Ironworker — Career Preview

Walk steel beams hundreds of feet up

Ironworkers install structural steel, reinforcing bars, and metal decking for buildings, bridges, and other structures.

A day in the life

You connect steel beams 30 stories up, bolt connections with an impact wrench, signal the crane operator, and tie rebar for a concrete pour. Heights and heavy lifting are your daily reality.

Quick facts

• Average pay: $52,000 – $88,000
• Time to start: 3–4 years
• Demand: High
• Education path: Apprenticeship (3–4 years) through Union or Trade School
• Sector: Construction & Infrastructure · Ironwork & Structural Steel

Start the free Ironworker Career Explorer — short videos, quick quiz questions and a certificate.

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