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The differences between iron workers and steel erectors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an iron worker has an average salary of $41,422, which is higher than the $36,280 average annual salary of a steel erector.
The top three skills for an iron worker include hoisting, torches and ironworker. The most important skills for a steel erector are torches, blueprint specifications, and steel beams.
| Iron Worker | Steel Erector | |
| Yearly salary | $41,422 | $36,280 |
| Hourly rate | $19.91 | $17.44 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 28,258 | 294 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 55% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
An ironworker specializes in establishing and installing steel or iron frames meant for the construction of a building and other structures. Their tasks primarily revolve around understanding blueprints, cutting and welding metal to specific shapes or customization, assembling and stacking materials, operating various devices and machinery, coordinating with other members of the construction team, and attaching essential tools. There may also be instances where an ironworker must climb up high places and repair installed structures. Furthermore, it is crucial to adhere to all safety standards and regulations to maintain a productive and safe work environment.
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. A steel erector is responsible for molding steel into different shapes and sizes. Cutting and shaping the steel for construction is the main duty of a steel erector. They use tower cranes to lift steel and fix safety netting and edge rails.
Iron workers and steel erectors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Iron Worker | Steel Erector | |
| Average salary | $41,422 | $36,280 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $53,000 | Between $26,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | - |
| Best paying company | EMCOR Group | - |
| Best paying industry | Construction | - |
There are a few differences between an iron worker and a steel erector in terms of educational background:
| Iron Worker | Steel Erector | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 55% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between iron workers' and steel erectors' demographics:
| Iron Worker | Steel Erector | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4% | Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 1.6% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.0% | Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 1.6% White, 67.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |