Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers position and secure steel bars and mesh inside concrete forms before the concrete is poured. This reinforcement strengthens the concrete in buildings, bridges, roads, and other structures. The work takes place on construction sites and involves using hand tools, rod-bending machines, blowtorches, and various fasteners.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against reinforcing iron and rebar workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves measuring and cutting steel rebar to specification, bending rods using machines or hand tools, and tying or welding rebar into the required grid patterns within concrete forms. Workers secure the steel mesh or bars in place using wire, clamps, and other fasteners, ensuring proper positioning before concrete arrives. The job requires attention to blueprints and building codes, with much of the work done outdoors on active construction sites.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You'd do well in this work if you're practical and detail-oriented, preferring hands-on tasks with measurable results. You likely enjoy following established procedures and working with tools and machinery to build things that last—work that's directly tied to real structures and infrastructure.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $83,100 | $121,620 | $123,650 | 50 |
| New Jersey | $110,510 | $116,110 | $130,270 | — |
| Washington | $81,980 | $108,970 | $118,970 | 130 |
| Illinois | $96,040 | $105,580 | $105,580 | — |
| Nevada | $82,970 | $102,130 | $103,760 | 460 |
| New York | $82,180 | $98,040 | $121,660 | 1,110 |
| Oregon | $89,850 | $93,490 | $98,930 | 240 |
| Michigan | $77,570 | $91,220 | $94,470 | — |
| Pennsylvania | $64,000 | $74,670 | $87,790 | — |
| Louisiana | $62,460 | $70,700 | $89,550 | 130 |
| Kentucky | $51,980 | $66,830 | $69,930 | 40 |
| Indiana | $64,370 | $64,650 | $89,760 | 70 |
All 32 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Worker Assessment — National Center for Construction Education and Research
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against reinforcing iron and rebar workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-2171.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.