If you are considering a career in the steel/iron ore industry, you are in good company.
In the United States, there was an estimated 386,753 people working in the iron and steel industry. The American Iron and Steel Institute also added that these workers earned an average annual salary of $86,736. These numbers reflect those that directly work in the industry.
But there are additional workers needed to aid the industry like trucking, administrative, etc.
Employment can be in a variety of areas including, but not limited to:
- Construction
- Automotive
- Energy
The steel/iron ore industry is definitely a good career path if you’re looking to get into something amazing.
Types Of Jobs In The Steel And Iron Ore Industry
There are a variety of jobs available in the steel and iron ore industry, including positions in manufacturing, mining, and logistics. Iron ore is a critical mineral substance that is the source of the primary iron used in our iron and steel industries.
Because it is mined in as many as 50 countries, it actually opens up a lot of opportunities for workers to travel and work anywhere in the world.
In terms of manufacturing, jobs include roles in production planning, quality control, maintenance, and welding. Mining jobs are responsible for excavating and processing raw materials, while logistics roles manage the transportation of finished products.
Other positions in the industry include sales, marketing, and customer service roles. Many steel and iron ore companies also have their own internal research and development teams that are responsible for developing new products and processes.
The Future Of The Steel And Iron Ore Industry
The future of the steel and iron ore industry looks bright, as demand for steel is expected to continue to grow around the world. Some industry professionals are estimating growth in the use of steel by 20% by 2050, making it a strong candidate for a secure career path.
A few things driving this growth are population expansion and people moving to cities, as well as the recent rise in interest in electric vehicles.
Given the continued increase in demand for steel and iron ore, companies within those industries will need to invest in new technologies that allow for quicker production rates as well as higher efficiency. Companies like Boston Metal are already looking at different steel manufacturing methods to create steel that can help clean our world by creating fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Imagine diving into this industry now and being a part of making the world a better place!
What Companies Are The Biggest Employers In The Steel And Iron Industry?
The top employers in the steel and iron industry include:
- US Steel
- Century Aluminum
- ArcelorMittal USA
- Steel Dynamics
- AK Steel
- Nucor Corporation
These companies are some of the largest producers of steel and iron ore in the world, and they all have a significant presence in the United States.
What Is The Average Salary In The Steel And Iron Ore Industry?
The average salary in the steel and iron ore industry is $75,000. This is slightly higher than the average salary for all manufacturing jobs
Jobs within this industry vary depending on the company they work for. Some careers in this industry could be transportation manager, human resources director, operations coordinator, maintenance technician, or computer programmer. In a large plant like ArcelorMittal, dozens of job categories may be available to meet that facility’s specific needs. For example, at a refinery or steel mill, it might not just be one person performing any given task, but rather various groups specialized in various tasks. Here is a chart showing high-paying positions in the steel and iron ore industry.
Popular Jobs In Steel And Iron Ore
There is a large variety of careers in the steel and iron ore industry. Many of these jobs are considered skilled trade jobs (or blue-collar jobs) and will not require any fancy degrees.
Some of the most common careers include:
- First-line supervision of production and operations
- Metal furnace operator
- Machine tool cutting setters and operators
- Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers
- Maintenance and repair
- Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders
- Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders
- Truck and tractor operators
- Crane and tower operators
- Laborers for stock and material moving
- Production workers
So, as you can see there is no lack of opportunities in the steel and iron ore industry!
