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What Do Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter Do?
Job Description: Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.
Daily Life Of a Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter
- Set up and operate fabricating machines, such as brakes, rolls, shears, flame cutters, grinders, and drill presses, to bend, cut, form, punch, drill, or otherwise form and assemble metal components.
- Remove high spots and cut bevels, using hand files, portable grinders, and cutting torches.
- Verify conformance of workpieces to specifications, using squares, rulers, and measuring tapes.
- Lay out and examine metal stock or workpieces to be processed to ensure that specifications are met.
- Position, align, fit, and weld parts to form complete units or subunits, following blueprints and layout specifications, and using jigs, welding torches, and hand tools.
- Straighten warped or bent parts, using sledges, hand torches, straightening presses, or bulldozers.
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Qualities of a Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Structural and Ornamental Metalwork Steel Fabricator
- Hand Former
- Ornamental Metal Worker Apprentice
- Mill Beam Fitter
- Metal Fabricator Apprentice
Job Outlook for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 77,000 jobs in the United States for Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter. The BLS estimates 6,500 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter are Texas, Arizona, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Kansas, or Kentucky. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter Salary
The salary for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters ranges between about $26,530 and $60,150 a year.
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters who work in Alaska, New York, or Delaware, make the highest salaries.
How much do Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $40,360 |
| Alaska | $53,050 |
| Arizona | $37,430 |
| Arkansas | $36,280 |
| California | $40,270 |
| Colorado | $40,580 |
| Connecticut | $43,420 |
| Delaware | $45,580 |
| Florida | $38,070 |
| Georgia | $36,560 |
| Hawaii | $49,690 |
| Idaho | $35,380 |
| Illinois | $46,880 |
| Indiana | $37,400 |
| Iowa | $36,510 |
| Kansas | $53,910 |
| Kentucky | $35,320 |
| Louisiana | $44,110 |
| Maine | $40,440 |
| Maryland | $46,110 |
| Massachusetts | $45,630 |
| Michigan | $43,420 |
| Minnesota | $46,260 |
| Mississippi | $36,390 |
| Missouri | $37,730 |
| Montana | $40,760 |
| Nebraska | $36,210 |
| Nevada | $43,370 |
| New Hampshire | $45,210 |
| New Jersey | $48,600 |
| New Mexico | $35,060 |
| New York | $49,280 |
| North Carolina | $39,070 |
| North Dakota | $42,490 |
| Ohio | $37,350 |
| Oklahoma | $36,330 |
| Oregon | $44,250 |
| Pennsylvania | $41,510 |
| South Carolina | $38,630 |
| South Dakota | $36,150 |
| Tennessee | $37,050 |
| Texas | $41,620 |
| Utah | $41,270 |
| Vermont | $45,160 |
| Virginia | $42,090 |
| Washington | $45,000 |
| West Virginia | $37,780 |
| Wisconsin | $43,240 |
| Wyoming | $40,460 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Data entry software
- Spreadsheet software
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
How to Become a Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter
Learn what Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter education requirements there are.
What work experience do I need to become a Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter?
Who Employs Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter might also be interested in the following careers:
- Solderers and Brazers
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Those who work as a Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: US Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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