How To Become A Rod Buster: What It Is and Career Path

What is a rod buster and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Rod busters, sometimes called rebar workers, shape steel rods and mesh that are used in construction. Steel rods are used to build the framework for a construction element before concrete is poured in order to stabilize the concrete. Rod busters are involved with every aspect of shaping and installing the steel rods. They interpret construction blueprints to determine the size and arrangement of steel rods, cut the rods to length, and place rods where they are supposed to go. In their work, rod busters use a number of power tools, such as blow torches and hand tools such as crowbars. They also need to know a lot about safety regulations in order to do this sometimes dangerous work without injuring themselves and have excellent physical stamina.

Rod busters need only a high school diploma in order to succeed in this career. They receive most of their training on the job, although they usually need some construction and power tool experience before moving up to this position.

On average, rod busters earn $37,639 a year, making this a solid career for someone without a college degree.

ScoreRod BusterUS Average

Salary

3.3

Avg. Salary $41,630

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.1

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.75%

Asian 1.82%

Black or African American 13.34%

Hispanic or Latino 23.86%

Unknown 4.10%

White 56.13%

Gender

female 3.64%

male 96.36%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress level

7.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a rod buster

Explore rod buster education requirements

Most common rod buster degrees

High School Diploma

67.8 %

Diploma

16.7 %

Bachelor's

5.6 %

Start to develop specific rod buster skills

Skills	Percentages
Tie Rebar	26.24%
Hand Tools	21.61%
BARS	20.16%
Safety Rules	10.80%
Torches	6.60%

Complete relevant rod buster training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New rod busters learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a rod buster based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real rod buster resumes.

Research rod buster duties and responsibilities

Rig up rebar tags always up and run forklift to lift and carry columns.
Position and secure steel bars, rods, cables, or mesh in concrete forms.
Install fire sprinklers, build risers, work on construction sites, keep everything organize.
Assist ICM with project management responsibilities and updating and editing documentation for ISO compliance.

Prepare your rod buster resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your rod buster resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a rod buster resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable rod buster resume templates

Build a professional rod buster resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your rod buster resume.