Iron Worker Career Guide

Learn how to become an Iron Worker, the daily job duties and how much money an Iron Worker can make

Iron Workers are trained to safely construct a variety of large steel structural components found in commercial and industrial construction and infrastructure projects. These workers work outside in all weather conditions. The work of an Iron Worker is diverse and constantly changing. This career field is in demand and employers are constantly looking to hire workers that are willing to learn an exciting and challenging career.

Iron workers building a new building at a construction site.

Job that is in demand
Large construction projects, repairing and replacing aging infrastructure has created a demand for Iron Workers. Furthermore, many workers are beginning to retire. Therefore, there are many great career opportunities for people interested in becoming an Iron Worker.
Interesting and Challenging
Iron workers are always learning new skills to safely complete complex construction problems. The work is very diverse and constantly changing.
No College Degree Required
You do not need an expensive college degree to work as a Iron Worker. Many Iron Workers have acquired their training through apprenticeships or working on the job with an employer.

Where you can work as a Iron Worker and Job Responsibilities

Construction

Iron workers install large steel structural components found in commercial and industrial buildings, bridges, airports and other large infrastructure projects. They rig large steel columns and beams for hoisting, assemble and join steel components, climb and stand on high steel beams and perform various welding techniques. Safety is a big component of an Iron workers job. For this reason, iron workers receive extensive training in fall protection, rigging, and other OSHA safety standards. Iron workers work for contractors and travel to various job sites. Irregular hours throughout the year is common due to weather conditions and construction activity.

Job Responsibilities

Iron Workers are trained to safely construct, handle and perform welding on large steel structural components found in commercial and industrial construction and infrastructure projects. Iron workers frequently are exposed to dangers such as heights, injuries from heavy objects, falling materials or tools and injuries to their hands. For this reason, iron workers must wear proper safety equipment and receive training in OSHA standards to reduce the risk of injuries while performing work related duties. Iron workers work for contractors and may experience busy and slow times throughout the year.

Career Progression Idea's

Here are some career progression idea's for Iron Workers that have several years of experience and training.

Foremen/Superintendent

Iron workers that have several years of experience and training can progress to a leadership position and lead crews of iron workers on various construction projects. Iron workers that are foremen or superintendents ensure that projects are completed safely, according to construction blueprints and specifications, on time and address any concerns or hazards that may come up during the construction process.

Structural Steel/Construction Inspector

Structural steel inspectors ensure and certify that steel structural components found in buildings and other large infrastructure projects are assembled, bolted or welded in compliance with construction codes and regulations. Furthermore, they review construction drawings and workmanship to ensure safety of the structural steel components. Inspectors may also perform non destructive tests on welds and other materials to determine safety and quality of various structural steel components. Inspectors typically need to be certified or licensed and have several years of experience and training to conduct construction site inspections.

How much money you can make as a Iron Worker and how to get started

Compensation

A great website to get an idea of how much money you could possibly make as a Iron Worker is The Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides some excellent compensation information for various occupations throughout the United States.

The Occupational Employment Statistics program provides compensation information for various occupations. Click here for more information on Iron workers compensation- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472221.htm

Apprenticeships

A great way to get started working as a Iron Worker is an Apprenticeship program through a local Union. As an apprentice you will work for a union contractor and also attend classes at a union training facility. Apprenticeship programs typically last 4 years and apprentices receive pay increase as they progress throughout the program. Check out the following Union for more information regarding Apprenticeship programs in your area.

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BRIDGE, STRUCTURAL, ORNAMENTAL AND REINFORCING IRON WORKERS-http://www.ironworkers.org/home

Another good website to check out for information regarding apprenticeship programs is ResumeBuilder.com. Not only do they have great information on creating resumes they also have apprenticeship information for each state. Visit https://www.resumebuilder.com/apprenticeship-resources-by-state/

On the Job Training/Community College/Trade School

Most Iron Workers get their training through an apprenticeship program or while working on the job. However, community colleges and trade schools are a great way to get started in the construction and building trades. Its important to research the quality of training and how successful previous students have been at finding and retaining jobs. Some Community Colleges and trade Schools may have programs to connect students with employers. Talk to local building trades contractors on what their experience has been with students that have completed programs from these schools.

Military

There are many skilled trades and construction occupations throughout the United States Armed Forces. These occupations will certainly help develop important skills that are relevant to the Iron Worker career field. Each military branch has personnel that are highly trained to service, maintain and install anything that exist on a military base. Enlisted members of the Armed Forces, complete a basic training course then they must complete additional training before they begin working in their occupation. Members of the Armed Forces get 30 days of vacation each year, food and housing, medical, dental and many other important benefits. Educational benefits are available during your enlistment period and upon completion. Joining the military can be a great way to learn a skilled trades or construction occupation.

Always contact a Military Recruiter to learn more detailed information on job opportunities, training, benefits and other important information for employment within the Armed Forces.

Explore our career resources for other Skilled Trades jobs that are in demand today

The Trades are in demand and hiring today! View our career resources for other skilled trade careers and learn how to get started in a rewarding skilled trade job. Learn what trades are most in demand today, how to get started and how much money you can make in the trades. It's a great time to Go Skilled Trades!

Skilled Trades Career Resources

Many Skilled Tradesmen have acquired their training through an apprenticeship program, trade school, the military or while working on the job. You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the Skilled Trades, facility maintenance or Construction field.

No College Degree Required

You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the skilled trades field. Many skilled tradesmen today, have acquired their training through apprenticeships, military, trade schools or working on the job.

No Expensive Student Loans

The average college student today graduates with a significant amount of debt due to their expensive student loans. On the other hand, an apprentice gets paid while completing their training program.

Great Rewarding Careers

There are many Skilled Trades and Construction career opportunities available today. Employers are constantly looking for workers with a good work ethic and the ability to learn new skills.