Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Read specifications or blueprints to determine the locations, quantities, or sizes of materials required.87
Verify vertical and horizontal alignment of structural steel members, using plumb bobs, laser equipment, transits, or levels.77
Erect metal or precast concrete components for structures, such as buildings, bridges, dams, towers, storage tanks, fences, or highway guard rails.77
Bolt aligned structural steel members in position for permanent riveting, bolting, or welding into place.76
Assemble or inspect hoisting equipment or rigging, such as cables, pulleys, or hooks, to move heavy equipment or materials.76
Lift steel beams, girders, or columns using cranes or forklifts, or by signaling hoisting equipment operators to lift or position structural steel members.76
Fabricate metal parts, such as steel frames, columns, beams, or girders, according to blueprints or instructions from supervisors.76
Connect columns, beams, and girders with bolts, following blueprints and instructions from supervisors.75
Pull, push, or pry structural steel members into approximate positions for bolting into place.75
Unload and position prefabricated steel units for hoisting, as needed.75
Fasten structural steel members to hoist cables, using chains, cables, or rope.71
Cut, bend, or weld steel pieces, using metal shears, torches, or welding equipment.69

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Force structural steel members into final positions, using turnbuckles, crowbars, jacks, or hand tools.69
Insert sealing strips, wiring, insulating material, ladders, flanges, gauges, or valves, depending on types of structures being assembled.69
Ride on girders or other structural steel members to position them, or use rope to guide them into position.65
Drive drift pins through rivet holes to align rivet holes in structural steel members with corresponding holes in previously placed members.63
Dismantle structures or equipment.62
Place blocks under reinforcing bars used to reinforce floors.56
Hold rivets while riveters use air hammers to form heads on rivets.51
Catch hot rivets in buckets and insert rivets in holes, using tongs.38

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Operation and Control63
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring63
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Coordination60
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Active Listening50
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking50
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making50
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning47
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving47
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Quality Control Analysis47
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Reading Comprehension47
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

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Speaking47
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Learning Strategies44
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Service Orientation44
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Instructing41
Teaching others how to do something.
Social Perceptiveness38
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Management of Personnel Resources35
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Troubleshooting35
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance28
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection28
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Mathematics28
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Persuasion28
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Management of Material Resources25
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Negotiation25
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Systems Analysis25
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation25
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Writing25
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Operations Analysis22
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Repairing22
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Technology Design22
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Installation19
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Management of Financial Resources16
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Programming0
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Building and Construction98
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Public Safety and Security83
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.
Production and Processing80
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mechanical76
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Administration and Management73
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Customer and Personal Service70
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Design61
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Engineering and Technology58
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics56
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education and Training43
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Physics42
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Personnel and Human Resources41
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

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English Language39
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Administrative34
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Transportation30
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Computers and Electronics26
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Economics and Accounting26
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Law and Government20
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Psychology14
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Chemistry13
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Sales and Marketing13
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Telecommunications10
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Foreign Language6
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Medicine and Dentistry5
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Geography4
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Sociology and Anthropology4
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Therapy and Counseling4
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Biology3
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Communications and Media3
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Fine Arts—
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production—
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
History and Archeology—
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Philosophy and Theology—
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Multilimb Coordination75
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.
Near Vision75
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Visualization75
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Arm-Hand Steadiness72
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision72
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Depth Perception72
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.
Gross Body Equilibrium72
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Manual Dexterity72
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Static Strength72
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Trunk Strength72
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.
Far Vision69
The ability to see details at a distance.
Problem Sensitivity69
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.

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Extent Flexibility66
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Finger Dexterity66
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Reaction Time66
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Selective Attention66
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Stamina66
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Rate Control63
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.
Dynamic Strength60
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Response Orientation56
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Gross Body Coordination53
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Information Ordering53
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).
Oral Comprehension53
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Auditory Attention50
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Category Flexibility50
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Deductive Reasoning50
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Glare Sensitivity50
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Hearing Sensitivity50
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Expression50
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speech Clarity50
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition50
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Time Sharing47
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Written Comprehension47
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Spatial Orientation44
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Visual Color Discrimination44
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Flexibility of Closure41
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Peripheral Vision41
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Speed of Limb Movement41
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Fluency of Ideas38
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Number Facility38
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Wrist-Finger Speed38
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Originality35
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Explosive Strength31
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Written Expression28
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Night Vision25
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Sound Localization25
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Dynamic Flexibility10
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Handling and Moving Objects84
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials82
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Performing General Physical Activities82
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.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates80
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings73
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Getting Information70
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others67
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work66
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events65
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Processing Information63
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards62
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Controlling Machines and Processes60
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

