Structural Iron and Steel Workers
SOC code 47-2221 · O*NET-SOC 47-2221.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades
Structural Iron and Steel Workers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$62,780
a year
Hourly
$30.18
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$70,280
$33.79 per hour
Middle 50%
$49,880 – $82,660
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$44,580 – $108,260
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
68,380
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $44,580
- $21.43/hr
- 25th percentile
- $49,880
- $23.98/hr
- Median percentile
- $62,780
- $30.18/hr
- 75th percentile
- $82,660
- $39.74/hr
- 90th percentile
- $108,260
- $52.05/hr
What do structural iron and steel workers do?
Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Read specifications or blueprints to determine the locations, quantities, or sizes of materials required.
- Verify vertical and horizontal alignment of structural steel members, using plumb bobs, laser equipment, transits, or levels.
- Erect metal or precast concrete components for structures, such as buildings, bridges, dams, towers, storage tanks, fences, or highway guard rails.
- Bolt aligned structural steel members in position for permanent riveting, bolting, or welding into place.
- Assemble or inspect hoisting equipment or rigging, such as cables, pulleys, or hooks, to move heavy equipment or materials.
- Lift steel beams, girders, or columns using cranes or forklifts, or by signaling hoisting equipment operators to lift or position structural steel members.
- Fabricate metal parts, such as steel frames, columns, beams, or girders, according to blueprints or instructions from supervisors.
- Connect columns, beams, and girders with bolts, following blueprints and instructions from supervisors.
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.
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 structural iron and steel workers earn?
The national median is $62,780 a year. The full range runs from $44,580 at the 10th percentile to $108,260 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 structural iron and steel 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
- Active Listening3.0/5
- Critical Thinking3.0/5
- Monitoring3.0/5
- Reading Comprehension2.9/5
- Speaking2.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Building and Construction4.9/5
- Public Safety and Security4.3/5
- Production and Processing4.2/5
- Mechanical4.0/5
- Administration and Management3.9/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.8/5
- Design3.5/5
- Engineering and Technology3.3/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management.