Enjoy welding things? It might be time for you to consider a career as an iron worker. An ironworker is always taking on new challenges, works as part of a team, works outdoors, performs physically demanding work, performs mentally challenging work, and much more. Ironworkers install structural iron and steel that forms and supports buildings, bridges, and roads.
As an ironworker, a person will read and follow blueprints, unload and stack iron and steel onto slings, signal crane operators, use shears, use rod-bending machines, use welding equipment, align structural and reinforcing iron, weld equipment, connect iron and steel with bolts, wires, or welds.
In this field, ironworkers are often working at high heights. They often work in safety harnesses to prevent falls. Many ironworkers work in all kinds of weather. In this position, injuries and illnesses are common from people experiencing cuts from metal and equipment. Also each years, several people die due to falls and contact with equipment and objects.
Most ironworkers go through an apprenticeship, but many learn the career on the job. As of 2015, the average salary for an ironworker was $49,970. The job outlook for an ironworker is projected to grow nine percent from 2014 to 2024. Ironworkers made up 80,100 jobs in 2014. With more buildings and population increases occurring, there is a demand for ironworkers. Ironworkers are also often called upon to help restore and maintain bridges and other buildings.
Unless other contractors, ironworkers usually are not self-employed. To become an ironworker, a certification in welding, rigging and crane signaling can increase a person’s usefulness on the job. Depending on the state, you may need a general contractor’s license to legally conduct work.
Thinking about getting your contractor’s license? In the state of Florida, you’ll need to get a Florida contractor’s license to work; otherwise, you will be working illegally. Let us help you get your license no matter what specialty of contracting work you’d like to pursue. We do all the work for you. Start the process with us today by clicking here.