Structural iron and steel workers
SOC Code: 47-2221
Structural iron and steel workers carries a 25% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $62,700 and +4.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 65,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 25% AI exposure, Structural iron and steel workers sits 12 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 15% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Structural iron and steel workers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Structural iron and steel workers has ai exposure of 25%. 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.
Structural iron and steel workers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Structural iron and steel 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
Structural iron and steel workers (SOC 47-2221) carries an AI exposure score of 25%, 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 65,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.4% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $62,700, 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 Structural iron and steel 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
Registered Apprenticeship Pathway Available
Structural iron and steel workers is a recognized registered apprenticeship occupation under the DOL RAPIDS system. Earn while you train, apprentices typically start at ~$16/hr and reach $28–$46/hr upon completion, depending on the specific trade and region.
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Read specifications or blueprints to determine the locations, quantities, or sizes of materials required.
- 2. Connect columns, beams, and girders with bolts, following blueprints and instructions from supervisors.
- 3. Bolt aligned structural steel members in position for permanent riveting, bolting, or welding into place.
- 4. Fasten structural steel members to hoist cables, using chains, cables, or rope.
- 5. Hoist steel beams, girders, or columns into place, using cranes or signaling hoisting equipment operators to lift and position structural steel members.
- 6. Verify vertical and horizontal alignment of structural steel members, using plumb bobs, laser equipment, transits, or levels.
- 7. Cut, bend, or weld steel pieces, using metal shears, torches, or welding equipment.
- 8. Erect metal or precast concrete components for structures, such as buildings, bridges, dams, towers, storage tanks, fences, or highway guard rails.
- 9. Force structural steel members into final positions, using turnbuckles, crowbars, jacks, or hand tools.
- 10. Pull, push, or pry structural steel members into approximate positions for bolting into place.
Key Skills Required
- Coordination
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Quality Control Analysis
Knowledge Areas
- Building and Construction
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Design
- Education and Training
- Transportation
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Structural iron and steel workers?
Structural iron and steel workers has an AI exposure score of 25%, 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 Structural iron and steel workers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Structural iron and steel workers is projected to grow by 4.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 65,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Structural iron and steel workers?
Key skills for Structural iron and steel workers include Coordination, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Structural iron and steel workers earn?
The median annual wage for Structural iron and steel workers is $62,700, 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 Structural iron and steel workers?
The typical entry-level education for Structural iron and steel 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 Structural iron and steel workers?
Structural iron and steel 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 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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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).