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Building Systems Erector, General Building Systems Erector, Metal Building Systems Erector
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
In Alberta, this trade has 3 branches:
In general, ironworkers read blueprints and specifications to lay out their work, and follow up by:
Depending on the specific branch, duties may vary. Example, metal buildings systems erectors and structural/ornamental ironworkers also:
Structural/ornamental ironworkers also:
Ironworkers generally work outdoors in teams or crews. They work in both remote locations and urban areas, and often work at great heights. They rely on one another to use good judgment as well as safety equipment and procedures to reduce the risk of injury from falling or from falling objects. Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow or high winds can shut down projects for days at a time.
The work is physically strenuous and sometimes dangerous. Ironworkers may be required to lift and move items that weigh over 25 kilograms.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working to align, weld and bolt steel units into place, and to position and secure steel bars and metal mesh in concrete forms to reinforce concrete structures
Interest in signalling crane operators to position steel units according to blueprints; and in examining structures and equipment for deterioration, defects, or non-compliance with specifications
Interest in compiling information to install ornamental and structural metalwork such as curtain walls, metal stairways, railings and power doors
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Ironworkers need:
They should enjoy working outdoors in a wide variety of locations. In an emergency, they need to be able to act quickly and decisively.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 123 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Apr 15, 2022 and Dec 18, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Unload and position steel units so each piece can be hoisted as needed | 87 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Align, weld or bolt units in place | 82 |
| Tasks: Read and interpret blueprints, maps, drawings and specifications | 81 |
| Work Site Environment: Outdoors | 73 |
| Attention to detail | 72 |
| Work Site Environment: At heights | 66 |
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 57 |
| Tasks: Position and secure steel bars or metal mesh in concrete forms to reinforce concrete structures | 57 |
| Handling heavy loads | 57 |
| Tasks: Erect and install scaffolding, falsework and other working platforms | 55 |
To work in Alberta, an ironworker must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates. Courses in applied math, chemistry and physics are particularly important.
Terms of apprenticeship are different depending on the branch of the trade:
Each period includes a minimum of 1,620 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of classroom instruction.
High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Training Program (RAP).
Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Ironworker apprentices in the reinforcing and structural/ornamental branches may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Ironworkers fabricate, construct and join scaffolding, structural steel buildings, bridges, ornamental ironwork and pre-cast structures. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you must have a certificate that is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training or be a registered apprentice to fabricate, construct or join scaffolding, structural steel buildings, bridges, ornamental ironwork or pre-cast structures in Alberta.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Ironworker.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Construction contractors employ most ironworkers. Some ironworkers find employment in industries such as metal fabricating, oil and gas production, iron and steel production, electric utilities and rail transport. Very few are self-employed. In the construction industry, ironworkers work on a project-to-project basis and often travel long distances from job to job.
Employment in these industries is seasonal and employment prospects change with the economic climate, particularly as the volume of commercial and construction projects changes.
Experienced ironworkers may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman and construction superintendent.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Ironworkers
2016 NOC: 7236
79.4% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson ironworkers wage rates vary but generally range from $30 to $40 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 60% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 70% in the second, 80% in the third and 90% in the fourth.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $19.00 | $42.50 | $27.66 | $25.00 |
| Overall | $25.00 | $47.25 | $33.60 | $34.00 |
| Top | $32.00 | $52.00 | $40.71 | $40.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $73,321 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $69,834 |
| Manufacturing | $66,196 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
