Structural and reinforcing iron and metal workers place and
install iron or steel girders, columns, and other construction
materials to form buildings, bridges, and other structures.
They also position and secure steel bars or mesh in concrete
forms in order to reinforce the concrete used in highways,
buildings, bridges, tunnels, and other structures. In addition,
they repair and renovate older buildings and structures. Even
though the primary metal involved in this work is steel, these
workers often are known as ironworkers. Some ironworkers
fabricate structural metal in fabricating shops, which are
usually located away from the construction site.
Before construction can begin, ironworkers must erect steel
frames and assemble the cranes and derricks that move structural
steel, reinforcing bars, buckets of concrete, lumber, and
other materials and equipment around the construction site.
Once this job has been completed,workers begin to
connect steel columns, beams, and girders according to blueprints
and instructions from supervisors and superintendents. Structural
steel, reinforcing rods, and ornamental iron generally come
to the construction site ready for erection—cut to the proper
size, with holes drilled for bolts and numbered for assembly.
Ironworkers at the construction site unload and stack the
prefabricated steel so that it can be hoisted easily when
needed. To hoist the steel, ironworkers attach cables (slings)
to the steel and to the crane or derrick. One worker directs
the hoist operator with hand signals while another worker
holds a rope (tag line) attached to the steel to prevent it
from swinging. The crane or derrick hoists steel into place
in the framework, whereupon two connectors position the steel
with connecting bars and spud wrenches. Workers using driftpins
or the handle of a spud wrench—a long wrench with a pointed
handle—align the holes in the steel with the holes in the
framework. Before the bolts are permanently tightened, ironworkers
check vertical and horizontal alignment with plumb bobs, laser
equipment, transits, or levels; then they bolt or weld the
piece permanently in place.
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers set reinforcing
bars (often called rebar) in the forms that hold concrete,
following blueprints showing the location, size, and number
of bars. They then fasten the bars together by tying wire
around them with pliers. When reinforcing floors, ironworkers
place spacers under the rebar to hold the bars off the deck.
Although these materials usually arrive ready to use, ironworkers
occasionally must cut bars with metal shears or acetylene
torches, bend them by hand or machine, or weld them with arc-welding
equipment. Some concrete is reinforced with welded wire fabric.
Using hooked rods, workers cut and fit the fabric, and while
a concrete crew places the concrete, ironworkers properly
position the fabric into the concrete. Post-tensioning is
another technique used in reinforcing concrete. In this technique,
workers substitute cables for reinforcing bars. When the concrete
is poured, the ends of the cables are left exposed. After
the concrete cures, ironworkers tighten the cables with jacking
equipment specially designed for the purpose. Post-tensioning
allows designers to create larger open areas in a building,
because supports can be placed further apart. This technique
is commonly employed in parking garages and arenas.
Ornamental ironworkers install stairs, handrails,
curtain walls (the nonstructural walls and window frames of
many large buildings), and other miscellaneous metal after
the structure of the building has been completed. As they
hoist pieces into position, ornamental ironworkers make sure
that the pieces are properly fitted and aligned before bolting
or welding them for a secure fit.
Working Conditions
Structural and reinforcing iron and metal workers usually
work outside in all kinds of weather. However, those who work
at great heights do not work during wet, icy, or extremely
windy conditions. Because the danger of injuries due to falls
is great, ironworkers use safety devices such as safety harnesses,
scaffolding, and nets to reduce risk.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Most employers recommend a 3- or 4-year apprenticeship consisting
of on-the-job training and evening classroom instruction as
the best way to learn this trade. Apprenticeship programs
are administered by committees made up of representatives
of local unions of the International Association of Bridge,
Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers or the
local chapters of contractors’ associations.
Ironworkers must be at least 18 years old. A high school
diploma is preferred by employers and local apprenticeship
committees. High school courses in general mathematics, mechanical
drawing, English, and welding are considered helpful. Because
materials used in iron working are heavy and bulky, ironworkers
must be in good physical condition. They also need good agility,
balance, eyesight, and depth perception to work safely at
great heights on narrow beams and girders. Ironworkers should
not be afraid of heights or suffer from dizziness.
In the classroom, apprentices study blueprint reading; mathematics,
the basics of structural erecting, rigging, reinforcing, welding,
assembling, and safety training. Apprentices also study the
care and safe use of tools and materials. On the job, apprentices
work in all aspects of the trade, such as unloading and storing
materials at the job site, rigging materials for movement
by crane, connecting structural steel, and welding.
Some ironworkers learn the trade informally on the job, without
completing an apprenticeship. These workers generally do not
receive classroom training, although some large contractors
have extensive training programs. On-the-job trainees usually
begin by assisting experienced ironworkers on simple jobs,
such as carrying various materials. With experience, trainees
perform more difficult tasks, such as cutting and fitting
different parts; however, learning through work experience
alone may not provide training as complete as an apprenticeship
program, and it usually takes longer.
