Structural iron and steelworkers create the forms of bridges and buildings by installing iron or steel beams. It is often dangerous work, which is why steelworkers benefit from apprenticeships to learn practices and skills that will increase their safety on the job. Without structural iron and steelworkers, gleaming 100-story buildings wouldn't be possible.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 70,200 steelworker jobs as of 2016. Demand should increase for these workers because the country's aging infrastructure, including roads and bridges, is in need of maintenance or rebuilding, and some cities, like New York City, are experiencing a building boom. Steelworkers will find the best job prospects in metropolitan areas where demand for building skyscrapers and bridges is highest. The BLS projects that there will be 9,000 new job openings for structural iron and steelworkers by 2026, a nearly 13 percent rise in employment for the industry.
Steelworkers bring an architect's dream to life by creating the structure of the building. They receive a decent income for their efforts, with workers bringing in a median salary of $51,800 a year in 2016. The highest-paid steelworkers earned more than $91,830, while the lowest-paid made less than $30,440.
75th Percentile $71,220
Median $51,800
25th Percentile $37,290
To be a steelworker, one typically takes an apprenticeship lasting three or four years, with each year requiring 144 hours of technical training and 2,000 hours of experience doing the job. During the apprenticeship, steelworkers-in-training learn to construct metal frameworks and handle, measure, cut and lay rebar. They are also taught how to reinforce and install metals, and are trained in basic math and sketching. To qualify for an apprenticeship, which is typically offered through a union, contractor association or sponsor apprenticeship program, you have to be at least 18 years old and physically able to do the work. You are usually required to have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Average Americans work well into their 60s, so workers might as well have a job that’s enjoyable and a career that's fulfilling. A job with a low stress level, good work-life balance and solid prospects to improve, get promoted and earn a higher salary would make many employees happy. Here's how Structural Iron and Steelworkers job satisfaction is rated in terms of upward mobility, stress level and flexibility.
Upward Mobility
Average
Opportunities for advancements and salary
Stress Level
High
Work environment and complexities of the job's responsibilities
Flexibility
Average
Alternative working schedule and work life balance
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