What is a Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter?
Job Description: Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.
What Do Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Do On a Daily Basis?
- Remove high spots and cut bevels, using hand files, portable grinders, and cutting torches.
- Design and construct templates and fixtures, using hand tools.
- Tack-weld fitted parts together.
- Align and fit parts according to specifications, using jacks, turnbuckles, wedges, drift pins, pry bars, and hammers.
- Move parts into position, manually or with hoists or cranes.
- 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.
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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.
Types of Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter
- Weld Technician
- Industrial Fabricator
- Motorcycle Maker
- Structural Steel Fitter
- Structural Fabricator
Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter Employment Estimates
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. There will be an estimated 6,500 positions for Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter per 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 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 |
What Tools & Technology 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?
Education needed to be a Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Work

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 interested in being a Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter may also be interested in:
- 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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