Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Ironworker
What ironworkers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Attend the job briefing on the day’s lifts, weather and fall protection. From there, the day usually includes read blueprints and erection drawings, signal cranes and rig steel members for lifting, and guide beams and columns into position. Most ironworkers work full-time, with overtime common on big projects. Work may require travel and can stop for high winds or storms.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an ironworker working full time.
- Attend the job briefing on the day’s lifts, weather and fall protection.
- Rig a beam with chokers and tag lines for the crane.
- Connect beams to columns on the fourth floor, installing erection bolts.
- Signal the crane operator for a column lift.
- Tighten high-strength bolts with an impact wrench and check snugness.
- Land and spread bundles of metal deck.
- Plumb columns with the crew and secure cables.
Where ironworkers work
Ironworkers work outdoors at great heights on buildings, bridges and towers, in heat, cold and wind. The work is physically demanding and among the most hazardous in construction, so strict safety practices are essential.
Hours and schedule
Most ironworkers work full-time, with overtime common on big projects. Work may require travel and can stop for high winds or storms.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Read blueprints and erection drawings
- Signal cranes and rig steel members for lifting
- Guide beams and columns into position
- Bolt and weld connections
- Plumb and align steel frames
- Install metal decking, joists and bracing
- Set up and use fall protection systems
Tools you’ll use every day
- Spud wrenches and sleever bars
- Impact wrenches
- Welding machines
- Chokers, shackles and tag lines
- Harnesses, retractables and beam clamps
- Levels, plumb bobs and lasers
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- High pay with apprenticeship training
- Exciting work on major projects
- Strong union benefits in many areas
- Travel opportunities
What’s hard
- Dangerous work at height
- Extremely physical
- Weather and wind delays
- Travel away from home for some jobs
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’m comfortable working at great heights
- I like physical, high-energy work
- I trust and depend on my crew
- I take safety rules seriously
- I want strong pay through an apprenticeship
- I don’t mind traveling for work
Not sure? Take the free Ironworker fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use fall protection at all times as required by OSHA steel erection rules
- Stay out from under suspended loads
- Inspect rigging gear before every lift
- Stop work in high winds and lightning