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Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment60
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates58
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems58
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others57
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Scheduling Work and Activities57
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge57
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Training and Teaching Others56
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Assisting and Caring for Others55
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Developing and Building Teams55
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships55
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment55
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization54
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People54
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Thinking Creatively53
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Coaching and Developing Others52
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Developing Objectives and Strategies49
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information48
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public41
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others40
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Analyzing Data or Information38
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Documenting/Recording Information37
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others37
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment36
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources35
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing Administrative Activities34
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Working with Computers32
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Selling or Influencing Others26
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Staffing Organizational Units25
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment23
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Dependability80
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness74
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Attention to Detail70
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Stress Tolerance62
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Perseverance59
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Achievement Orientation42
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Integrity38
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Self-Confidence37
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Self-Control35
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Cooperation33
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Adaptability19
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Leadership Orientation11
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

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Optimism9
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Initiative8
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Sincerity5
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic100
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional46
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative30
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic7
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Enterprising4
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social3
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day74%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility57%
- High responsibility31%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important62%
- Very important12%
- Important25%
Spend Time Standing
- More than half the time31%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility70%
- High responsibility12%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom48%
- Some freedom40%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom48%
- Some freedom34%
- Limited freedom12%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important50%
- Very important25%
- Important18%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Less than half the time19%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually49%
- More than half the time25%
- About half the time16%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others38%
- Contact with others most of the time41%
- Contact with others about half the time15%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important50%
- Important40%

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Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day63%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day52%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day43%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never15%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day49%
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a week or more but not every day31%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours34%
- 40 hours66%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never15%
Spend Time Walking or Running
Time Pressure
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Never19%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important24%
- Very important45%
- Important12%
- Not important at all19%
Physical Proximity
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)26%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)13%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day25%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week34%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive25%
- Moderately competitive24%
- Slightly competitive28%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never19%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important18%
- Very important47%
- Important12%
- Not important at all22%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Continually or almost continually25%
- About half the time54%
- Less than half the time12%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Continually or almost continually25%
- Less than half the time37%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never15%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious18%
- Serious27%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day37%
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results31%
- Important results19%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually18%
- About half the time38%
- Less than half the time16%
- Never19%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
- Never18%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day19%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never27%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Important22%
- Fairly important34%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day24%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Every day19%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never27%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a year or more but not every month39%
- Never21%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day16%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Never49%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day26%
- Never55%
Conflict Situations
- Every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week29%
- Never43%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Every day19%
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- About half the time35%
- Less than half the time50%
- Never15%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated19%
- Moderately automated11%
E-Mail
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week35%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never49%
Public Speaking
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never52%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Spend Time Sitting
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)22%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)78%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never75%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never97%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Less than high school diploma
Bachelor’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Project management software
Cost estimating software, Project scheduling software
Accounting software
Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal
Inventory management software
Inventory tracking software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
Install metal structural components.
Verify alignment of structures or equipment.
Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
Assemble temporary equipment or structures.
Fabricate parts or components.
Signal equipment operators to indicate proper equipment positioning.
Position structural components.
Load or unload materials used in construction or extraction.
Cut metal components for installation.
Weld metal components.
Install electrical components, equipment, or systems.

Show all 20 →

Install gauges or controls.
Install insulation in equipment or structures.
Dismantle equipment or temporary structures.
Position safety or support equipment.
Assist skilled construction or extraction personnel.
Drill holes in construction materials.
Remove debris or damaged materials.
Rivet metal components.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Assembler, Metal Building
Structural Steel Worker (Alternate Titles: Ironworker or Structural Ironworker)
Structural Steel Worker - 3 Years
Structural Steel Worker - 4 Years
Structural Steel/Ironworker (Existing Title: Structural Steel Worker)
Structural Steel/Ironworker - 3 Years
Structural Steel/Ironworker - 3/4 Years
Structural Steel/Ironworker - 4 Years
Tank Setter (Petrol Prod)

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology