What Does it Take to Be a Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter?
Occupation Description Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.
What Do Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Do On a Daily Basis?
- Locate and mark workpiece bending and cutting lines, allowing for stock thickness, machine and welding shrinkage, and other component specifications.
- Install boilers, containers, and other structures.
- Study engineering drawings and blueprints to determine materials requirements and task sequences.
- Erect ladders and scaffolding to fit together large assemblies.
- Remove high spots and cut bevels, using hand files, portable grinders, and cutting torches.
- Mark reference points onto floors or face blocks and transpose them to workpieces, using measuring devices, squares, chalk, and soapstone.
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Skills Needed to be a Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter
When polled, Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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:
- Ground Support Equipment Assembler
- Weld Fitter
- Structural Fabricator
- Ship Propeller Finisher
- Motorcycle Assembler
Job Demand for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
In the United States, there were 77,000 jobs for Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter in 2016. 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.
Average Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Salary
The average yearly salary of a Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter ranges between $26,530 and $60,150.

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?
Individuals working as a Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter have obtained the following education levels:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter?

Where do Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Work?

The table below shows the approximate number of Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters employed by various industries.

Similar Careers
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
Are you already one of the many Structural Metal Fabricator or Fitter in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
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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