How to become structural iron and steel workerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

Very low

Job growth (10 yr)

+3.1%

5,900 openings / yr

How to become structural iron and steel workers

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Apprenticeship

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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

4–10 years

6–12 months

Related work experience

1–2 years

25%

2–4 years

6–12 months

4–6 years

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

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

Career path and how to earn more as structural iron and steel workers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Construction Laborers Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites.	$47,120	67/100	8%
2	First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.	$79,920	71/100	16%
3	Electricians Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.	$63,190	78/100	7%
4	Carpenters Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors.	$60,580	67/100	9%
5	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement.	$59,850	58/100	15%
6	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases.	$63,800	76/100	7%

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.