Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters

Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.

Median Annual Wage: $36,570

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (47%); Post-secondary certificate (29%); Some college, no degree (17%)

Projected Growth: Average (8% to 14%)

Related Job Titles: Fabricator; Fitter; Ship Fitter; Layout Man; Welder-Fabricator; Weld Technician; Mill Beam Fitter; Structural Steel Fitter; Tack Welder; Fitter, Welder

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters.

More Production Careers

  • 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.
  • Study engineering drawings and blueprints to determine materials requirements and task sequences.
  • 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.
  • Lay out and examine metal stock or workpieces to be processed to ensure that specifications are met.
  • Tack-weld fitted parts together.
  • 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.
  • Remove high spots and cut bevels, using hand files, portable grinders, and cutting torches.
  • Set up face blocks, jigs, and fixtures.
  • Position or tighten braces, jacks, clamps, ropes, or bolt straps, or bolt parts in position for welding or riveting.
  • Locate and mark workpiece bending and cutting lines, allowing for stock thickness, machine and welding shrinkage, and other component specifications.
  • Erect ladders and scaffolding to fit together large assemblies.
  • Design and construct templates and fixtures, using hand tools.
  • Hammer, chip, and grind workpieces to cut, bend, and straighten metal.
  • Straighten warped or bent parts, using sledges, hand torches, straightening presses, or bulldozers.
  • Smooth workpiece edges and fix taps, tubes, and valves.
  • Preheat workpieces to make them malleable, using hand torches or furnaces.
  • Heat-treat parts, using acetylene torches.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters.

  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters.

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