Metal Fabricator is a skilled professional who specializes in creating, repairing, and modifying metal components and structures. They work with various types of metals, such as aluminum, steel, and stainless steel for producing items like architectural structures, machinery parts, and equipment. These individuals work in industries like construction, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and the like others. Metal fabricators use various tools, equipment, and techniques to shape, cut, weld, and join different types of metals.
For becoming a metal fabricator, individuals typically require a certain education level and vocational or technical training. Metal fabricators play a crucial role in various industries and contribute to the production and maintenance of metal-based structures and products. In this article, read all about the metal fabricator job description.
Post Highlights:
- Position Levels
- Educational Qualifications
- Course Types
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Fabrication Equipment
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Physical Requirements
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Metal Fabricator Levels
Some common levels include-
- Entry-Level Metal Fabricator (someone with minimal experience)
- Intermediate Metal Fabricator (someone with a moderate level of experience)
- Senior Metal Fabricator/Lead Fabricator (Someone with extensive experience/expertise)
- Specialist Metal Fabricator (Someone with a high level of proficiency in a specific area of metal fabrication)
Educational Qualifications
Typical education level includes-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Vocational/Trade School Programs
- Associate’s Degree in a related field
- Certification Programs in related fields
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Welding Courses
- CNC Machining Courses
- Metal Fabrication Technology Programs
- Metallurgy Courses
- Safety/Occupational Health Courses
- Sheet Metal Courses
Certification/License
Some common certifications include-
- Certified Welder (CW) – By the American Welding Society (AWS)
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) – By AWS
- Certified Fabricator (CF) – By the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Certifications
- Local Welding and Fabrication Licenses
Work Experience
Some general work experience types include-
- Entry-Level Experience
- On-the-Job Training (as an apprentice/junior fabricator)
- Project-Based Experience
- Specialized Experience (welding processes)
- Supervisory or Leadership Experience
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Adhere to safety protocols
- Assemble fabricated metal components, structures, or subassemblies
- Collaborate with other team members as required
- Conduct quality control inspections
- Cut, shear, or saw pipes, bars, or metal sheets to the required dimensions
- Keep accurate records of work performed
- Maintain a clean and organized work environment
- Measure, mark, and lay out metal structures or components
- Operate/maintain fabrication equipment (CNC machines, grinders, drills, sanders)
- Perform finishing operations to obtain the desired surface texture
- Read/interpret blueprints, technical drawings, or specifications
- Select appropriate materials based on the project requirements
- Shape and form metal components
- Stay updated with industry trends in fabrication techniques
- Troubleshoot/resolve fabrication defects, or issues
- Weld/join metal components together using various welding techniques
Metal Fabrication Equipment
Some common equipment includes-
Welding/Joining Equipment
- Soldering/Brazing Equipment
- Spot Welders
- Welding Machines
Forming/Shaping Equipment
- Press Brakes
- Punch Presses
- Roll Forming Machines
- Tube Benders
Cutting Equipment
- Laser Cutters
- Plasma Cutters
- Shears
- Waterjet Cutters
Machining Equipment
- CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Machines
- Drilling Machines
- Grinding Machines
Finishing Equipment
- Buffing/Polishing Machines
- Paint Booths
- Sanders/Grinders
Material Handling Equipment
- Forklifts
- Overhead Cranes
Abilities/Skills
Some essential skills include-
- Blueprint Reading Skills
- Close Attention to Detail
- Continuous Learning Temperament
- Equipment Operation Competence
- Knowledge of Materials (Metals)
- Precision Measurement Skills
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Proficiency in Metalworking Techniques
- Safety Consciousness
- Strong Communication Skills
- Strong Welding Skills
- Time Management Skills
Work Environment
Some common work conditions include-
- May work on a wide range of projects
- May work standard daytime, and evening shifts or rotating schedule
- Must follow strict safety protocols
- Often work as part of a team
- Require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Typically work in indoor environments
- The work environment may have fluctuating temperatures
Physical Requirements
Some common physical demands include-
- Good hand-eye coordination to perform precise tasks
- Maintain physical endurance throughout the day
- May need to transport materials or load/unload them
- May be required to lift/carry metal bars, sheets, or components
- Need hand and arm strength
- May need to perform tasks in repetitive motions
- May need to work in various positions
- May need to access tight spaces
- Tolerance to noise and vibrations
- Typically spend long periods standing/moving around
Top Industries
Some common company types include-
- Aerospace/Defense Contractors
- Automotive Industry
- Construction Companies
- Custom Metal Fabrication Businesses
- Engineering/Design Firms
- Fabrication Shops
- Manufacturing Companies
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Repair/Maintenance Facilities
- Shipbuilding/Marine Industry
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- CNC Machine Operator
- Estimator
- Metal Fabrication Engineer
- Metal Fabrication Supervisor/Manager
- Metal Fabricator
- Welding Inspector
- Metal Sculptor/Artist
- Quality Control Inspector
- Sheet Metal Worker
- Welder
Salary Information
On average, a metal fabricator earns $20.69 hourly in the United States. But the salary figure varies from place to place depending on several factors like education, experience, location, industry, and employer size. Also, the salary ranges can change with the passage of time due to economic factors and industry trends. The highest hourly paying cities for Metal Fabricators are Sacramento ($23.68), Goodyear ($21.65), Dallas ($21.39), and Salt Lake City ($21.35).
However, some of the approximate salary ranges for metal fabricators are.
- Hourly Wage – $15 to $30
- Monthly Salary – $2,400 to $4,800
- Yearly Salary – $28,800 to $57,600
These figures are just estimates and can vary from location to location. Metal fabricators working in specialized industries (defense, aerospace, or oil and gas) may earn higher due to the complex job requirements.
Benefits/Perks
The most common benefits include-
- 401(k) Plan
- 401(k) Matching
- Dental Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Health Insurance
- Health Savings Account
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Referral Program
- Retirement Plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Vision Insurance
Summary
Metal fabricators are skilled professionals and play a vital role in various industries by contributing to the production of essential components and structures. These professionals require certain education levels and work experience. Metal fabricators work with a variety of tools, equipment, and materials. They work often in workshops or manufacturing settings. The profession is physically demanding and needs to follow proper safety protocols. They can fetch higher salaries despite the variation from place to place. Overall, metal fabricators bring designs to life using their skills and contribute to the development of machinery, infrastructure, and products.
