Ironworker

Your Fit

Income

$59K

Preparation

Some

Growth

1.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Ironworker?

Ironworkers are skilled tradespeople who fabricate, assemble, and install steel or iron structures and materials. They are essential in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructures, working with a range of tools and techniques to manipulate metal.

Sample job titles:

Iron Installer, Iron Worker, Ironworker, Rodbuster

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Ironworker.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Ironworker earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$40K per year	$47K per year	$59K per year	$74K per year	$96K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $9.78K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Ironworker do?

Work environment

Ironworkers primarily work outdoors on construction sites, often at great heights. Their work environment can be physically demanding and hazardous, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols. They typically work full-time, and their tasks may involve heavy lifting, climbing, and operating large machinery.

Quick task list

Reads blueprints and project specifications.
Cuts, positions, and welds steel bars, beams, and columns.
Installs metal decking, stairs, and railings.
Ensures structural integrity and compliance with safety standards.
Operates heavy machinery such as cranes and forklifts.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Structural Ironworking: Focusing on erecting and assembling the framework of structures.
Reinforcing Ironworking: Involving the installation of rebar and tensioning systems in concrete structures.
Ornamental Ironworking: Specializing in decorative metalwork, including stairways, doorframes, and railings.
Rigging and Machinery Moving: Handling the transport and installation of heavy machinery and equipment.
Welding: Specializing in joining and repairing metal components using various welding techniques.

Description

Ironworkers play a critical role in the construction industry, contributing to the building of essential infrastructure. Their work involves interpreting blueprints and understanding structural requirements to ensure the stability and safety of metal constructions. Physical strength, precision, and a keen eye for detail are key traits in this occupation, as ironworkers handle heavy materials and ensure accurate alignments.

Working as an ironworker often means facing challenging conditions, including working at heights and in various weather conditions. The occupation requires a strong commitment to safety, as it involves potential risks associated with heavy lifting and working with powerful machinery. Teamwork is also essential, as ironworkers often work in crews, coordinating their efforts to efficiently complete projects.

The profession offers a sense of accomplishment, as ironworkers can see the tangible results of their work in the form of completed structures. It's a field that combines physical labor with skilled craftsmanship, offering a unique blend of challenges and rewards.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Physical and technical challenge of working with metal and machinery.
Visible impact of one's work on significant infrastructure projects.
Strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork on construction sites.

You might make a good Ironworker if you are...

Physically fit and comfortable with manual labor.
Not afraid of heights and able to work in various outdoor conditions.
Detail-oriented, with a good understanding of safety protocols.
Interested in construction and skilled trades.
Able to work well in a team and communicate effectively.

Pros:

High demand in the construction industry.
Opportunities for specialization and advancement.
Sense of accomplishment in building tangible structures.

Cons:

Physically demanding and potentially hazardous work.
Work can be affected by weather conditions and seasonal changes.
Often requires working at heights and in noisy environments.

How to become an Ironworker

Typical education

Becoming an ironworker usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by an apprenticeship program that typically lasts 3-4 years. The apprenticeship includes both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop classes or vocational training in welding and metalwork.
Mathematics for understanding measurements and geometry.
Physical education to maintain physical fitness.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a robotics club or similar activities involving hands-on construction.
Participating in sports to develop teamwork skills and physical endurance.
Volunteering in community construction or repair projects.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in an apprenticeship program through a local union or trade school.
Obtain certifications in welding and other relevant skills.
Seek out opportunities for on-the-job training or entry-level positions in construction.

More resources

Ironworkers International - Provides information on apprenticeship and training.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Offers detailed job descriptions and educational pathways.
American Welding Society (AWS) - Resources and certification information for welding specializations.
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) - Offers training and certification programs in various construction trades, including ironworking.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.