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What is a scaffold builder and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

A scaffold builder is responsible for assembling and deconstructing temporary scaffolds in various work sites. They observe federal safety regulations and make sure that the structures are secured. These efforts help avoid dangerous situations which may result in height-related accidents and injuries.

Their responsibilities also include inspecting construction equipment, reading blueprints, and assisting with plumbing work. They often take part in transporting materials with other members of the crew, such as crane operators. They promptly report breakdowns and other safety concerns to their supervisors.

Depending on the industry, they may work indoors or outdoors and occupy part-time and full-time positions. Their work schedules are typically flexible, following a definite timeline for job completion.

There are no minimum education requirements in pursuing this position. Some employers, however, prefer candidates with a driver's license, a Transportation Worker Identification Credential, and prior work experience in construction. Physical stamina, mechanical skills, and knowledge of power tools are also considered for this job.

ScoreScaffold BuilderUS Average
Salary
2.8

Avg. Salary $35,560

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.4

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.85%

Asian 1.57%

Black or African American 6.66%

Hispanic or Latino 30.12%

Unknown 4.44%

White 56.36%

Gender

female 6.29%

male 93.71%

Age - 41
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 - 41
Stress level
8.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.6

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Scaffold builder career paths

Key steps to become a scaffold builder

  1. Explore scaffold builder education requirements

    Most common scaffold builder degrees

    High School Diploma

    59.3 %

    Associate

    13.4 %

    Diploma

    12.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific scaffold builder skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Scaffolding29.80%
    Ladders15.40%
    Construction Sites6.85%
    NCCER5.08%
    Safety Rules3.77%
  3. Complete relevant scaffold builder training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New scaffold builders 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 scaffold builder based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real scaffold builder resumes.
  4. Gain additional scaffold builder certifications

    Scaffold builder certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific scaffold builder certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for scaffold builders include OSHA Safety Certificate and Graduate Master Builder (GMB).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research scaffold builder duties and responsibilities

    • Modify existing client websites with new HTML and CSS to achieve stakeholder requirements.
    • Dig ditches, backfill excavations.
    • Wear proper PPE for particular jobs (safety harness, SCBA, respirators, acid suits, etc . )
    • Assemble and disassemble metal scaffolding use by workers in petroleum refinery turnarounds and shutdowns (industrial maintenance-repair projects).
  6. Prepare your scaffold builder resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your scaffold builder 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 scaffold builder resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable scaffold builder resume templates

    Build a professional scaffold builder 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 scaffold builder resume.
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    Scaffold Builder Resume
  7. Apply for scaffold builder jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a scaffold builder job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first scaffold builder job

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Average scaffold builder salary

The average scaffold builder salary in the United States is $35,560 per year or $17 per hour. Scaffold builder salaries range between $25,000 and $50,000 per year.

Average scaffold builder salary
$35,560 Yearly
$17.10 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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