Ironworker Resume Example and Template
An ironworker resume emphasizes structural steel installation, blueprint reading, rigging expertise, and safety in high-risk environments. Show your experience with different steel types, concrete reinforcing, and specialty work like ornamental or bridge construction.
Employers prioritize journeyman credentials, fall protection certification, ability to work as part of a rigging crew, and a clean safety record. Mention any specialty certifications like certified rigger or welder.
Also searched as
Journeyman Ironworker, Structural Steel, Apprentice Ironworker, Ironworker Helper
Terrence Williams: Ironworker
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Summary
Union ironworker with 9 years erecting and finishing structural steel for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects. Certified rigger with expertise in heavy equipment placement, bolting, and welding. Installed structural steel on 35 major projects totaling 18,000 tons. Maintains perfect safety record across 1,800+ working days.
Work Experience
Journeyman Ironworker, Structural Steel, Steel Erectors of Western PA
Feb 2022 – Present. 110-person union structural steel erection contractor
- Erected structural steel for a 28-story office tower, handling 3,200 tons over 18 months; zero safety incidents
- Led rigging crew of 4 on 8 major projects, coordinating equipment placement and ensuring load calculations met engineering specs
- Performed field bolting and welding on 450+ connections, maintaining certification to AWS D1.1 standards
- Trained 3 apprentices in rigging fundamentals and steel assembly techniques
Apprentice Ironworker, Pittsburgh Ironworkers Union Local 3
Jun 2018 – Jan 2022. 6,500-member union local serving western Pennsylvania
- Completed 6,800 on-the-job hours and 432 classroom hours in union apprenticeship for structural steel erection
- Worked on 18 commercial and industrial projects, learning rigging, bolting, and welding on structural systems
- Passed journeyman exam in December 2021, scoring 86%; certified rigger in March 2022
Ironworker Helper, Consolidated Structural Steel
Aug 2016 – May 2018. 50-person fabrication and erection shop
- Assisted ironworkers on 25 commercial and light industrial projects totaling 2,100 tons of structural steel
- Picked up rigging, bolting, and ground-level assembly work by shadowing crews on active job sites
- Obtained fall protection and scaffolding certifications
Education
Pittsburgh Ironworkers Union Local 3 Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Certificate, Structural Steel Erection. Jun 2018 – Jan 2022
Skills
Structural steel erection and assembly, Blueprint reading and steel inspection, Rigging and heavy equipment operation, Bolting and torque specifications, Welding (AWS D1.1 certified), Fall protection and safety protocols, Crane signal and spotting, Connection assembly and alignment, Load calculations and rigging math
Languages
English
Certificates and Awards
- Pennsylvania Journeyman Ironworker License, Pennsylvania Department of Labor, 2022
- Certified Rigger, National Association of Crane Operators, 2022
- AWS D1.1 Structural Steel Welder, American Welding Society, 2023
Why this look works
Ironworkers build the backbone of cities, so a resume projecting strength and precision fits the role. Use bold, clean typography, deep colors like forest green or charcoal, and a structured layout that feels as solid as the steel you work with.
Resume tips for this job
- Quantify tonnage of steel erected; employers think in terms of weight and complexity, not just project count.
- Lead with your certified rigger status if you have it; rigging is a specialized, higher-paid skill that adds significant value.
- Mention your safety record explicitly, especially days or years without incident; safety is the first filter in high-risk trades.
- Distinguish between structural, reinforcing, and ornamental ironwork if you've done multiple types; they're different skill sets with different pay.
Common questions
What's the difference between structural and reinforcing ironwork?
Structural ironworkers erect large steel beams and frames for buildings and bridges. Reinforcing ironworkers place rebar in concrete forms. Both require welding or bolting, but structural work is generally higher-paying and requires more complex rigging.
Do I need welding certification as an ironworker?
Not always, but it's highly valuable and increases your pay. Many ironworkers are welders, especially in structural erection. If you can weld to AWS D1.1 standards, list it prominently. If not, note it as a skill you're pursuing.
How important is the certified rigger credential?
Very. Rigging is specialized work that pays a premium. If you're certified, lead with it. If you've done rigging without certification, describe your experience and note you're pursuing certification. Many employers will sponsor your exam.
Edit this resume in the builder
The person, employers and numbers in this example are fictional, written to show what a strong resume for this job looks like.