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Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Construction and Extraction (47-2221)

Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings.

At a Glance

Structural Iron and Steel Workers earns a median of $62,700/yr with +4.4% projected growth. Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent. Top skills: Building and Construction, Microsoft Outlook, Handling and Moving Objects.

Median Annual Wage

$62,700/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+4.4%

Annual Openings

6

Typical Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Skills & Requirements

Skills (3)

Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

3.6
Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

3.6
Coordination

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

3.6

Knowledge (4)

Building and Construction

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

4.6
Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

3.7
Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

3.5
Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

3.3

Abilities (23)

Static Strength

The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

4.1
Multilimb Coordination

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

4.1
Visualization

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

4.0
Arm-Hand Steadiness

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

4.0
Manual Dexterity

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

4.0
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

4.0
Trunk Strength

The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

3.9
Control Precision

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

3.9
Extent Flexibility

The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

3.8
Gross Body Equilibrium

The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

3.8
Depth Perception

The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

3.8
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

3.8
Selective Attention

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

3.8
Finger Dexterity

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

3.6
Dynamic Strength

The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

3.6
Far Vision

The ability to see details at a distance.

3.6
Stamina

The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

3.5
Rate Control

The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

3.5
Reaction Time

The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

3.5
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.4
Auditory Attention

The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

3.4
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.3
Hearing Sensitivity

The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

3.3

Technology (1)

Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5

Work Activities (11)

Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

4.4
Performing General Physical Activities

Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

4.2
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

4.2
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.1
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.0
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

3.9
Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

3.8
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

3.7
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.7
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

3.7
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

3.5

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

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