Rankings β†’ Will AI Replace…

Will AI Replace Structural Iron and Steel Workers?

54/100 β€” Elevated
SOC 47-2221

πŸ’‘ Structural Iron and Steel Workers have a composite risk score of 54/100 (Frey-Osborne probability: 83%, GenAI exposure: 21/100). With 64,720 workers in the US, this occupation faces moderate but manageable AI pressure. Full occupation profile β†’

🎯 The Verdict

Possible. Significant task automation is underway β€” workers should actively upskill.

With 64,720 workers and a median wage of $63K,structural iron and steel workers represent a significant portion of the US workforce. Their GenAI exposure index is 21%, meaning a minority of their core tasks overlap with current generative AI capabilities.

Risk Score

54/100

Employment

64,720

Median Wage

$63K

GenAI Exposure

21%

⚠️ Top Risk Factors

1.

Autonomous heavy equipment operation

2.

3D printing of building components

3.

BIM-integrated automated progress tracking

4.

AI project scheduling and resource optimization

πŸ›‘οΈ Tasks AI Can't Easily Replace

βœ“

Real-time safety judgment in hazardous conditions

βœ“

Client-facing consultation on custom project needs

βœ“

Fine motor craftsmanship in custom installations

βœ“

Physical work in confined or elevated spaces

πŸ”„ Career Transition Paths

Related occupations with lower AI risk and high skills overlap:

Engineers

53% skills overlap Β· $106K median wage

20/100

Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers

72% skills overlap Β· $79K median wage

33/100

Extraction Workers

70% skills overlap Β· $56K median wage

29/100

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Will AI completely replace structural iron and steel workers?

Possible. Significant task automation is underway β€” workers should actively upskill.

What is the AI risk score for structural iron and steel workers?

Structural Iron and Steel Workers have a composite AI automation risk score of 54 out of 100, classified as "Elevated".

How many structural iron and steel workers are there in the US?

There are approximately 64,720 structural iron and steel workers employed in the United States.

What do structural iron and steel workers earn?

The median annual wage for structural iron and steel workers is $63K.

What skills should structural iron and steel workers develop?

Focus on tasks AI can't easily replicate: real-time safety judgment in hazardous conditions, client-facing consultation on custom project needs, fine motor craftsmanship in custom installations, physical work in confined or elevated spaces. These human-centric skills will become more valuable as routine tasks are automated.