Manufacturing51-2041.00Specialization

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters

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

$48,480
Median Pay
Less than 6 months
Training
🟠
In Transition

This is a specialization of

Assemblers & Fabricators

Career Overview Video

AI Impact Assessment

AI Resilience Score

Score 2/6: low AI task exposure, declining job demand, limited human advantage indicates this career is being transformed by AI

🟠In Transition

How we calculated this:

AI Exposure
Low+2

2% of tasks can be accelerated by AI

Job Growth
Declining+0

-16% projected (2024-2034)

Human Advantage
Weak+0

EPOCH score: 8/25

Total Score2/6
Methodology: v2.0 - GPTs are GPTs / BLS / EPOCH Additive ScoringUpdated: 2026-01-09

Key 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.

Education & Training

Typical Entry Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Time to Job Ready

0-1 years

Based on Job Zone 2. For formal education duration only, see education_duration.

Technology Skills

CAD software (Tekla, CATIA)Microsoft ExcelERP systems3D modeling softwareBlueprint reading tools

Key Abilities

Arm-Hand SteadinessNear VisionVisualizationManual DexterityControl PrecisionMultilimb CoordinationStatic StrengthOral ExpressionProblem SensitivityDeductive Reasoning

Ready to Start Your Career?

Find jobs and training programs for structural metal fabricators and fitters- Median salary: $48K/year

πŸ”

Find Jobs

Search positions from LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and more. Get up to 50 relevant job listings with salary info.

  • Real-time results
  • Export to Excel
πŸ“š

Find Training

Discover training programs, certifications, and educational resources to help you get started or advance your career.

  • Local programs
  • DOL verified
Find Training Programs
Training data powered byCareerOneStop- U.S. Department of Labor

Compensation Details

$36,180
10th Percentile
$48,480
Median
$66,500
90th Percentile

Based on 57,810 employed workers

Also Known As

Component FabricatorFabricatorFitterGround Support Equipment AssemblerHand FormerIndustrial FabricatorLayout ManMachine Cage MakerMachine Shop FitterMetal Box Maker

Data from O*NET 30.1 and BLS Occupational Employment Statistics

O*NET Code: 51-2041.00