Snohomish County 358 17.3% 12.4% 54
    Spokane County 301 17.9% 13.9% 46
United States 80,100 11.5% 5.2% 10,900

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters (SOC 51-2041)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 1,567 8.3% 16.1% 203
    Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties 13 15.4% 13.4% 2
    Benton and Franklin Counties 54 24.1% 15.0% 9
    Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties 47 -2.1% 11.9% 5
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 139 10.1% 15.2% 19
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 24 0.0% 14.1% 3
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 145 18.6% 14.6% 23
    King County 348 -2.3% 19.6% 35
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 86 5.8% 13.8% 10
    Pierce County 160 3.8% 15.2% 18
    Snohomish County 420 10.5% 12.4% 57
    Spokane County 168 7.7% 13.9% 21
United States 80,400 -14.7% 5.2% 6,600

National employment

Major employers:

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 (external link)
8669 NW 36 Street, #130
Miami, FL 33166
800.443.9353
305.443.9353
International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers (external link)
1750 New York Avenue NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20006
202.383.4800
National Association of Reinforcing Steel Contractors (external link)
PO Box 280
Fairfax, VA 22038
703.591.1870
North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) (external link)
815 16th ST, NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006
Pacific Northwest Steel Fabricators Association (external link)
147 SE 102nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97216
503.253.9030
Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council (external link)
906 Columbia Street SW, Suite 107
Olympia, WA 98501
360.357.6778
Welding.com (external link)

References

Career cluster

Career path

O*Net (external link) occupations

O*Net job zones (external link)

DOT occupations

Holland occupational clusters

COPSystem