Ironworker is a professional who erects and dismantles the metal framework of structures like antennas, bridges, stadiums, buildings, and skyscrapers. Ironworkers erect the cranes and derricks; install/repair the elevators, fire escapes, catwalks, ladders, railings, and fences for commercial/industrial structures. They usually perform structural, reinforcing, and ornamental works.
Post Highlights:
- Educational Qualifications
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Physical Requirements
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Educational Qualifications
Ironworkers require the following educational levels-
- High School Diploma, GED, or Equivalent (minimum)
- Associate Degree in Welding, Metals Fabrication, Structural Welding (advanced)
- Certificate in Welding, Metals Fabrication, Structural Welding (recommended)
Certification/License
Certification or license are as follows-
- AWS Certified Welder (recommended)
Work Experience
They require some work-related experience. In some cases, employers do not demand it.
- Related structural steel fabrication or steel erection work experience (recommended)
- Apprenticeship program (advanced)
- Rigging experience
- Bolting/torquing experience
- Masonry experience
- Crane signaling experience
Duties/Responsibilities
Ironworkers do the following duties, and they may be given others as well depending on the local requirements-
- Align, bolt or weld steel units in place
- Analyze/interpret building codes, drawings, and blueprints
- Assemble/erect prefabricated metal structures
- Cooperate/assist other craft workers as needed
- Erect architectural/structural precast concrete components
- Erect/connect metal columns and beams for making structural skeletons
- Examine equipment/structures for defects, deterioration, or non-compliance with specifications
- Help to keep the work environment safe and clean
- Install/erect scaffolding, rigging, and hoisting equipment
- Lay out work as per blueprints and specifications
- May dismantle equipment and structures
- Perform multiple welding techniques, and construction processes
- Position/tie bars, steel rods, or mesh as concrete support
- Position/unload steel units so as to hoist them as needed
- Use/follow proper hand signals to flag cranes (machine)
Abilities/Skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with management/supervision
- Ability to work with the heights
- Able to use math/complete calculations
- Concentrate amid distractions and work at various tempos
- Detail-oriented mind/temperament
- Knowledge of industry-standard concepts and procedures
- Possess decision-making skills
- Work away from home for varying durations
Work Environment
- Ironworkers work both in shop environments and on active construction sites
- They may be required to work in confined spaces
Physical Requirements
- Able to perform sedentary to heavy work
- Climb/maintain balance on a ladder, beams, etc.
- Exposed to adverse weather conditions (rain, cold, heat, etc.)
- Keep eye/hand coordination
- Lift, carry, pull or push to 50-100 lbs.
- May operate various types of power/hand tools
- May require prolonged crawling, squatting, kneeling, twisting, bending, walking, pulling, reaching overhead, pushing, standing, and lifting
- Require repetitive use of hands, arms, and legs
- Use hands to lift, grasp, handle, and carry objects on a frequent basis
- Walk on muddy conditions, loose/soft sand, uneven surfaces, and loose rock
Top Industries
Infrastructure-
- Bridge/Highway Installation
- Building/Structural Construction
- Steel Structures
Industrial-
- Heavy Equipment Installation
- Manufacturing Facility Erection
- Power Generation Shutdowns/Expansion
Job Types
- Ironworker
- Ironworker Apprentice
- Ironworker Helper
- Ironworker Welder
- Journeyman Ironworker
- Ornamental Ironworker
- Reinforcing Ironworker
- Structural Steel Erector
- Traveling Ironworker
Salary Information
Ironworkers do not earn an equal salary due to their education level, work experience, and the volume of the company. On average, they earn $25.17 hourly and $58,697 yearly in the United States. Their hourly salary ranges from $25.17 to $34.05. Along with this, they receive overtime, bonuses, and non-cash benefits. Ironworkers with more work experience earn more than individuals with less or no experience.
Benefits/Perks
Almost all employers offer certain comprehensive benefits packages to their employees depending on job titles and duties. The most common benefits are as follows-
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with a company match
- Dental insurance
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Health insurance
- Individual or teamwork rewards
- Offer vacations yearly
- Paid time off
- Tuition assistance and annual scholarship awards to employees’ children
Related: Other Welding Professions
