Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 1 (5%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 19 (95%)

• Read specifications or blueprints to determine the locations, quantities, or sizes of materials required.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Connect columns, beams, and girders with bolts, following blueprints and instructions from supervisors.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Bolt aligned structural steel members in position for permanent riveting, bolting, or welding into place.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Fasten structural steel members to hoist cables, using chains, cables, or rope.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Hoist steel beams, girders, or columns into place, using cranes or signaling hoisting equipment operators to lift and position structural steel members.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Verify vertical and horizontal alignment of structural steel members, using plumb bobs, laser equipment, transits, or levels.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Cut, bend, or weld steel pieces, using metal shears, torches, or welding equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Erect metal or precast concrete components for structures, such as buildings, bridges, dams, towers, storage tanks, fences, or highway guard rails.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Force structural steel members into final positions, using turnbuckles, crowbars, jacks, or hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Pull, push, or pry structural steel members into approximate positions for bolting into place.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Unload and position prefabricated steel units for hoisting, as needed.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Drive drift pins through rivet holes to align rivet holes in structural steel members with corresponding holes in previously placed members.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assemble hoisting equipment or rigging, such as cables, pulleys, or hooks, to move heavy equipment or materials.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Fabricate metal parts, such as steel frames, columns, beams, or girders, according to blueprints or instructions from supervisors.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Dismantle structures or equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Ride on girders or other structural steel members to position them, or use rope to guide them into position.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Hold rivets while riveters use air hammers to form heads on rivets.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Insert sealing strips, wiring, insulating material, ladders, flanges, gauges, or valves, depending on types of structures being assembled.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Place blocks under reinforcing bars used to reinforce floors.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Catch hot rivets in buckets and insert rivets in holes, using tongs.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about structural iron and steel workers and AI