The common misperception is that ironworkers only erect buildings and bridges, but the fact of the matter is, ironworking is a multi-faceted trade. Most ironworkers do more than one type of ironwork and each has its own challenges and required skills.


Most ironwork is done outdoors and can be carried on year-round except in very severe weather. In many cases, however, there is indoor work that is coordinated to correspond with bad weather. Safety devices such as nets, safety belts, and scaffolding are used to reduce the risk of injury and there is a great deal of climbing, balancing, and reaching.

The following list is a sample of the type of work that ironworkers perform:

Structural Buildings and Bridges
Reinforcing and Post Tensioning
Ornamental
Rigging and Machinery Moving
Welding and Burning
Amusement Equipment and Rides
Architectural and Structural Precast
Bank Vaults and Doors
Canopies
Conveyors
Detention Facilities (Jail Cells)
Doors – Metal and Roll-up
Drilling Platforms – Offshore
Geodesic Domes
Metal Buildings
Overhead Cranes
Plant Maintenance
Towers .