Reinforcing iron and rebar workers
SOC Code: 47-2171
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers carries a 26% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $59,280 and +4.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 19,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 26% AI exposure, Reinforcing iron and rebar workers sits 11 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 18% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Reinforcing iron and rebar workers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers has ai exposure of 26%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Reinforcing iron and rebar workers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers (SOC 47-2171) carries an AI exposure score of 26%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 19,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.6% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $59,280, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Reinforcing iron and rebar workers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Determine quantities, sizes, shapes, and locations of reinforcing rods from blueprints, sketches, or oral instructions.
- 2. Space and fasten together rods in forms according to blueprints, using wire and pliers.
- 3. Position and secure steel bars, rods, cables, or mesh in concrete forms, using fasteners, rod-bending machines, blowtorches, or hand tools.
- 4. Cut rods to required lengths, using metal shears, hacksaws, bar cutters, or acetylene torches.
- 5. Place blocks under rebar to hold the bars off the deck when reinforcing floors.
- 6. Cut and fit wire mesh or fabric, using hooked rods, and position fabric or mesh in concrete to reinforce concrete.
- 7. Bend steel rods with hand tools or rod-bending machines and weld them with arc-welding equipment.
Key Skills Required
- Coordination
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Complex Problem Solving
- Operations Monitoring
- Time Management
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
Knowledge Areas
- Building and Construction
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
- Design
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Reinforcing iron and rebar workers?
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers has an AI exposure score of 26%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Reinforcing iron and rebar workers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Reinforcing iron and rebar workers is projected to grow by 4.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 19,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Reinforcing iron and rebar workers?
Key skills for Reinforcing iron and rebar workers include Coordination, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Reinforcing iron and rebar workers earn?
The median annual wage for Reinforcing iron and rebar workers is $59,280, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Reinforcing iron and rebar workers?
The typical entry-level education for Reinforcing iron and rebar workers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Apprenticeship. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Reinforcing iron and rebar workers?
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 7 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).