Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers cut, shape, join and repair metal components of iron and steel structures, boilers, pressure vessels and pipes, ships and other vessels.
Tasks
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studying blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine job requirements
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selecting, cleaning and preparing metal stock
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cutting marked-out metal sections and shapes using hand tools, flame cutting torches and metal cutting machines
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shaping and bending metal sections and pipes using hand and machine tools, and by heating and hammering
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aligning parts to be joined using hand tools and measuring instruments
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joining metal sections using various welding techniques, bolting and riveting
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examining welds for width of bead, penetration and precision
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finishing products by cleaning, polishing, filing and bathing in acidic solutions
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cleaning and smoothing welds by filing, chiselling and grinding
Characteristics
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Informal or on-the-job
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Practical
-
Heavy
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. The latest data are for the five years from November 2021 to November 2026. Over this period, the number of workers in this occupation is likely to remain stable.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Notes: The number employed includes people who work in this occupation as their main job. People who work in more than one job are counted against the occupation they work the most hours in.
Employment projections figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Calculations based on these rounded figures may result in differences to the numbers that are displayed on this page. Employment projections data (including occupations) can be downloaded from the Employment Projections page.
Number of Workers
Year | Employment |
---|---|
2011 | 76,200 |
2012 | 79,800 |
2013 | 79,200 |
2014 | 70,300 |
2015 | 66,700 |
2016 | 74,500 |
2017 | 81,600 |
2018 | 69,600 |
2019 | 79,800 |
2020 | 69,400 |
2021 | 66,900 |
2026 | 68,300 |
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 91% of people employed as Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 25 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 46 hours per week in their main job. This is similar to the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
More than a third of workers regularly work overtime or extra hours (either paid or unpaid).
Median full-time earnings are $1,760 per week, this is higher than the all jobs median ($1,593):
- 3 in 4 workers earn more than $1,343
- 1 in 4 earn more than $2,282
Median hourly earnings are $39, this is similar to the all jobs median ($41 per hour).
Sources: Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average. Overtime hours: ABS, Characteristics of Employment, 2021. Full-time median earnings and median hourly earnings: ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021. Compared to all jobs median.
Weekly Earnings (Before Tax)
Earnings | Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Full-Time Earnings | 1,760 | 1,593 |
Total Earnings | 0 | 0 |
Source: Based on ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.
Industries
Main industries
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Most Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers work in the Manufacturing industry. They are also employed in industries like:
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2021.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 24.0 | 31.6 |
VIC | 21.0 | 25.6 |
QLD | 23.5 | 20.0 |
SA | 7.6 | 7.0 |
WA | 19.2 | 10.8 |
TAS | 2.7 | 2.0 |
NT | 1.7 | 1.0 |
ACT | 0.4 | 1.9 |
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Around 56% of Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
Western Australia and Queensland have a large share of employment relative to their population size.
The region with the largest share of workers is Perth - South West.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
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The median age of Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers is 38 years. This is similar to the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.
Females make up 1% of the workforce. This is 47 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 4.3 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 11.7 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 25.5 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 23.3 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 20.9 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 7.4 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 4.6 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 2.3 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 38 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
Extensive experience or a certificate III in engineering - fabrication trade is needed to work as a Structural Steel or Welding Trades Worker.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Manufacturing and Metal and Engineering VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.2 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 1.7 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 3.1 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 73.2 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 8.3 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 3.5 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 10.1 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers who are reliable, work well in a team and who have good people skills.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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50%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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48%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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46%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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45%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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45%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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45%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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45%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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45%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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43%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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43%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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43%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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43%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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43%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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43%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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41%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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39%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
-
39%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
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39%
Learning strategiesFiguring out the best way to teach or learn something new.
-
37%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
-
36%
Operations analysisUnderstanding needs and product requirements to create a design.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
-
71%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
-
67%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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63%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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61%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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48%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
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48%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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44%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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42%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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38%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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38%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
-
34%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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33%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
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31%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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31%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
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30%
Sales and marketingShowing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
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30%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
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25%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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24%
Economics and accountingEconomics and accounting, the financial markets, banking and checking and reporting of financial data.
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19%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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13%
Foreign languageForeign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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55%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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54%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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48%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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48%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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48%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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48%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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46%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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46%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
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46%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
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46%
Static strengthLift, push, pull, or carry things.
-
46%
VisualizationImagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
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46%
Extent flexibilityBend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
-
45%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
-
45%
Trunk strengthUse your abdominal and lower back muscles a number of times without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
-
45%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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43%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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43%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
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43%
Written comprehensionRead and understand written information.
-
41%
Auditory attentionPay attention to a certain sound when there are other distracting sounds.
-
41%
Far visionSee details that are far away.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
-
84%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
-
84%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
-
78%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
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70%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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67%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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66%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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66%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
-
64%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
-
62%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
-
61%
Coming up with systems and processesDeciding on goals and figuring out what you need to do to achieve them.
-
58%
Assessing and evaluating thingsWorking out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.
-
56%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
-
55%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
-
53%
Drafting, laying out, and specifying partsDetailing and describing how devices, parts or equipment are to be made, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
-
50%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
-
50%
Estimating amounts, costs and resourcesWorking out sizes, distances, amounts, time, costs, resources, or materials needed for a task.
-
50%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
-
49%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
-
43%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
-
39%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
-
100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
-
38%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
-
24%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
-
24%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
-
14%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
-
14%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
-
71%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
-
62%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
-
57%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
-
50%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
-
43%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
-
38%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
Demands
-
98%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
-
94%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
93%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
-
93%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
-
88%
Spend time standingSpend time standing at work.
-
88%
Dangerous equipmentWork near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.
-
87%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
-
86%
Dangerous conditionsWork near dangers like high voltage electricity, flammable material, explosives or chemicals.
-
86%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
-
85%
Very hot or cold temperaturesWork in very hot or cold temperatures.
-
84%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
-
84%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
-
83%
Outdoors, exposed to weatherWork outdoors, exposed to the weather.
-
83%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
-
83%
Cramped work spaceWork in an awkward position or in cramped work spaces.
-
82%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
-
81%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
-
79%
Bright or inadequate lightingWork in extremely bright or dark lighting conditions.
-
78%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
-
78%
Walking and runningSpend time walking and running.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 47-2011.00 - Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
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Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.