Construction · SOC 47-2221
Ironworkers erect steel at height in chaotic sites — dangerous physical work demanding spatial judgment no AI can replicate.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Steel erection involves unpredictable three-dimensional positioning at height with heavy loads — robotic automation here is a multi-decade challenge.
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$48,710 median pay
$39,890 median pay
$106,580 median pay
$67,370 median pay
$73,340 median pay
$58,710 median pay
AI job-risk card
Structural Iron and Steel Workers is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Structural Iron and Steel Workers is 14/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
14 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: Verifying structural alignment with instruments, Documenting rivet hole alignment and placement records. Harder to automate: Signaling crane operators to position heavy steel members, Bolting and welding structural members at elevation, Cutting and bending steel on site with torches and shears, Erecting temporary supports and connectors during assembly.
Lean into Structural steel erection methods, Arc and MIG welding certification, Crane signaling and rigging, Working-at-height safety (fall protection). Consider roles such as Structural steel inspector or Construction foreman / ironwork superintendent or Rigging and crane operations supervisor.
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.