← UK Occupations
🇬🇧 UKSOC 5311· Skilled Construction and Building Trades

Steel erectors

Steel erectors fit and erect structural metal framework for buildings and other structures such as metal chimneys.

Steel erectorSteel fabricatorSteel worker (structural engineering)
£34,782
median salary
6,100
currently employed
6,163
projected 2035
Declining
5 tasks scored1 AI Assists4 Human-Led

Task Bundle Breakdown

How AI interacts with this occupation's task bundle

20%
80%
0%
AI automates
20%
AI assists
80%
Human-led

Task-by-Task Breakdown

Every task scored individually — sorted highest to lowest AI exposure

44

examines drawings and specifications to assess job requirements

AI Assists

AI tools like Autodesk Construction Cloud or Procore can parse drawings and flag specification requirements, but a skilled erector must interpret site-specific conditions and practical constraints.

33

checks alignment of metal parts using spirit level and plumb-rule

Human-Led

Computer vision tools and laser alignment sensors can assist with checking alignment data, but a steel erector must physically interpret and act on results in variable site conditions.

22

directs hoisting and positioning of girders and other metal parts and checks alignment

Human-Led

AI-assisted crane management software can support lift planning, but directing hoisting and positioning in real time requires experienced human judgment, communication, and situational awareness on site.

22

arranges for or undertakes bolting and welding of metal parts

Human-Led

Bolting and welding are highly physical, skilled trades requiring hands-on execution; AI can assist with scheduling and quality inspection logging but cannot perform the work itself.

11

erects ladders, scaffolding or working cage

Human-Led

Physically erecting ladders and scaffolding requires manual dexterity, strength, and real-time safety judgment that no current AI or robotic system can replicate on a live construction site.

ROI Calculator

Steel erectors

4.5hrs
saved per week
216hrs
per year ≈ 5.8 weeks
£4,174
salary-equivalent capacity freed per year

This is not a pay rise — it's 216 hours of productive capacity that AI could return to you, valued at your current rate.

£6,956
value at risk — 20% of role exposed to AI

The portion of your current salary tied to tasks AI can automate or augment. Not a prediction of job loss — a signal of where your role is changing fastest.

How is this calculated?▾

Task weights — each task is weighted by its O*NET frequency rating. Where frequency data is absent, equal weighting is applied.

AI time reduction — tasks scored as "AI Automates" assume 80% time saving; "AI Assists" assumes 40%; "Human-Led" assumes 5%.

Salary equivalent — annual hours saved × (salary ÷ 1,800 working hours/year).

Value at risk — salary × share of role time in AI-automate or AI-assist tasks.

Figures are indicative estimates for planning purposes, not guarantees of productivity gain or job loss risk.