SOC 47-2221
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ54/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ64,720
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$63K
$42K โ $108K
Projected Growth
๐+4.4%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค21/100
Low exposure
๐ก Structural Iron and Steel Workers face a risk score of 54/100 โ 10 points above the national average of 44. With only 21/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $63K ($16K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 54/100, Structural Iron and Steel Workers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like autonomous heavy equipment operation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 64,720 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in real-time safety judgment in hazardous conditions and client-facing consultation on custom project needs to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Autonomous heavy equipment operation
3D printing of building components
BIM-integrated automated progress tracking
AI project scheduling and resource optimization
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Real-time safety judgment in hazardous conditions
Client-facing consultation on custom project needs
Fine motor craftsmanship in custom installations
Physical work in confined or elevated spaces
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Read specifications or blueprints to determine the locations, quantities, or sizes of materials required.
Connect columns, beams, and girders with bolts, following blueprints and instructions from supervisors.
Bolt aligned structural steel members in position for permanent riveting, bolting, or welding into place.
Fasten structural steel members to hoist cables, using chains, cables, or rope.
Hoist steel beams, girders, or columns into place, using cranes or signaling hoisting equipment operators to lift and position structural steel members.
๐ป Technology Skills
Computer aided design CAD software
Project management software
Inventory management software
Electronic mail software
Accounting software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Building and Construction
Mechanical
Mathematics
Public Safety and Security
Administration and Management
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 53% |
| Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers | 33 | $79K | 72% |
| Extraction Workers | 29 | $56K | 70% |