Structural Iron Workers fabricate (manufacture) and erect structural or ornamental metals used in the construction of buildings, bridges, dams, metal storage tanks, steel stacks, and other construction projects.  

JOB DUTIES

Structural Iron Workers may:

Read specs and blueprints to determine sizes and quantity of materials necessary for project

Bolt positioned steel parts to keep them in place until permanently bolted or welded  

Use a pneumatic impact wrench to tighten bolted connections to proper specifications  

Use welding equipment to cut and weld steel parts in making alterations  

Reinforce existing structures  

Set up hoisting equipment for raising and placing steel parts  

Use girders and other steel members to position and guide into place

Fasten steel parts to the cables of hoisting equipment  

Guide steel parts with tag lines (ropes)  

Bend, cut, and weld steel pieces using metal shields, torches and welding equipment  

Pull, push or pry parts into approximate position while the parts and workers are supported by hoisting devices  

Force steel parts into final position with turnbuckles, crowbars, jacks and hand tools  

Align or position bolt holes in steel parts and drive drift pins through holes  

Measure the vertical and horizontal position of steel parts with plumb bob and level  

To see Structural Iron Workers at work click here .

Tools and equipment used by Structural Iron Workers may include:

The metal materials used by Structural Iron Workers are made of aluminum, brass, iron, bronze, steel, and steel alloys.  

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Structural Iron Workers may specialize in these areas:

801.361-014 STRUCTURAL STEEL WORKERS raise, place, and attach girders, large beams, trusses, columns, and other structural steel parts to form completed structures or structural frameworks. They usually work as members of a crew.  

809.381-022 ORNAMENTAL-IRON WORKERS install prefabricated ornamental ironwork, other than structural work, such as metal window and door frames, motor-driven and automatic power doors, metal trim and paneling, and curtain-wall frames.  

809.281-010 STRUCTURAL-STEEL LAY-OUT WORKERS measure and mark reference points and dimensions on structural steel pieces for fabricating, welding and assembling into framework for such structures as conveyors, cranes, buildings, bridges, and other structural metal objects. Structural Iron Workers may perform a particular function in erecting or repairing certain types of structures. They may be designated as bridge maintenance workers, reinforced concrete chimney builders, metal scaffold builders, or structural steel equipment erectors.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:  

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Structural Iron Workers work as part of a team. The work is usually performed outdoors where they may be exposed to heat, cold, and wind. Iron Workers do not work in rain or snow. The work areas are generally noisy, and dusty.  

Hazards to these workers include falls from scaffolds, steel frames, and other high places; eye injuries from the glare of welding or cutting torches, burns from cutting and welding operations; and injuries from the use of hand tools. Injuries are reduced through the use of safety belts, hard hats, gloves, goggles, safety shoes, and safety nets.  

The normal workweek for Structural Iron Workers is 8 hours per day, 5 days per week. Overtime may be required in order to complete a project. During the winter, construction activity usually decreases, leading to shorter workweeks and, possibly, periods of layoff. Structural Iron Workers must travel to job sites which may be long distances from their homes. They must occasionally live in temporary quarters at the job site.  

Structural Iron Workers may need a car to drive from one job site to another.  

Structural Iron Workers may become members of The International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers, AFL-CIO. Members must pay dues.  

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects  

• Activities which involve the use of special machines/processes methods  

• Activities which bring personal satisfaction from working on things  

You Should Be Able To:

• Visualize objects in three dimensions from drawings  

• Work under stress or pressure  

• Attain set standards of accuracy  

• Evaluate information based on measurable standards  

• See details in objects and drawings  

• Recognize slight differences in shapes or shadings  

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

What shielding gas and flow rate should be used to weld 1/4" aluminum in the overhead position?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

A vertically up weld begins at the bottom of the joint and ends at the top of the joint. The electrode is tipped in the direction of travel about 10-20 degrees. The greatest problem in vertical welding is the molten metal in the arc crater.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written analysis following an inspection of a finished product which indicates any potential defects.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate analytical skills and be detail oriented in fabricating structural metals and inspecting finished products.  

