How to hire a construction ironworker

How to hire a construction ironworker, step by step

Here's a step-by-step construction ironworker hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a construction ironworker job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new construction ironworker
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The construction ironworker hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a construction ironworker to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a construction ironworker that fits the bill.

   This list presents construction ironworker salaries for various positions.

   Type of Construction Ironworker	Description	Hourly rate
   Construction Ironworker	Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads.	$13-26
   Billboard Installer	A billboard installer is in charge of the installation and upkeep of billboards, ensuring it remains in good and presentable condition. It is their job to prepare materials upon learning the project requirements, adhere to guidelines and schedules, climb up high places to attach equipment, and assemble structures as necessary... Show more	$12-25
   Steel Erector	A steel erector works mainly in warehouses and construction sites. They assemble the heavy metal framework of a building by fitting girders, pipework, and beams... Show more	$12-23

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Hoisting
   • Steel Pieces
   • Steel Frames

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead ironworkers and coordinate with project managers, superintendents, and other tradespeople to complete projects on-time and within budget.
   • Bolt up/impact/ operate aerial lifts/ signal cranes/lay grating
   • Involve with setting various stubs, beams, and columns to ensure safe dismantle and separation of modulars for highway transport.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your construction ironworker job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A construction ironworker salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, construction ironworkers' average salary in oklahoma is 45% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level construction ironworkers earn 47% less than senior-level construction ironworkers.
   • Certifications. A construction ironworker with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a construction ironworker's salary.

   Average construction ironworker salary

   $40,150yearly

   $19.30 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level construction ironworker salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 30, 2026

4. Writing a construction ironworker job description

   A construction ironworker job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a construction ironworker job description:

   Construction ironworker job description example

   Must have relevant Ironworking experience. Aerotek is hiring Ironworker immediately . Candidates will be required to travel sporadically. $23-$28/hr. Per Diem provided. If qualified, please email your resume to for immediate consideration.

   Description:

   The employee must have the basic knowledge and skills to fabricate, install and assemble structural steel.

   They will be fabricating and erecting platforms, catwalks, stairs, handrails, beams, columns, plates, panels, and more.

   • Weld using Flux Core (FCAW) process and Stick (SMAW)

   Skills:

   Stick, Flux Core, fabricating, welding, steel, iron, Weld, Fabrication

   Top Skills Details:

   Stick, Flux Core, fabricating, welding, steel, iron

   Additional Skills & Qualifications:

   • Accurately interpret and apply information from drawings, specifications, or other documents and recognize basic blueprint terms and symbols for job application.

   • Identify, recognize and demonstrate safe usage of power tools and hand tools appropriate for the job.

   • Recognize various materials used in piping systems and demonstrate a working knowledge of appropriate material handling techniques.

   • Select and safely use appropriate equipment which may include (but not limited to) manlifts, fork lifts, and company trucks.

   • Demonstrates knowledge and skills in safe rigging practices.

   • Identify, explain and perform crane hand signals.

   • Identify and recognize components of structural systems.

   • Demonstrate ability to accurately layout and fabricate structural iron.

   • Demonstrate ability to locate and mark reference points for structural components on foundation using master straightedge, square, transit, builder's levels and measuring tape.

   • Align structure or plates to be assembled on boiler frames, tanks, or structures, using plumb bobs, wedges, dogs or turnbuckles.

   • Demonstrate appropriate techniques in handling sections or structural parts in order to facilitate fitting edges together.

   • Bolt or weld equipment sections using approved materials and procedures such as stacks, chutes, ladders, catwalks, etc.

   Experience Level:

   Expert Level

   About Aerotek:

   We know that a company's success starts with its employees. We also know that an individual's success starts with the right career opportunity. As a Best of Staffing Client and Talent leader, Aerotek's people-focused approach yields competitive advantage for our clients and rewarding careers for our contract employees. Since 1983, Aerotek has grown to become a leader in recruiting and staffing services. With more than 250 non-franchised offices, Aerotek's 8,000 internal employees serve more than 300,000 contract employees and 18,000 clients every year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in talent solutions. Learn more at

   The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find construction ironworkers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your construction ironworker job on Zippia to find and attract quality construction ironworker candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as constructionjobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit construction ironworkers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new construction ironworker

   Once you've decided on a perfect construction ironworker candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new construction ironworker first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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