If ‘is steel/iron a good career path’ is one of the questions bothering your mind as you set out to choose a career path, this post will be of great help. The industry is a growing industry that also offers stable career opportunities to job seekers. If you have always loved working with steels, choosing a career path here might be a good option for you.
In this post, we will highlight some important things about the steel and iron industry and why we believe picking up a career there is a wise decision.
Table of Contents
What Is The Steel/Iron Industry All About?
Well, the industry is primarily involved in the production of various metals by heating iron ore. This cuts across the production of finished products like steel, iron ore pellets, and coal. However, steel is one of the most popular products produced in the industry, and it is important to several areas of life.
Steel is used for building many of the structures we have today in our modern world, including bridges, roadways, cars, and skyscrapers. Steel is just everywhere you go – It is what makes modern life possible.
How Many Jobs Are In Steel/Iron Industry?
There are lots of job opportunities here. In 2021, more than 4000 Americans were employed in the ore mining business in the U.S. The average number of people that get employed in the industry every year in the U.S is close to 250. So if you are bothered about not being able to find a job after deciding to pick a career path in steel/iron, then that should be one of your least worries – because there are enough jobs there.
Is Steel/Iron A Good Career Path?
Now, let’s get to the meat of the discussion. Let’s address the question, ‘is steel/iron a good career path?’ Well, working in the industry may not be a bed of roses as many people will assume – jobs there actually require lots of energy because they are tedious work. However, working in the industry is highly rewarding and comes with lots of perks and opportunities. Let’s consider some reasons picking a career path in the steel/iron industry might be worth it.
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Many job opportunities
There are lots of jobs available in the industry, so your chance of getting a good job that fits your needs is very high. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, you will find a desirable position that will welcome your interests and passions.
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Stability and growth
The steel/iron industry is a stable and growing one. As the desire to live a modern life and enjoy good social amenities increases, so also is the demand for iron and steel. That means the industry is not fading out any time soon. So there will always be a lot of job opportunities in the sector so far the demand keeps increasing.
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Good pay
Compared to similar industries, workers in the steel and iron industry are paid well for their services. The industry offers good wages and several benefits to its workers. This includes good salary, health insurance, and retirement plans.
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Strong retirement benefits
One of the dreadful things in the minds of workers today is when they retire. They are uncertain about that phase of their lives. Working in the steel/iron industry has made this easier. There is sheltered pension plans for their workers with strong health insurance. Since the industry is one of the most dependable in the economy, it is a great place for one to consider retiring.
What Is the Average Salary of Workers In Steel/Iron?
Let’s move a step further in the discussion – about ‘is steel/iron a good career path?’ let’s see the amount of money you can expect to earn as a worker in the industry. According to Indeed, the average salary of a worker in the steel/iron industry is about $53,000 per year.
However, the amount you can earn working in the industry depends on various factors, such as your experience, education, the company you are working with, and the location of the company.
How Do You Become A Steelworker?
Now, let’s consider how to get a job in the industry – how to become a steelworker. There is no one way to enter the industry. While you can enter using your degree, you can also enter into the industry by completing a 2-year apprenticeship program. That means you must have worked somewhere before you can apply to get a job there. Another option is to complete a 2-yeat associate degree program which is normally designed for working adults looking to enter the steel/iron industry.
What Skills Do You Need to Work In Steel/Iron?
The skills you need to have actually depends on the job position you are looking to secure a job in. However, here are some common skills a steelworker should have to excel in the industry:
- Strong problem-solving skills: steelworkers deal with complex problems every day. So if you will be working there, you will need to have this skill too.
- Good communication skills: You will most times be working with a team. So communications skills is required to do your job efficiently. You will also need it to interact with clients.
- High level of fitness: Most roles in the industry will require heavy lifting and moving from one place to another to get tasks done. So you need to be physically fit to meet up with the demands of your job.
- Working under pressure: You need to know how to work under pressure – because really, most jobs in the industry will require you to work under pressure.
- Attention to detail: Having a flair for tiny details will make working in the industry breeze for you. Paying attention to details is a skill you will need all the way in the industry.
Is Steel/Iron A Good Career Path; Common Jobs in the Industry
Common jobs in the industry are:
Plumber
This professional is very important, especially in construction. They are responsible for installing, repairing, maintaining, and replacing plumbing systems. Because of the nature of their various work, they often use sophisticated tools and equipment to carry out their duties.
Welder
These people often work diligently with molten metal. They ensure the safety of the process. They work very close to heat sources, holding molten metals in their hands. The career is a highly rewarding one and pays very well too.
Conductor
A conductor is a professional who is in overseeing the actions of the crew associated with freight trains and network movements. They check track conditions, make choices, operate track switches, etc.
Engineers
The primary work of engineers in the steel/iron industry is to design, build, and maintain all the equipment being used in the process of steelmaking. To be an engineer in the field, you will have at least a high school diploma. Some positions in the industry you can fit into as an engineer are a material handler, maintenance worker, research engineer, project engineer, and even supervisor.
Iron technician
These are industry professionals in charge of the using and controlling the production of iron and steel. So if you are out asking, ‘is steel/iron a good career path,’ you might want to become an iron technician.
Metallurgist
They are also responsible for the production of steel. They work in different roles at a time. For instance, they design and implement the production of steel alloys. They often work with other professionals in the industry, such as engineers.
Some Common Companies in the Steel/Iron Industry
There are many companies in this sector. But unfortunately, since it is not a mainstream career path, it may not be as common as other industries. Some common companies operating in the industry include:
- Rio Tinto
- ArcelorMittal
- Vale
- BHP Billiton
- Glencore
- POSCO
- JFE Holdings
- China Baowu Steel Group
- Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation
These are not the only companies in the steel/iron industry – we have several of them which you can seek employment and get employed almost immediately.