How to hire a structural steel ironworker

How to hire a structural steel ironworker, step by step

Here's a step-by-step structural steel 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 structural steel ironworker job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new structural steel ironworker
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a structural steel ironworker, 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

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a structural steel 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 structural steel ironworker that fits the bill.

   Here's a comparison of structural steel ironworker salaries for various roles:

   Type of Structural Steel Ironworker	Description	Hourly rate
   Structural Steel Ironworker	Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads.	$12-27
   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:

   • Ironworker
   • Cranes
   • SMAW

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead ironworkers and coordinate with project managers, superintendents, and other tradespeople to complete projects on-time and within budget.
   • Crane operation in busy workplace transporting incoming and outgoing finish work 10 ton to 5 ton cranes remote control.
   • Bolt up/impact/ operate aerial lifts/ signal cranes/lay grating
   • Operate bobcats, forklifts and other equipment.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your structural steel ironworker job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A structural steel ironworker can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, structural steel ironworkers' average salary in oklahoma is 48% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level structural steel ironworkers 53% less than senior-level structural steel ironworkers.
   • Certifications. A structural steel ironworker with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a structural steel ironworker's salary.

   Average structural steel ironworker salary

   $39,760yearly

   $19.12 hourly rate

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   Entry-level structural steel ironworker salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 12, 2026

4. Writing a structural steel ironworker job description

   A job description for a structural steel ironworker role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a structural steel ironworker job description:

   Structural steel ironworker job description example

   The Mahaney Group, a Tecta America Company, LLC. has been installing commercial roofs since 1888. We pride ourselves on our well-trained workforce and our low-slope roofing expertise. We offer a competitive benefits package, pay, and Year-Round Work!
   
   We design, supply and erect pre-engineering metal building systems. Our ironworks are skilled to erect metal buildings, structural steel, tilt up concrete, and custom welding projects.
   Essential Functions/Responsibilities:
   
   * Ability to operate equipment (e.g., scissor and boom lifts).
   * Good knowledge and ability to use all required tools for the job.
   * Basic knowledge of blueprints.
   * Other duties as assigned by management.
   * Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
   * Must be dependable and show up to work each day.
   * Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and in adverse conditions.
   * Must be willing to learn new trades and skills.
   * Must be willing to travel occasional.
   * Able to work on elevated surfaces.
   * Bilingual (Spanish) preferred, but not required.
   * Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds, and up to 90 pounds of material with assistance.
   * Stamina to walk, stoop, kneel, reach, climb and stand for long periods of time and perform strenuous physical labor under adverse field conditions.
   * Ability to understand, follow and transmit written and oral instructions.
   * Analyze information and evaluate problems.
   * Ability to work and communicate with others.
   * Fabricate or alter parts at construction sites, using shears, hammers, punches, or drills.
   * Drill and punch holes in metal for screws, bolts, and rivets.
   * Connect steel mainframes and columns.
   * Using tag line, guides members in place then uses hand tools to pry, push, and pull the members into place so that the connections can be made up.
   * Lay out, positioning and securing of materials and work pieces during installation.
   * Bolting, welding, and cutting material as needed.
   * Load, transports and unloads material, tools and equipment and supplies.
   * Perform minor maintenance or cleaning activities of tools and equipment.
   * Prepare material prior to assembly.
   * Working from mobile elevated work platforms and operating them.
   * Familiarity with hand and power tools (hammers, levels & squares, circular saws, impact drills).
   * Ability to work independently and complete daily activities according to work schedules.
   * Maneuver units into position for installation and anchor the units.
   * Cut and weld metal sections using metal shears, torches, and welding equipment.
   
   Position Requirements:
   
   * Ability to follow safety guidelines in accordance with Mahaney, a Tecta America Company, LLC Safety Policies.
   * Ability to work various hours/schedules.
   * Willingness and ability to learn new tasks.
   * Ability to work with diverse teams.
   * Ability to use hand and power tools.
   * Ability to lift/carry 75+ lbs.
   * Ability to climb a 40+ft ladder.
   * Ability to stand on feet and sit on knees for long periods of time.
   * Must be able to pass pre-employment physical, agility test, and drug screen.
   
   Experience:
   
   * Structure construction background is required (i.e., wood framing, structural steel, post, and beam, etc.).
   
   Working Conditions:
   
   * The position will be performed outdoors, and weather conditions will be a huge factor as work will occur in the heat, cold, rain, snow, etc.
   * This position will be exposed to dusty and dirty conditions as well as hazardous materials.
   * Work is done at elevated surface levels.
   * Some work will be performed in an ariel lift.
   
   Physical Demands:
   
   * Ability to use hand and power tools.
   * Ability to lift 75 lbs.
   * Ability to climb a 40+ft ladder.
   * Ability to stand on feet and kneel for long periods of time, 12+ hours.
   * Ability to work on elevated levels.
   * Ability to work in dusty/dirty conditions.
   * Ability to work in extreme weather conditions (heat/cold).
   
   Benefits:
   
   * Hourly wage range: $15/hr. to $20/hr.
   * Individual Health Insurance paid 100% by Mahaney, a Tecta America Company, LLC.
   * Life Insurance Policy paid 100% by Mahaney, a Tecta America Company, LLC.
   * Voluntary dental, vision, and other supplemental benefits.
   * Eligible for Paid Time Off after 90 days.
   * Eligible for 401(k) Retirement Plan after 30 days.
   
   EEO Statement:
   
   Mahaney, a Tecta America Company, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.
   
   Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find structural steel ironworkers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any structural steel ironworkers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level structural steel ironworkers with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit structural steel ironworkers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   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 structural steel ironworker

   Once you have selected a candidate for the structural steel ironworker position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the 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 structural steel 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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