Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.
Median pay: $51,330/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -16.3% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 4,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
What's the median pay for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters?
The median pay for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters is $51,330 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters?
Employment for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters is projected to change -16.3% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters?
About 4,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.