What are the pros and cons of being an ironworker?

Knowledge of ironwork is a desirable skill to have. Ironworkers typically have no problem finding steady employment. In fact, ironwork positions are expected to grow by 6% over the next five years. You can also easily find work with construction contractors, metal fabricating, iron and steel production, oil and gas production, rail transport, and electrical utilities.

Ironworkers help build and repair structures, which must be safely secured and constructed. Ironworkers describe their jobs as low-stress, good for work-life balance, and filled with opportunities to earn more and advance. The median yearly salary for a steelworker, for example, is $58,550 a year, with the top 25% earning $76,920 a year.

On the other hand, ironwork can be a very physically demanding job. Welding overhead for long periods of time not only causes muscle strain, but sparks and metal shavings are constantly falling all over the worker, which can cause significant burns and cuts if the proper gear isn't being used.

It can also be dangerous because ironworkers often must climb tall beams and reach high overhead beams while welding to add cold water or rainwater to the mix. Just imagine trying to work with metals on a freezing winter day. It can take hours just to get through one small step.

When you consider the nature of the work, it's not surprising to know that ironworkers are rated #6 for the most dangerous careers. The iron and steel industry averages around 47 deaths for every 100,000 workers. Despite stricter federal safety standards and the use of safety devices such as nets and scaffolds, the workers face a high risk of sustaining severe work-related injuries.