Structural Metal Worker
Structural metal workers are specialized professionals who construct and install iron and steel structures essential for various sectors, including construction, heavy industry, and architecture. This role involves the meticulous design and assembly of structural metal forms, which are critical components for commercial buildings, bridges, roads, and other major infrastructure projects. The work typically takes place outdoors on large-scale construction sites, often at significant heights and under varying weather conditions, necessitating a strong emphasis on safety and teamwork due to the potential hazards involved.
To become a structural metal worker, a high school diploma or equivalent is generally required, with on-the-job training commonly provided through apprenticeships. While prior experience is not mandatory, courses in mathematics, physics, and drafting can be beneficial. The job demands strong physical abilities, analytical skills, and proficiency in using heavy machinery and various tools, including welding equipment and computer-aided design software. Median earnings for structural metal workers are around $68,220 annually, with job prospects growing at a rate considered average. Overall, this occupation attracts individuals who are collaborative, enjoy physical challenges, and prioritize safety in their work environments.
Structural Metal Worker
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Architecture & Construction, Manufacturing
Interests: Construction, engineering, architecture, physics, mathematics
Earnings (Yearly Median): $68,220 per year $32.80 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 2% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience: None
On-the-job-Training: Apprenticeship
Overview
Sphere of Work. Structural metal workers construct and install iron and steel structures used in construction, shipbuilding, and other heavy industry and architecture areas. The design and construction of structural metal forms is a highly specialized construction process that requires strict adherence to the unique design specifications, which vary from project to project. Structural metal installations are crucial to commercial buildings, roads, dams, bridges, and other major infrastructure projects. Metal forms are hazardous because of their size and weight, and their installation requires extensive planning and communication to ensure the safety of the workers.
Work Environment. Structural metal workers traditionally work outdoors on large-scale construction sites. Structural metal forms are typically one of the first installments in constructing large buildings and other structures. Metal workers use heavy machinery, including trucks and large cranes, to position the structures. Much of the work occurs at great heights and in all weather conditions. The work environment of structural metal workers also includes frequent exposure to potentially hazardous equipment such as shears, drill presses, and welding guns.
Occupation Interest. Structural metalwork attracts professionals who enjoy intense physical activity, such as climbing, lifting, and balancing. Given the team-oriented nature of many tasks inherent to structural metalwork, professionals in the field tend to be collaborative. Metal workers are analytical thinkers who thrive in environments where quality standards and safety measures are top priorities.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The construction, transport, and installation of structural metal support beams and joists are complex and highly intricate. The architectural designs that call for structural metal reinforcement vary in scope and complexity. Structural metal workers whose expertise lies in conceiving parts for structures will study blueprints and layout specifications to create pieces that conform to design specifications, building codes, and budgetary constraints. This design phase requires professionals to be well-versed in mathematics, engineering, and physics.
Once the design specifications are finalized, metal pieces are constructed in steel mills and inspected by engineers, who may make markings on individual pieces to indicate necessary adjustments before installation. Adjustments include cuts, adhesion of plates and pivots, and other structural changes.
Transporting structural metal pieces from foundries to the construction site can also pose a tremendous challenge for workers. The large size of structural metal elements often requires special ground transport via a flatbed truck. Speed restrictions are often placed on oversized loads, meaning they may require several days to transport, depending on their distance from a particular construction site.
Installing structural metal pieces is another intricate process, often requiring extensive collaboration and communication between workers on the ground and at great heights. Pieces are often temporarily fitted before welding to ensure compliance with design specifications. Many times, pieces must be removed and adjusted by workers on the ground before their permanent installation.
Reinforcing Metal Workers (801.684-026). Reinforcing metal workers position and secure steel bars in concrete forms to reinforce concrete.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Structural metal workers primarily work at construction sites. However, structural metal workers who specialize in engineering and architecture often work in office settings. They may also work at foundries, steel mills, or other industrial sites where metal pieces are formed before their transport to a construction site.
Human Environment. Working with heavy-duty construction materials requires extensive collaboration skills in design, transport, and installation. Extensive communication helps eliminate design flaws and ensure the structural integrity of projects upon completion, as well as the safety of the workers.
Technological Environment. Structural metal work requires the extensive use of tools and technology. Blowtorches, punches, surface gauges, and shears are common tools in the field. Various software and digital technologies, including computer-aided design (CAD) tools, spreadsheet software, and resource-planning programs, are also used.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students can prepare for a career in structural metalwork with courses in algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, chemistry, physics, and introductory computer science. Drafting or industrial arts classes can also provide a foundation for a future career in construction design. English composition and scholastic sports help equip students with the communication and leadership skills needed in collaborative professional arenas such as construction. Pre-employment exposure to the construction industry through internships or volunteerism can also provide essential insights into the basics of the industry.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary coursework is not traditionally a prerequisite for employment as a structural metal worker, given that a large amount of training, particularly for entry-level positions, is provided on the job. However, candidates interested in a career in the design, fabrication, and engineering aspects of structural metal work and heavy-duty construction will benefit tremendously from a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in a subject such as civil engineering, construction management, technology, or civic planning.
Related Occupations
− Metal/Plastic Working Machine Operator
− Welder
Bibliography
"Ironworkers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/structural-iron-and-steel-workers.htm. Accessed 27 Sept. 2023.
"Occupation Employment and Wages, May 2023: 47-2221 Structural Iron and Steel Workers." Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472221.htm. 29 Aug. 2024.