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ConstructionTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.

Structural Iron and Steel Worker

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.

Annual openings

93

Median wage

$58,830

Typical education

High school preferred, plus moderate length on-the-job training

Growth 2026–2032

+4%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school preferred, plus moderate length on-the-job training

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

Become a Skilled Trades Master Craftsman. Depending upon the trade, Skilled Trades Professionals can become Master Craftsmen through experience and additional credentials. Master Craftsmen earn more money and may supervise apprentices in the trade.

Work experience

Entry-level

Experience detail

Work experience under the guidance (possibly as an apprentice) of a Skilled Tradesperson is expected.

Work-based learning

Build Colorado provides more information about this job as well as links to organizations that provide apprenticeships for them.

Iron and Steel workers are important in both commercial and infrastructure (such as bridges and highways) construction.
There is a high need for these jobs on big infrastructure construction projects.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Trades
  • Construction

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Connect columns, beams, and girders with bolts, following blueprints and instructions from supervisors.
  2. Bolt aligned structural steel members in position for permanent riveting, bolting, or welding into place.
  3. Fasten structural steel members to hoist cables, using chains, cables, or rope.
  4. Cut, bend, or weld steel pieces, using metal shears, torches, or welding equipment.
  5. Erect metal or precast concrete components for structures, such as buildings, bridges, dams, towers, storage tanks, fences, or highway guard rails.
  6. Force structural steel members into final positions, using turnbuckles, crowbars, jacks, or hand tools.
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