Some experienced workers are promoted to supervisor. Others
may go into the contracting business for themselves. The ability
to communicate in both English and Spanish will improve opportunities
for advancement.
Employment
Ironworkers held about 106,000 jobs in 2004. Structural iron
and steel workers held about 73,000 jobs in 2004, while reinforcing
iron and rebar workers held about 34,000 jobs. More than 4
out of 5 worked in construction, with nearly half working
for foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors.
Most of the remaining ironworkers worked for contractors specializing
in the construction of homes; factories; commercial buildings;
religious structures; schools; bridges and tunnels; and water,
sewer, communications, and power lines.
Structural and reinforcing iron and metal workers are employed
in all parts of the country, but most work in metropolitan
areas, where the bulk of commercial and industrial construction
takes place.
Job Outlook
Employment of structural and reinforcing iron and metal workers
is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations
through the year 2014, largely on the basis of projected growth
in nonresidential and heavy construction. The rehabilitation,
maintenance, and replacement of a growing number of older
buildings, powerplants, highways, and bridges is expected
to create employment opportunities. State and federal legislatures
continue to support and fund the building of roads, which
will secure jobs for the near future. In addition to new jobs
that arise, many job openings will result from the need to
replace experienced ironworkers who leave the occupation or
retire.
In most areas job opportunities should be good for those
with the right qualifications, although the number of job
openings can fluctuate from year to year with economic conditions
and the level of construction activity. During economic downturns,
ironworkers can experience periods of unemployment. Similarly,
job opportunities for ironworkers may vary widely by geographic
area. Population growth in the South and West should create
more job opportunities than elsewhere as buildings and roads
are constructed to meet the needs of the people. Job openings
for ironworkers usually are more abundant during the spring
and summer months, when the level of construction activity
increases. Workers who are willing to relocate are often able
to find work in another area.
Earnings
In May 2004, median hourly earnings of structural iron and
steel workers in all industries were $20.40. The middle 50
percent earned between $14.84 and $27.21. The lowest 10 percent
earned less than $11.25, and the highest 10 percent earned
more than $33.53. In May 2004, median hourly earnings of reinforcing
iron and rebar workers in all industries were $16.90. The
middle 50 percent earned between $12.45 and $25.94. The lowest
10 percent earned less than $10.03, and the highest 10 percent
earned more than $32.59.
Median hourly earnings of structural iron and steel workers
in May 2004 in foundation, structure, and building exterior
contractors were $21.81and in nonresidential building construction,
$17.47. Reinforcing iron and rebar workers earned median hourly
earnings of $16.52 in foundation, structure, and building
exterior contractors in May 2004.
About half of the workers in this trade are members of the
International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental,
and Reinforcing Iron Workers. According to the union, average
hourly earnings, including benefits, for structural and reinforcing
metal workers who belonged to a union and worked full time
were slightly higher than the hourly earnings of nonunion
workers. Structural and reinforcing iron and metal workers
in New York, Boston, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles,
Philadelphia, and other large cities received the highest
wages.
Apprentices generally start at about 50 percent to 60 percent
of the rate paid to experienced journey workers. Throughout
the course of the apprenticeship program, as they acquire
the skills of the trade, they receive periodic increases until
their pay approaches that of experienced workers.
Earnings for ironworkers may be reduced on occasion because
work can be limited by bad weather, the short-term nature
of construction jobs, and economic downturns.
Related Occupations
Structural and reinforcing iron and metal workers play an
essential role in erecting buildings, bridges, highways, power
lines, and other structures. Others who work on these construction
jobs include assemblers and fabricators; boilermakers; civil
engineers; cement masons, concrete finishers, segmental pavers,
and terrazzo workers; construction managers; and welding,
soldering, and brazing workers.
Sources of Additional Information
For more information on apprenticeships or other work opportunities,
contact local general contractors; a local of the International
Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing
Iron Workers Union; a local ironworkers’ joint union-management
apprenticeship committee; a local or State chapter of the
Associated Builders and Contractors or the Associated General
Contractors; or the nearest office of your State employment
service or apprenticeship agency.
For apprenticeship information, contact:
International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental,
and Reinforcing Iron Workers, Apprenticeship Department,
1750 New York Ave. NW., Suite 400, Washington, DC 20006.
Internet: http://www.ironworkers.org/
For general information about ironworkers, contact either
of the following sources:
Associated Builders and Contractors, Workforce Development
Department, 4250 North Fairfax Dr., 9th Floor, Arlington,
VA 22203. Internet: http://www.trytools.org/
Associated General Contractors of America, Inc., 2300
Wilson Boulevard, Suite 400., Arlington, VA 22201. Internet:
http://www.agc.org/
Source: Bureau
of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook,
2006-07 Edition
