Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace structural iron and steel workers?AI replacement risk 8% and how the work is changing

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$62,780
25th–75th pct. $49,880–$82,660
Top pay (est.)
$140,700
Top 10% $108,260
Pay in 5 years
$73,700est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$86,600est.
$74,500–$100,600
Outlook score
62/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
8%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+3.1%
5,900 openings / yr

Will AI replace Structural Iron and Steel Workers? AI replacement risk

8%
Very low
Ranked #14 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Key skills

Operation and Control
3.1
Active Learning
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Quality Control Analysis
3.0
Operations Monitoring
3.0
Coordination
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Building and Construction
6.3
Mechanical
5.1
Customer and Personal Service
5.0
Production and Processing
4.6
Public Safety and Security
4.5
Design
4.4
Administration and Management
4.3
Engineering and Technology
4.2

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Important abilities

Static StrengthNear VisionVisualizationTrunk StrengthControl PrecisionGross Body Equilibrium

Training before entry

1–2 years
24%
2–4 years
16%
1–3 months
10%
Up to 1 month
6%
4–10 years
5%
6–12 months
3%

Related work experience

1–2 years
25%
2–4 years
8%
6–12 months
6%
4–6 years
3%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.