Structural metal fabricators and fitters
SOC Code: 51-2041Also known as:
Component Fabricator, Fabricator, Fitter, Ground Support Equipment Assembler, Hand Former
Median Annual Salary
$49,900
-16.3% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
54K
Current Jobs
What Structural metal fabricators and fitters Do
Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.
💰 Salary
$49,900
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-16.3%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
4K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
53,800
Projected Employment (2034)
45,000
Related Careers
Sheet metal workers
$60,850 •
+2.4% growth
Structural iron and steel workers
$62,700 •
+4.4% growth
Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
$61,680 •
-14.5% growth
Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders
$47,060 •
-9.0% growth
Layout workers, metal and plastic
$61,870 •
-5.4% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Verify conformance of workpieces to specifications, using squares, rulers, and measuring tapes.
- Study engineering drawings and blueprints to determine materials requirements and task sequences.
- 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.
- Lay out and examine metal stock or workpieces to be processed to ensure that specifications are met.
- Tack-weld fitted parts together.
- Move parts into position, manually or with hoists or cranes.
- 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.
- Position or tighten braces, jacks, clamps, ropes, or bolt straps, or bolt parts in position for welding or riveting.
- Lift or move materials and finished products, using large cranes.
- Set up face blocks, jigs, and fixtures.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Structural metal fabricators and fitters
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a structural metal fabricators and fitters:
Machine Shop Technology/Assistant
1,634 degrees awarded •
97 colleges offer this program
Metal Fabricator
552 degrees awarded •
25 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Structural metal fabricators and fitters
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become structural metal fabricators and fitters.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do structural metal fabricators and fitters make?
The median annual salary for structural metal fabricators and fitters is $49,900.
What education do structural metal fabricators and fitters need?
Most structural metal fabricators and fitters positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Machine Shop Technology/Assistant, Metal Fabricator.
Is becoming structural metal fabricators and fitters a good career choice?
Structural metal fabricators and fitters is projected to see -16.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 4,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for structural metal fabricators and fitters?
Top colleges for aspiring structural metal fabricators and fitters include
Polytech Adult Education, Tulsa Technology Center, Manatee Technical College, Immokalee Technical College, Moore Norman Technology Center.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to structural metal fabricators and fitters?
Structural metal fabricators and fitters may also be known as: Component Fabricator, Fabricator, Fitter, Ground Support Equipment Assembler, Hand Former, Industrial Fabricator, Layout Man, Machine Cage Maker, Machine Shop Fitter, Metal Box Maker, Metal Fabricator, Metal Fabricator Apprentice, Metal Framer, Metal Products Assembler, Metal Products Fabricator, Mill Beam Fitter, Motorcycle Assembler, Motorcycle Fabricator, Motorcycle Maker, Ornamental Metal Worker.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.