Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Apprenticeship
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Reinforcing iron and rebar workers focus on installing and securing the steel and reinforcing materials that support structures. Nationally, this occupation has a median annual salary of $59,280 with about 19,000 people employed. Projected employment growth of 4.6% and approximately 2,000 annual openings suggest a steady flow of opportunities over time. The field is well suited to individuals with strong physical strength and stamina, as well as solid fine motor skills, attention to detail, and mechanical ability. Success in this career can also draw on mathematics, science, and critical and analytical thinking to support accurate work. Leadership, project management, and creativity and innovation can be useful for those interested in taking on more responsibility or solving complex site challenges. For people comparing related paths, similar occupations include helpers for masons and tile setters, terrazzo workers and finishers, plasterers and stucco masons, fence erectors, and drywall and ceiling tile installers.
Nationally, reinforcing iron and rebar workers earn a median annual salary of $59,280, but pay can vary significantly by location. Among the top states by CareerGPS opportunity score, median salaries range from $50,650 in Texas to $108,970 in Washington and $98,040 in New York. California and Colorado sit in between, at $63,110 and $56,160 respectively. At the metro level, the New York-Newark-Jersey City area stands out with a median salary of $101,890, while San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad offers $73,110 and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont provides $61,130. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim workers see $62,990, and Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington workers earn $50,910. These figures show that while the national median gives a useful starting point, local market conditions can make a substantial difference in earning potential for reinforcing iron and rebar workers.
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers have national employment of about 19,000, with projected employment growth of 4.6%. This growth projection, combined with approximately 2,000 annual openings, indicates continuing demand in this occupation. The annual openings figure suggests not only new positions from growth, but also ongoing replacement needs as workers change roles or leave the occupation. The 4.6% growth rate is consistent across the highlighted states and metro areas, reflecting a broadly similar projection in these regions. For individuals considering entering the field or making a career change, the combination of existing employment, projected growth, and recurring annual openings points to a labor market with regular opportunities to enter or advance. While conditions can differ by location, the national numbers provide a stable overall picture for planning training, relocation, or career transitions into reinforcing iron and rebar work.
Location can make a meaningful difference for reinforcing iron and rebar workers, both in pay and concentration of jobs. Among states with the highest CareerGPS opportunity scores, California and Texas have the largest employment levels, at 2,390 and 3,640 workers respectively, with median salaries of $63,110 and $50,650. New York and Washington offer higher median salaries—$98,040 and $108,970—but with smaller employment bases of 1,110 and 130. Colorado combines more modest employment (260) with a median salary of $56,160. At the metro level, New York-Newark-Jersey City stands out with both a high opportunity score of 77.27 and a median salary of $101,890. California metros such as San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, and San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad offer opportunity scores above 54 and median salaries ranging from $61,130 to $73,110. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington provides a sizable employment base (760) with a median salary of $50,910.
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers typically enter the field with a high school diploma or equivalent. This educational requirement makes the occupation accessible to individuals who are ready to enter the workforce without extended formal schooling. However, success in the role draws on a distinct mix of skills. Physical strength and stamina are important, along with fine motor abilities and being highly detail oriented. Mechanical skills support working with tools and materials, while mathematics and science provide a foundation for accurate measurements and understanding structural requirements. Critical and analytical thinking help with problem-solving, and project management and leadership skills can become increasingly important for those who coordinate tasks or oversee others. Creativity and innovation can also play a role in finding practical ways to address on-site challenges. Together, this combination of education level and skill profile can appeal to people who prefer hands-on work supported by solid cognitive and organizational skills.
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