Construction · SOC 47-2171
Rebar work is physically demanding and requires on-the-fly judgment in active construction — AI assists design but not the iron work itself.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Rebar-tying robots are being trialed on large flat slabs, but complex column and beam reinforcement in active sites remains manual work through at least 2035.
Tap a skill to find courses on Coursera.
Some links are affiliate links — if you sign up or buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
$51,650 median pay
$64,700 median pay
$48,680 median pay
$49,070 median pay
$58,710 median pay
$57,250 median pay
AI job-risk card
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers is 12/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
12 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Reading placement drawings and calculating cut lengths, Logging material usage and placement records. Harder to automate: Bending rods with machines and hand tools to specification, Welding and tying rebar assemblies in forms, Cutting rebar to length with torches and bar cutters, Positioning and securing wire mesh in concrete forms.
Lean into Structural drawing interpretation, Arc welding certification, Construction safety (fall protection, PPE), Concrete forming and placement basics. Consider roles such as Rebar detailer (office-based design) or Structural steel inspector or Concrete construction foreman.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.