How to hire a steel erector

How to hire a steel erector, step by step

Here's a step-by-step steel erector hiring guide:

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a steel erector, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A steel erector's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, steel erectors from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of steel erectors and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Steel Erector	Description	Hourly rate
   Steel Erector	Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads.	$12-23
   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
   Iron Worker	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... Show more	$15-25

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Torches
   • Blueprint Specifications
   • Steel Beams
   • Safety Guidelines
   • Hand Tools
   • Steel Erection
   • Hoisting
   • Metal Shears
   • Scissor Lifts
   • MIG
   • Construction Sites
   • Equipment Operators
   • Horizontal Alignment
   • SMAW

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Cut, bend, or weld steel pieces, using torches, saws and or welding equipment.
   • Erect steel into place by using forklifts, chain hoists, and signaling crane operators.
   • Load, unload, and set machinery and equipment and operate power hoists, forklifts, and aerial lifts.
   • Handle and execute all activities relate to erection and dismantling of scaffolding.
   • Force structural steel members into final positions, using turnbuckles, crowbars, jacks, or hand tools.
   • scaffold erector competent skills leadership skills flatb driver (non cdl) forklift operator

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, steel erectors' average salary in florida is 44% less than in new york.
   • Seniority. Entry-level steel erectors earn 46% less than senior-level steel erectors.
   • Certifications. A steel erector 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 steel erector's salary.

   Average steel erector salary

   $36,280yearly

   $17.44 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level steel erector salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing a steel erector job description

   A steel erector 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. Below, you can find an example of a steel erector job description:

   Steel erector job description example

   Job DescriptionSalary: $25+ per hour (Based on Experience)
   

   Rice Companies is offering up to $2500 Sign On Bonus for this position!

   
   

   
   

   POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

   Pre-Engineered steel building erection including structural steel setting, metal wall and roof panel installation, building insulation and metal trim, and flashing installation

   Additional Responsibilities may include:

   • Metal and wood stud framing, drywall hanging, wall sheathing, backing, blocking, and other rough carpentry duties as assigned
   • Doors and hardware installation including metal and wood doors, exit devices, closers and etc.
   • FRP installation and the installation of bath accessories and bath partitions
   • Finish carpentry including the installation of cabinetry, running trim, and misc. finishes
   • Selective demolition including removing walls, flooring, ceilings, doors, finishes, etc.

   
   

   Basic Tools are required to be supplied by each individual field employee.
   Rice Companies supplies all power tools, shirts, and safety equipment

   Overnight Travel (Monday - Friday) - 50%

   
   

   QUALIFICATIONS

   • Ability to receive direction and work with and without supervision
   • Demonstrated skill in the use, care, and safety of basic carpentry and power equipment
   • Directly related carpentry field preferred.
   • Previous experience in commercial steel/metal building erection strongly preferred.
   • Experience reading and interpreting blueprints a plus
   • Equipment certifications (scissor lift, forklifts, boom lifts, skid steer, etc.) a plus

   
   

   Successful candidates will be subject to post-offer, pre-employment screenings which may include:

   • DOT Medical Card exam
   • Position based Fitness for Duty exam
   • Non-DOT drug screening
   • Criminal Background Check

   
   

   BENEFITS

   With competitive pay, family-forward benefits and a little fun mixed in, Rice Companies works to build a team that’s second to none.

   • Medical and Dental Insurance (Employee Only Premiums Covered 100%)
   • Company Paid Life Insurance
   • Paid Parental Leave
   • 401K w/Employer Match
   • Paid Time Off (PTO)
   • Paid Holidays
   • Career Training and Development
   • Tuition Reimbursement

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right steel erector for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with steel erectors they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit steel erectors who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with steel erector candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates 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 steel erector

   Once you've decided on a perfect steel erector 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.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new steel erector 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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