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the Career Exploration Script:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

035 CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING TECH.

Construction and Building Technology programs provide opportunities to gain the needed knowledge and skills for employment in the many different types of construction and building jobs. Individuals who teach Construction and Building Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.  

Courses within this program will vary but may include:

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

057 STRUCTURAL IRON WORKER

Most people enter occupations within this Career Exploration Script through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.  

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

Carbon Arc  

Heating and Bending  

Machine Forming  

Layout  

Conveyor Fabrication  

Welding, Including Gas, Arc, Heliarc, and Brazing  

Cutting, including Gas, Arc, Carbon Arc  

Using Pneumatic Air Brush to Bolt Structural Steel  

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Training Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.  

  E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Postsecondary programs in construction and building technology may offer co-op opportunities for practical experience. Summer work is difficult to find because of various safety factors that must be met. Experience in this field may be obtained in the military and through a formal apprenticeship program.  

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships  

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Structural Iron Worker employer  

internships  

volunteer work with a Structural Iron Worker employer  

community service work with an agency  

Methods of finding Structural Iron Workers' jobs include applying directly to employers and completing an apprenticeship program. Assistance in locating jobs may be obtained from high school counselors, local unions representing Structural Iron Workers, or from Apprenticeship Information Counselors at local Michigan Works! offices. Newspaper want ads may list job openings.  In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Annual earnings for Structural Iron Workers usually are not as high as those of other building trade workers since outdoor workers lose work time during bad weather and in times of reduced construction activity.  

Nationally in 2008, average weekly earnings for Structural Metal Workers were about $871 or $21.77 per hour.

In several Michigan areas, hourly wages (early 2009), including fringe benefits, were:  

Some Structural Iron Workers who specialize may earn more.  

Apprentice Structural Iron Workers begin at about 60%-75% of the qualified workers' rate. Depending on the employer, Structural Iron Workers may receive 1 1/2 or 2 times their basic hourly rate for overtime.  

Structural Iron Workers usually receive paid holidays and vacations, medical and life insurance, and pension plans. In some cases, employees and employers may contribute jointly to a union trust fund used to pay for fringe benefits.  

Workers in this occupation may advance to supervisor or superintendent. Job experience is a key factor considered when promotions are made. Additional technical education in some areas of engineering may be necessary before a worker can become a job superintendent.  

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, in 2006, the approximate employment of Structural Iron Workers was 71,700. Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. The industry distribution for Structural Iron Workers looked like this:  

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

Increased construction activity during economic upswings and the growing use of structural steel, ornamental panels, and metal framing in buildings will help create additional jobs for Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers. The recent presidential economic recovery package will also affect the Structural Iron Worker industry. Iron workers in the construction industry will be needed as funding is provided to complete more construction projects to aid the economic recovery in the U.S. 

Job opportunities for Structural Iron Workers vary somewhat by geographic area and time of the year. The level of construction activity depends on local economic conditions, which may be much better in some areas than in others. Job openings are usually more plentiful in the spring and summer months, especially in northern regions of the country. However, because many people are attracted to this occupation by the high wages and the training provided, stiff competition is expected for available positions.  

Approximately 1,600 Structural Iron Workers are employed in Michigan. Many of them work in urban areas. Most work in construction. Employment of Structural Iron Workers in Michigan is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. An average of 60 annual openings is expected, with 10 due to growth and 50 due to replacement of those who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Some openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations. In late 2008, there were 161 apprentices in training for this occupation, and 20 completed the apprentice program during the prior 12 months.  

The number of openings may vary annually since construction activity is sensitive to changes in the economy. Another factor aiding employment for structural iron workers has been the rising use of structural steel in small buildings, ornamental building panels, and metal framing for exterior glass.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2016

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.  

Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth