The Elite Job

About the Role The Elite Job is hiring experienced Ironworkers for structural steel erection, reinforcing steel (rebar), and ornamental iron projects on commercial high-rise, bridge, and industrial construction sites across major US cities. Ironworking is one of the best-paying well-rounded construction trades available without a college degree — journeyman ironworkers earn $32 – $50 per hour, and union ironworkers in high-cost markets like New York and Chicago earn over $100,000 annually. If you are not afraid of heights and take pride in the steel framework that holds up America's buildings and bridges, this is your trade.

What You Will Do

• Erect structural steel frameworks for commercial buildings, bridges, stadiums, and industrial structures following engineered erection plans

• Operate taglines and signal cranes to position and set steel columns, beams, and trusses safely at elevation

• Make up bolted connections using impact wrenches and calibrated torque wrenches, verifying bolt tension per structural drawings

• Place, tie, and position reinforcing steel (rebar) for concrete foundations, decks, walls, and columns per structural drawings

• Install metal decking, safety cables, perimeter protection systems, and shear studs on structural steel floors

• Weld structural connections using SMAW or FCAW process per AWS D1.1 requirements and approved weld procedure specifications

• Work safely at significant heights on open steel, scaffolding, and man baskets — all work is governed by OSHA Part 1926 Subpart R

• Participate in toolbox talks, safety observations, and daily pre-task planning meetings before beginning elevated work

What You Need

• Completion of an Ironworkers Local Union apprenticeship or minimum 3 years of structural ironworker field experience

• Comfort working at significant heights — structural ironwork is performed at elevation on open steel every day

• Physical strength and stamina to handle heavy steel, work in awkward positions, and maintain balance on elevated structures

• OSHA 10 construction safety card — OSHA 30 preferred for lead and foreman roles

• Ability to read structural drawings and erection sequences to understand bolt patterns, connection types, and piece marks

• Rigging knowledge — safe use of chains, slings, shackles, and crane hand signals

• High school diploma or GED — no college degree required

Nice to Have

• AWS D1.1 structural welding certification

• Rebar and post-tensioning installation experience

• Crane signal person certification

• Ironworker foreman or pusher experience managing a crew on large commercial projects

What We Offer

• Competitive pay of $32 – $50 per hour based on classification, market, and project type

• Overtime opportunities on fast-track commercial and infrastructure projects

• Union health, welfare, and pension benefits through applicable Ironworkers Local

• Paid vacation and holidays per labor agreement

• All PPE provided on site — fall protection harness, hard hat, safety glasses, and gloves

• OSHA 30 training sponsored for journeyman ironworkers moving into foreman roles

• Advancement path to Ironworker Foreman, General Foreman, and Superintendent

Ironworking is a trade for people who are not afraid to earn their pay the hard way — at elevation, in all weather, building the structures that define skylines across America. At The Elite Job, we connect skilled ironworkers with the best-paying structural steel and rebar projects in the country. No degree required — just your union book, your tools, and your nerve. Apply today.

The Elite Job is an equal opportunity employer. We partner with Ironworkers Local Unions and merit shop contractors to place qualified ironworkers on high-value projects nationwide.