Rod Buster Job Description - eHow How to - Discover the

By Teronica Gaiter, eHow Contributor, last updated April 17, 2014

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a rod buster, also known as a rebar worker, sets reinforcing bars to hold concrete by following the blueprints that show the size, location and the number of bars. Rod busters close the bars together by wrapping wire around them with wire pliers.

1. • According to Career Planner, duties of a rob buster include cutting wire fabric, cutting rods, using equipment and tools like bar cutters, torches and hacksaws, position bars and rods in concrete forms and spacing together rods according to blueprints. Knowledge of building and construction may make it easier to carry out these duties.

   • Most employers prefer their workers to have at least a high school diploma and attending a 3 or 4-year apprenticeship, which may consist of classroom teaching and paid on-the-job training. According to BLS, welding or rigging certifications may increase a worker's helpfulness in this job position. Some courses that prospective rod busters should take include English, welding, mechanical drawing and mathematics.

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• Prospective rod busters should consider that this type of work requires working in all types of weather conditions. According to BLS, injuries from falls may be common, so safety harnesses are worn.

• According to BLS, the average hourly earnings of a rod buster as of May 2008 is approximately $20.68. The top 10 percent earn more than $35, while the lowest percentiles of rod busters earn less than $12.25.

• Job opportunities for rod busters are expected to be positive. According to BLS, employment is projected to see a 12 percent growth through 2018. Also, BLS states that the population growth in the West and the South United States will bring about more opportunities than in other regions.