Occupation AtlasReinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers

O*NET · 47-2171.00

Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers

Position and secure steel bars or mesh in concrete forms in order to reinforce concrete. Use a variety of fasteners, rod-bending machines, blowtorches, and hand tools. Includes rod busters.

Also called Concrete Buster · Concrete Rod Buster · Concrete Worker · Field Ironworker · Iron Installer · Iron Worker · Ironworker · Ironworker Journeyman
18 more

Ironworker Laborer · Journeyman Ironworker · Post Tensioning Ironworker · Rebar Bender · Rebar Fabricator · Rebar Production Fabricator · Rebar Rodbuster · Rebar Tier · Rebar Worker · Reinforced Ironworker · Reinforcing Iron Worker · Reinforcing Metal Worker · Reinforcing Rod Layer · Reinforcing Steel Worker · Rod Buster · Rodbuster · Steel Rod Buster · Steel Tier

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic7.00
  • C Conventional3.50
  • I Investigative2.18
  • E Enterprising1.33
  • S Social1.20
  • A Artistic1.12

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma25%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent45%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate2%
  • Some College Courses16%
  • Master's Degree12%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (22%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (24%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (34%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • CoordinationImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Operation and ControlImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Time ManagementImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Operations MonitoringImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
Show the other 23
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • MathematicsbasicImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • InstructingImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Systems AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Equipment SelectionImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • TroubleshootingImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Service OrientationImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Systems EvaluationImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • NegotiationImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • PersuasionImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • WritingbasicImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Operations AnalysisImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 0.9
  • Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 0.8
  • RepairingImportance 1.6Level 0.9
  • Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.6
  • SciencebasicImportance 1.3Level —
  • InstallationImportance 1.1Level —
  • ProgrammingImportance 1.0Level —

Tasks

9 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Position and secure steel bars, rods, cables, or mesh in concrete forms, using fasteners, rod-bending machines, blowtorches, or hand tools.Importance 4.5
  2. Determine quantities, sizes, shapes, and locations of reinforcing rods from blueprints, sketches, or oral instructions.Importance 4.4
  3. Space and fasten together rods in forms according to blueprints, using wire and pliers.Importance 4.3
  4. Use forklifts or cranes to move construction material, such as rebar.Importance 4.3
  5. Cut rods to required lengths, using metal shears, hacksaws, bar cutters, or acetylene torches.Importance 4.1
  6. Place blocks under rebar to hold the bars off the deck when reinforcing floors.Importance 3.9
  7. Unload rebar from trucks.Importance 3.9
  8. Cut and fit wire mesh or fabric, using hooked rods, and position fabric or mesh in concrete to reinforce concrete.Importance 3.8
  9. Bend steel rods with hand tools or rod-bending machines and weld them with arc-welding equipment.Importance 3.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Building and ConstructionImportance 4.7Level 5.9
  • MathematicsImportance 3.9Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • DesignImportance 3.5Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 3.4Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • English LanguageImportance 3.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
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  • Education and TrainingImportance 3.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • MechanicalImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • TransportationImportance 2.8Level 2.7
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.7Level 2.8
  • PhysicsImportance 2.7Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • AdministrativeImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 2.2Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Communications and MediaImportance 1.6Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 1.6Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • ChemistryImportance 1.5Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • PsychologyImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • GeographyImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 1.4Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.2Level —
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.2Level —
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.1Level —
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.1Level —
  • BiologyImportance 1.0Level —
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.0Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Static StrengthImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Manual DexterityImportance 3.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
  • Near VisionImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • StaminaImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Climb 6 flights of stairs
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  • Control PrecisionImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Finger DexterityImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Reaction TimeImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.1Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • VisualizationImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Response OrientationImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Selective AttentionImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Rate ControlImportance 2.6Level 2.6
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Time SharingImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Speech ClarityImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 2.3Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • OriginalityImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.0Level 1.9
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Hand pick a bushel of apples from a tree
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Written ExpressionImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Night VisionImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 4.8Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 4.3Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 3.9Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Getting InformationImportance 3.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.9Level 5.6
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.8Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
Show all 41
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.8Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.8Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.8Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 3.7Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.6Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.3Level 2.8
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.2Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.1Level 2.7
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 3.1Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.0Level 2.9
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 2.7
  • Processing InformationImportance 2.8Level 2.7
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.7Level 2.7
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.7Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.7Level 2.6
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Working with ComputersImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.6
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions4.6
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.6
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.5
  • Contact With Others4.4
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures4.4
  • Time Pressure4.4
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions4.3
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings4.2
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.2

Technology

4 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Tools (4)
  • Application Software SHEAR
  • Applied Systems Associates aSa Rebar
  • OTP ArmaCAD
  • RebarWin

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.