Ironworkers build Canada's skyline — erecting structural steel for bridges, skyscrapers, stadiums, and the industrial structures that define our cities and infrastructure.
Very High
Moderate (rigging, drawings, bolt patterns, safety)
Always outdoors — bridges, high-rises, industrial structures in all weather
Less common but exists on major projects
Yes — work follows major projects
High — heights, heavy steel, rigging, and weather are constant factors
Connecting structural steel columns, beams, and joists using bolts and welds. Signalling crane operators to position and land large steel members safely. Reading and working from structural steel erection drawings.
Installing metal deck flooring on multi-storey structures. Plumbing up steel (getting columns perfectly vertical using guy wires and turnbuckles). Bolting connections — high-strength A325 and A490 bolts installed to precise tension specifications.
Placing and tying reinforcing steel (rebar) in concrete formwork. Reading rebar placement drawings and bar schedules. Installing rebar cages for columns, footings, and walls. Welding rebar connections where specified.
Working ahead of concrete pours in all weather conditions. Coordinating placements with carpenters (formwork) and concrete trades. Ensuring rebar positioning matches structural requirements and specs.
Installing architectural metal staircases, railings, and guardrails. Fitting and welding ornamental metalwork in buildings and public spaces. Fitting miscellaneous metals — lintels, angles, embeds, and brackets.
Installing overhead doors, dock equipment, and access systems. Custom fabrication and fitting of structural and architectural steel. Interior installation of metal framing systems for curtain walls and facades.
The classic trade — steel erection on high-rises and bridges.
Rebar placement for all concrete construction. Steady demand.
Stairs, rails, doors, miscellaneous metals.
Bridges, overpasses, transit — premium infrastructure projects.
Specialized crane signalling and rigging.
Manage steel erection crews on major projects.
Rigging basics, bolt-up, safety, working at heights fundamentals. ~$22–$26/hr (3-year apprenticeship)
Steel erection, crane signals, metal deck, plumbing up. ~$28–$35/hr
Working near-independently, advanced rigging, Red Seal prep. ~$36–$42/hr
Red Seal certified ironworker. $42–$60/hr
Lead steel erection crews on major commercial and industrial projects. $54–$70/hr
Senior project leadership or own ironwork company. $80k–$150k+
Mandatory — Day One. Hazard identification and safe chemical handling.
Recommended. Essential emergency response certification.
Mandatory — ironworkers work at extreme heights daily.
Mandatory — rigging is a core daily ironworker skill.
Mandatory — full-body harness worn at all times above 3 metres.
Mandatory — union ironworker certification covering steel erection safety.
CISC standards, erection drawings, connection details, bolt patterns.
Sling angles, D/d ratios, capacity reduction, crane load charts.
A325/A490 high-strength bolts, snug-tight vs pretensioned vs slip-critical.
Standard hand signals and radio protocols for directing crane operators.
Structural welding symbols, oxy-acetylene cutting, basic SMAW welds.
Geometry, angles, trigonometry for layout, weight calculations for steel members.