what is a steel fixer?

As a steel fixer, you create the steel mesh and bars used in concrete construction projects. You work with all types of steel in construction and building processes. The job involves installing and welding steel pieces together to create frames for buildings. You tie steel mesh and steel bars together to strengthen and secure buildings. Before you create steel structures, you work out the required shapes and sizes of reinforced bars.

The duties of a steel fixer depend on the project, but the role typically includes welding and designing steel structures. You work on projects of diverse sizes, from decorative structures to load-bearing structures used for building skyscrapers and buildings. You also weld structures used in the mining and manufacturing industries, requiring a thorough understanding of the load-bearing capabilities of different metals and frame designs.

Working as a steel fixer requires exceptional technical skills. You should be comfortable working with various construction tools, like bolt cutters and welding gear. Knowledge of workplace safety is essential since you work in hazardous environments and are prone to injuries and accidents. Steel fixing requires precision to ensure good structural support for buildings, and attention to detail is crucial.

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average salary of a steel fixer

As a steel fixer, you earn an average salary of $80,000 per year. In an entry-level position, you start with a salary of $70,000 annually, while experienced steel fixers take home over $90,000 yearly. The remuneration package depends on various factors, including experience and expertise. When you have minimal experience and qualifications, you start with a low salary since you have minimal skills. With additional expertise, you can negotiate a higher remuneration package.

The projects you work on influence your earnings. For instance, working on small projects attracts a lower salary due to the limited resources. You also require additional expertise due to the complexity of the projects. Large projects like skyscrapers have unlimited resources and require a high level of expertise in construction designs.

Your qualifications influence your remuneration prospects. If you have entry-level qualifications, you work only on small projects. As you improve your qualifications, you can work on complex projects and earn more. The location also affects your earnings. For instance, working in metro areas attracts higher hourly rates than jobs in smaller cities. Metro areas usually have large projects, and the demand for steel fixers is higher, raising the remuneration package.

Want to know what you will earn as a steel fixer? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

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types of steel fixers

As a steel fixer, you use a wide variety of different tools and materials. Unlike other construction workers, you don't specialise in a single tool or technique. You work with all types of steel reinforcement, from inexpensive mild steel bars to high tensile-strength prestressing bars. Versatility is an important quality for a steel fixer.

male wearing a white hat working with tools on a production site
male wearing a white hat working with tools on a production site
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working as a steel fixer

Steel fixers create metal forms for concrete projects and ensure stability in building structures. Here is an overview of the duties, responsibilities, work schedule and career outlook of a steel fixer:

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education and skills

You require a trade qualification in steel fixing to work as a steel fixer in Australia. However, some employers don't require formal qualifications. Hence, demonstrated experience in construction environments is often sufficient to land you a role. If you want to pursue a trade qualification, consider a Certificate III in Steelfixing. You can complete the trade qualification through a part-time course or the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment process.

Due to the nature of your work, you need additional training in workplace safety. For instance, you require a Work Safely at Heights certificate completed through training from a registered training organisation (RTO). Since you work in construction, you also require a White Card.

steel fixer skills and competencies

Becoming a steel fixer requires multiple skills, including:

  • knowledge of building and construction: as a steel fixer, you use technical drawings to create steel bars and reinforce beams to support the weight of structures. Prior knowledge of construction projects makes your work easier.
  • attention to detail: as a steel fixer, you require detail-oriented skills. It is important to check measurements and designs accurately to ensure the structures are reinforced properly.
  • teamwork skills: as a steel fixer, you work with engineers, construction workers and steel erectors. Your ability to work well within a team is vital in your role. Collaboration skills help you share ideas and complete the work more efficiently by working together.
  • ability to stay calm under pressure: you work under tight deadlines to meet the requirements of construction projects. That means you are always under pressure to complete your duties on time. Effective steel fixers stay calm despite the pressure and tight deadlines.
  • physical ability: as a steel fixer, you require physical stamina and strength since your role involves lifting heavy materials around construction sites. You also require excellent coordination and mobility to reduce workplace accidents and injuries.
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FAQs about working as a steel fixer

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a steel fixer.

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