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Steel Worker Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Structural Superintendent

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

... steel worker trades' work. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES * Plan, organize, and supervise all phases of assigned structural projects. * Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company ...

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Steel Worker information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$23

$43

How much do steel worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for steel worker in Virginia is $23.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $33.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a steel worker?

Steel workers, also known as ironworkers or structural steel workers, are skilled tradespeople who fabricate, assemble, and install steel frameworks and structural components for buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. They work with heavy materials such as beams, columns, and girders, using tools like cranes, welding equipment, and torches. Steel workers play a crucial role in the construction industry, ensuring that structures are both strong and safe. Their work often requires physical strength, precision, and adherence to strict safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a steel worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Steel Worker, you need physical strength, manual dexterity, and a solid understanding of construction or fabrication processes, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or apprenticeships. Familiarity with tools like welding equipment, cutting torches, cranes, and safety systems such as harnesses and PPE is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and reliability are crucial soft skills for ensuring safety and efficiency on the job site. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining structural integrity, preventing workplace accidents, and meeting project deadlines.

What are some common safety challenges faced by steel workers, and how are they addressed on the job?

Steel workers frequently encounter safety challenges such as working at heights, handling heavy materials, and exposure to high temperatures or hazardous equipment. Employers typically address these risks by providing comprehensive safety training, enforcing the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like helmets, gloves, and harnesses, and implementing strict safety protocols. Regular safety meetings and inspections are also conducted to ensure that all team members are aware of and adhere to best practices, fostering a safer work environment.

What is the difference between Steel Worker vs Welder?

AspectSteel WorkerWelder
CertificationsOSHA safety training, possibly AWS certificationWelding certifications like AWS Certified Welder
Work EnvironmentFactories, construction sites, steel millsFabrication shops, construction sites, industrial settings
Job DutiesHandling steel components, assembling structures, operating machineryJoining metal parts through welding, cutting, and finishing

Steel workers and welders often work together in construction and manufacturing. While steel workers focus on handling and assembling steel components, welders specialize in joining metals through welding techniques. Both roles require safety training and may hold similar certifications, and they share work environments in industrial settings. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the steel industry.

How much do steel workers get paid?

Steel workers typically earn a median hourly wage of around $20 to $30, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and union membership. Skilled steel workers who operate heavy machinery or hold certifications may earn higher wages, and overtime can increase overall pay.

What are the most commonly searched types of Steel Worker jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Steel Worker jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Steel Worker jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Steel Worker job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Steel Worker jobs in VA?

For Steel Worker jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Steel Worker job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 73% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,113 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Structural Steel Erection Foreman

Kinsley Steel, Inc.

Sterling, VA • On-site

$32 - $38/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Kinsley Steel rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

A little about us
Since 1985, Kinsley Steel has been delivering unmatched quality steel on time and on budget. Our certified and highly-skilled teams specialize in structural steel design, engineering, detailing, fabrication, erection and retrofit to existing structural members.
The Structural Steel Ironworker Foreman provides the site leadership and is responsible for manpower and equipment planning, coordinating, supervising, ensuring safety measures are adhered to, productivity of crews and meeting project schedule.
DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Ensure safety precautions are followed
  • Complete jobs on time and within budget
  • Hold a documented site safety meeting on a weekly basis
  • Complete a 3-week look-a-head schedule on a weekly basis
  • Attend all on-site project meetings (safety, quality, scheduling, production, etc.)
  • Issue corrective action notices as required, to enforce company and/or project guidelines/policies
  • Read specifications and blueprints to determine the locations, quantities, and sizes of materials required

REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to, at minimum, be able to speak and understand English in oral and written form
  • Knowledge of proper rigging and signaling
  • Knowledge of applicable and proper use for the following: transit, laser level, torpedo, torque guns, welders, gas supplied equipment, rigging and components
  • Knowledge of AISC
  • Establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Kinsley Steel, Inc. is a Drug Free Workplace where post-offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
Kinsley Steel, Inc. is a participant in the Federal E-Verify Program.

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