Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers

SOC code 47-2171 · O*NET-SOC 47-2171.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$58,970

a year

Hourly

$28.35

per hour

10th$43,310Median$58,97090th$104,540

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$66,060

$31.76 per hour

Middle 50%

$47,990 – $77,320

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$43,310 – $104,540

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

13,800

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $43,310; $20.82/hr
25th percentile: $47,990; $23.07/hr
Median percentile: $58,970; $28.35/hr
75th percentile: $77,320; $37.17/hr
90th percentile: $104,540; $50.26/hr

What do reinforcing iron and rebar workers do?

Position and secure steel bars or mesh in concrete forms in order to reinforce concrete. Use a variety of fasteners, rod-bending machines, blowtorches, and hand tools. Includes rod busters.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Position and secure steel bars, rods, cables, or mesh in concrete forms, using fasteners, rod-bending machines, blowtorches, or hand tools.
Determine quantities, sizes, shapes, and locations of reinforcing rods from blueprints, sketches, or oral instructions.
Space and fasten together rods in forms according to blueprints, using wire and pliers.
Use forklifts or cranes to move construction material, such as rebar.
Cut rods to required lengths, using metal shears, hacksaws, bar cutters, or acetylene torches.
Unload rebar from trucks.
Place blocks under rebar to hold the bars off the deck when reinforcing floors.
Cut and fit wire mesh or fabric, using hooked rods, and position fabric or mesh in concrete to reinforce concrete.

How to qualify for this work

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does a reinforcing iron and rebar workers earn?

The national median is $58,970 a year. The full range runs from $43,310 at the 10th percentile to $104,540 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a reinforcing iron and rebar workers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.0/5
Monitoring2.9/5
Reading Comprehension2.6/5
Active Listening2.6/5

Knowledge areas

Building and Construction4.7/5
Mathematics3.9/5
Design3.5/5
Public Safety and Security3.4/5
Engineering and Technology3.4/5
Production and Processing3.4/5
English Language3.3/5
Administration and Management3.3/5

Transferable strengths: Coordination, Operation and Control, Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving, Operations Monitoring, Time Management.