Career: Ironworkers
7Ironworkers are behind one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world. The Eiffel Tower was built in just over two years -- 100 ironworkers made the 18,038 parts for the tower, and 121 on-site workers put it together. The tower is made of 7,000 tons of iron, but nowadays most ironworkers use steel.
Though most of their artistry is hidden within walls, ironworkers do some of the most important work in construction. They climb high into the sky, locking enormous columns of steel into place to form the structure. Ironworkers are the ones who first give shape to the design on the architect’s blueprint.
Ironworkers use steel or iron girders, rods, and columns to create the structure for large, buildings, bridges, and other constructions.
Did You Know?
- Ironworkers hold annual competitions where they compete in work-related events, such as the rivet throw, the column climb, and rod tying.
Are You Ready To...?
- Work in high places
- Carry heavy materials
- Work with others
- Put up with noise from tools and clanging steel
- Make accurate measurements
- Deal with an irregular work schedule
It Helps to Be...
Strong, agile, precise, and careful. Even though you’ll wear safety equipment, it still helps to have a good sense of balance.
Make High School Count
- Take mechanical drawing and shop to get experience with drafting and tools.
- Make the most of geometry. You’ll use it when you plan layouts and take measurements.
- Build your computer skills. You may need them to come up with project estimates and more if you end up running a business.
- Pay attention in English. You’ll be reading everything from blueprints to safety warnings.
- Learning Spanish in high school can also be useful since many of your co-workers will speak the language.
“It's pretty rewarding to be driving through the city and think to yourself, 'I worked on that bridge, I worked on that high-rise, I worked on the city hall, I worked on the ball park.’”
Jeanne, Journey-Level Ironworker
Outlook
Government economists expect average job growth for ironworkers through 2016, compared to growth in other careers.
There should be more job openings than job hunters in most areas of the country. The South and West, especially, will be good places to look for work because of population growth and new construction there.
When the economy’s bad, fewer new buildings are started, and jobs can be hard to come by. However, there should still be opportunities in repairing or renovating existing structures. Weather can also affect construction, with most building taking place in spring and summer. Good training and experience will always give you an edge when jobs are few.
Compensation
The average yearly salary for structural ironworkers in 2008 was $47,170, according to the United States Department of Labor. Reinforcing iron workers earned $44,380. Keep in mind that apprentices start work at fifty to sixty percent of the salary earned by experienced workers. You can expect to receive raises throughout your training though, often every six months.
About half of all ironworkers belong to the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers.
