The metals industry is a vital sector of the economy, with many different types of workers needed to extract raw materials, manufacture finished products, and construct buildings and other structures.
The metals industry is known for its high-skilled labor force and the use of advanced technology and equipment. It encompasses a wide range of businesses that produce and fabricate metal products, including steel, aluminum, and copper. These products are used in various additional industries such as construction, transportation, and manufacturing.
Some of the key roles within the metals industry include mining engineers, metallurgists, welders, and structural iron and steel workers. Due to the high demand for these positions, seasoned veterans of the industry can expect high salaries that often continue to climb.
Cream of the Crop
Industrial Steel, one of the top metal companies located in Florida, respectively pays an average salary of $120,620, from a range low as $105,098 to a high of $138,383. A private company with an estimated $10-50 million dollar revenue stream per year, Industrial Steel continues to be a leader in steel fabrication and erection for the last 50 years.
Climbing the Ladder
According to U.S. News & World Report, structural iron and steel workers are among the highest-paid workers in the metals industry, with an average salary of over $66,000 per year. This is significantly higher than the median salary for all occupations, which is around $38,000 per year. However, this can climb close to six figures, depending on location. The states and districts that pay Structural Iron and Steelworkers the highest mean salary are New Jersey ($97,270), New York ($90,280), Massachusetts ($86,740), Illinois ($84,940), and Washington ($83,940).
Additionally, candidates with more experience and specialized skills, such as certified welders, can often command higher salaries.
Solid as Steel
The highest-paying positions in the metals industry require extensive knowledge and experience in the field, as well as strong leadership skills. This includes roles such as plant managers, production supervisors, and lead engineers. Plant managers are responsible for overseeing the entire production process, including scheduling, budgeting, and quality control. Production supervisors are in charge of coordinating the activities of the production team and ensuring that production goals are met. Lead engineers are responsible for designing and developing new products, as well as improving existing ones. They should also possess strong problem-solving skills and the ability to lead and motivate a team.
Being a Manufacturing Manager
This position is one that is expected to grow by 3% over the next decade and averages about $103,150 per year. In 2020, there were 203,880 jobs available industry-wide. The most common responsibilities held by this job include overseeing the entire manufacturing process and consulting and assisting manufacturing workers as needed.
Conclusion
In summary, this information may be useful for metals company owners and leaders when considering compensation and recruitment strategies, as it shows that the top positions in the industry can command high compensation and that the skills required for these positions are in high demand.
In 2022, in partnership with Metal Center News, MetalJobs Network conducted a sales compensation survey for sales leaders in the metals supply chain. To view our results, click here.
For more information on jobs that pay six figures within the metal industry, click here.
