Specific Trades
Ironworker
A tradesperson who erects structural steel frameworks, reinforcing bars, and ornamental iron for buildings, bridges, and other structures.
What It Means for Trade Workers
Ironworkers, classified under SOC code 47-2171, are the tradespeople who assemble the steel skeletons of skyscrapers, bridges, stadiums, and industrial facilities. The trade is divided into four specializations: structural ironworkers who erect steel beams and columns, reinforcing ironworkers (rodbusters) who place rebar in concrete structures, ornamental ironworkers who install stairs, railings, and curtain walls, and riggers who move and position heavy loads using cranes and rigging equipment. Ironwork apprenticeships typically last three to four years through the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers. The work is physically demanding and carries higher safety risks than most trades due to working at extreme heights and handling heavy steel. Ironworkers must be comfortable walking on narrow beams hundreds of feet above the ground and must master welding, bolting, and rigging techniques. Because of the physical demands and risk profile, ironworkers typically earn above-average wages. Prevailing-wage rates for ironworkers on federal projects are among the highest in the construction trades. TradeWages data shows ironworkers earning strong Trade Pay Scores in metro areas with active commercial construction markets. The infrastructure spending boom has significantly increased demand for structural ironworkers.
Frequently Asked Questions
A tradesperson who erects structural steel frameworks, reinforcing bars, and ornamental iron for buildings, bridges, and other structures.
Ironworkers, classified under SOC code 47-2171, are the tradespeople who assemble the steel skeletons of skyscrapers, bridges, stadiums, and industrial facilities. The trade is divided into four specializations: structural ironworkers who erect steel beams and columns, reinforcing ironworkers (rodbusters) who place rebar in concrete structures, ornamental ironworkers who install stairs, railings, and curtain walls, and riggers who move and position heavy loads using cranes and rigging equipment. Ironwork apprenticeships typically last three to four years through the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers.