Structural Steel Erector

A structural steel erector assembles and installs steel frameworks, beams, columns, and connections on construction sites according to engineering drawings and specifications. Working at heights and in hazardous environments, they use specialised equipment and techniques to position, align, and bolt or weld steel members into permanent structures for buildings, bridges, and infrastructure projects. This role requires strict adherence to safe work method statements, load charts, and Australian Standards for structural steelwork.

Interpret engineering drawings, fabrication plans, and assembly sequences to determine the correct placement and orientation of steel members. Operate mobile elevated work platforms (MEWP), scissor lifts, or cranes to position themselves and materials at elevation. Guide and direct crane operators using hand signals and two-way radios to ensure safe placement of steel beams, columns, and bracing members. Align structural steel components using surveying equipment, levels, and measuring tools to ensure plumb, level, and dimensional accuracy. Install temporary and permanent bracing systems, including diagonal bracing and shear connectors, to stabilise the structure during erection. Bolt structural connections using impact wrenches, torque wrenches, and high-strength bolts, verifying bolt tension according to AS 4100 or project specifications. Perform hot-work watching and support site welding operations, ensuring compliance with safe work procedures and fire prevention protocols. Inspect bolted and welded connections for visual defects, corrosion, or deviations from specifications before handover to supervisors.

The standard entry pathway requires a Certificate II or III (ABS skill level 4). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

You'll spend most of your career at heights on scaffolding and cranes, which means constant fall risk despite safety gear. The work is physically demanding and site-dependent, so you chase jobs across regions rather than staying put. Weather shutdowns are common, creating irregular income. Getting your tickets takes time and money upfront.

Regional work exists around mining areas and major infrastructure builds, but you'll need to be mobile. Most jobs are site-based rather than remote, so you go where the projects are, not where you live.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 8217, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Active Listeningcore
• Adaptability and Flexibilitycore
• Attention to Detailcore
• Engineering processescore
• Ensure vessel compliance with regulationscore
• Incident Reportingcore
• Interpret 2D planscore
• Mechanics of vesselscore
• Policy and Procedure Adherencecore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Quality Assurance and Checkingcore
• Regulatory and Legislative Awarenesscore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Set up reinforcing steelcore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Tie reinforcing steelcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Use caulking toolscore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Work in a construction teamcore
• Workload Self-Managementcore
• Apply preliminary treatment to workpieces
• Basic Arithmetic and Numerical Accuracy
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Delivery Scheduling
• Ensure equipment availability
• Perform test run
• Prepare pieces for joining
• Process Documentation
• Quality standards
• Remove inadequate workpieces
• Remove processed workpiece
• Rivet types
• Riveting machine types
• Stakeholder Communication
• Statistical process control
• Supplier Communication
• Troubleshoot
• Types of metal
• WorkCover Administration

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026