All About Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Job Description & Duties Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.
A Day in the Life of a Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter
- Lift or move materials and finished products, using large cranes.
- Mark reference points onto floors or face blocks and transpose them to workpieces, using measuring devices, squares, chalk, and soapstone.
- Position or tighten braces, jacks, clamps, ropes, or bolt straps, or bolt parts in position for welding or riveting.
- Tack-weld fitted parts together.
- 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.
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Skills Needed to be a Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter
These are the skills Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters say are the most useful in their careers:
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:
- Hand Former
- Structural Fabricator
- Steel Fitter
- Protector Plate Attacher
- Metal Fabricator Apprentice
Is There Going to be Demand for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters?
There were about 77,000 jobs for Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 6,500 job openings in this field each year.
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.
What is the Average Salary of a Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter
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 each U.S. state?
| 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 |
What Tools do Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters:
- 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 do I 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?
Where Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Work
Below are examples of industries where Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters work:
Similar Careers
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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