Fiberglass laminators and fabricators
SOC Code: 51-2051Also known as:
Boat Assembler, Boat Builder, Boat Carpenter, Chopper Gun Operator, Composite Bond Technician
Median Annual Salary
$45,760
+4.2% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
19K
Current Jobs
What Fiberglass laminators and fabricators Do
Laminate layers of fiberglass on molds to form boat decks and hulls, bodies for golf carts, automobiles, or other products.
💰 Salary
$45,760
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.2%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
18,600
Projected Employment (2034)
19,400
Related Careers
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$49,900 •
-16.3% growth
Foundry mold and coremakers
$45,700 •
-25.9% growth
Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic
$45,690 •
+6.2% growth
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$55,580 •
+2.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Release air bubbles and smooth seams, using rollers.
- Spray chopped fiberglass, resins, and catalysts onto prepared molds or dies using pneumatic spray guns with chopper attachments.
- Mix catalysts into resins, and saturate cloth and mats with mixtures, using brushes.
- Check completed products for conformance to specifications and for defects by measuring with rulers or micrometers, by checking them visually, or by tapping them to detect bubbles or dead spots.
- Pat or press layers of saturated mat or cloth into place on molds, using brushes or hands, and smooth out wrinkles and air bubbles with hands or squeegees.
- Select precut fiberglass mats, cloth, and wood-bracing materials as required by projects being assembled.
- Bond wood reinforcing strips to decks and cabin structures of watercraft, using resin-saturated fiberglass.
- Trim excess materials from molds, using hand shears or trimming knives.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do fiberglass laminators and fabricators make?
The median annual salary for fiberglass laminators and fabricators is $45,760.
What education do fiberglass laminators and fabricators need?
Most fiberglass laminators and fabricators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming fiberglass laminators and fabricators a good career choice?
Fiberglass laminators and fabricators is projected to see +4.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 2,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for fiberglass laminators and fabricators?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to fiberglass laminators and fabricators?
Fiberglass laminators and fabricators may also be known as: Boat Assembler, Boat Builder, Boat Carpenter, Chopper Gun Operator, Composite Bond Technician, Composite Fitter Mechanic, Composite Laminator, Composite Mechanic, Composite Technician, Fabricator, Fiber Placement Technician, Fiber Winding Operator, Fiberglass Boat Builder, Fiberglass Boat Finisher, Fiberglass Boat Maker, Fiberglass Container Winding Operator, Fiberglass Fabricator, Fiberglass Finisher, Fiberglass Grinder, Fiberglass Laminator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.