Steel Worker

Explore This Path

Build the backbone of cities by assembling steel structures and frameworks.
Shape skylines and ensure the safety of towering buildings and bridges.
Work with precision and strength to create lasting architectural marvels.

💰 Earn $56K-$99K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 4.1% JOB GROWTH

Find Training

What You’ll 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.

Read specifications or blueprints to determine the locations, quantities, or sizes of materials required.
Connect columns, beams, and girders with bolts, following blueprints and instructions from supervisors.
Bolt aligned structural steel members in position for permanent riveting, bolting, or welding into place.
Fasten structural steel members to hoist cables, using chains, cables, or rope.
Hoist steel beams, girders, or columns into place, using cranes or signaling hoisting equipment operators to lift and position structural steel members.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

5,800 Annually

Median Earnings

$76,760 in California

$62,760 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Steel Worker? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@justcesarr

@sarahwelds_

@bigsportsmode

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Coordination
Critical Thinking
Operation and Control
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking

You value 🙏

Having support
Job security
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Steel Worker

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years