Structural Fabricator is a skilled professional who constructs and fabricates structural components and assemblies. Structural fabricators primarily transform raw materials mainly metal and steel into complex structures and components. They work with a variety of materials such as aluminum, steel, and other metals. These structural components and assemblies form the foundation of bridges, buildings, industrial equipment, and other structures. They use technical drawings and blueprints to guide them in cutting, shaping, welding, and assembling these materials with precision. The profession requires certain qualifications such as education, experience, fabrication skills, etc. So, in this article, read all about structural fabricator job description in detail.
Post Highlights:
- Position Levels
- Educational Qualifications
- Course Types
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Codes/Standards
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Equipment Types
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Physical Requirements
- Resume Format
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Position Levels
Some common job levels include-
Entry-Level Structural Fabricator
- Junior Structural Fabricator
- Apprentice Fabricator
Intermediate Structural Fabricator:
- Structural Fabricator
- Fabricator II
Senior Structural Fabricator
- Senior Fabricator
- Lead Fabricator
Specialist/Welding Inspector
- Welding Specialist
- Fabrication Inspector
Supervisor/Managerial Roles
- Fabrication Supervisor
- Fabrication Manager
Technical Expert/Consultant
- Fabrication Engineer
- Welding Consultant
Educational Qualifications
A typical educational level includes-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Technical or Vocational Training
- Industry-recognized Certification Program
- Associate’s Degree (welding technology, structural fabrication)
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Advanced Welding Techniques Courses
- Blueprint Reading/Technical Drawing Courses
- CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Courses
- Certification Preparation Courses
- Material Science/Metallurgy Courses
- Metal Fabrication Courses
- Safety/Occupational Health Courses
- Welding Inspection/Quality Control Courses
- Welding Technology Courses
- Apprenticeship Programs
Certification/License
Some common certification types include-
- API Welding Certifications by API
- ASME Welding Certification by ASME
- AWS Certified Welder by AWS
- AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) by AWS
- Certified Welding Supervisor
- ICC Structural Steel and Welding Certification by ICC
- Manufacturer-Specific Certification
- NACE Coating Inspector Certification by NACE
- NCCER Certification
Work Experience
Some key experience types include-
- Advanced Welding Techniques Experience
- Apprenticeship/Mentorship Experience
- Blueprint Reading/Interpretation Experience
- Complex Fabrication Projects Experience
- Hands-On Fabrication Experience
- Industry-Specific Experience
- Leadership/Supervision Experience
- Maintenance/Equipment Operation Experience
- Material Knowledge/Handling Experience
- Quality Control/Inspection Experience
- Welding Experience
Codes/Standards
Some structural fabrication codes include-
American Welding Society (AWS) Codes
- AWS D1.1 (Structural Welding Code – Steel)
- AWS D1.2 (Structural Welding Code – Aluminum)
- AWS D1.6 (Structural Welding Code – Stainless Steel)
- AWS D1.8 (Structural Welding Code – Seismic Supplement)
American Concrete Institute (ACI)
- ACI 318 (Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete)
- ACI 301 (Specifications for Structural Concrete)
American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
- AISC 360 (Specification for Structural Steel Buildings)
- AISC 341 (Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings)
- AISC 358 (Prequalified Connections for Special and Intermediate Steel Moment Frames for Seismic Applications)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
- ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (standards for the design, fabrication, and inspection of pressure vessels and boilers)
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- ANSI/AISC 360 (Specification for Structural Steel Buildings)
- ANSI/AWS A2.4 (Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination)
American Petroleum Institute (API)
- API 650 (Welded Tanks for Oil Storage)
- API 620 (Design and Construction of Large, Welded, Low-Pressure Storage Tanks)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- NFPA 5000 (Building Construction and Safety Code)
- NFPA 550 (Guide to the Design and Construction of Occupancy-Dominated Life Safety Systems)
International Building Code (IBC)
- IBC Codes (provisions for various aspects of construction, including structural design, materials, and safety)
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
- ISO 3834 (Quality Requirements for Fusion Welding of Metallic Materials)
- ISO 13920 (Welding – General Tolerances for Welded Constructions)
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Assemble fabricated parts for larger structures
- Communicate with team members
- Coordinate work with colleagues
- Cut, shape, and size materials according to the design
- Ensure safe operation of equipment
- Find solutions to achieve accurate results
- Follow strict safety protocols/guidelines
- Identify tolerances, dimensions, and assembly instructions
- Identify/resolve fabrication challenges
- Inspect fabricated components’ quality
- Interpret engineering drawings/blueprints
- Lead junior fabricators (in high positions)
- Maintain accurate records of work activities
- Maintain workspace clean/organized
- Make adjustments/repairs
- Operate fabrication tools/machinery
- Optimize fabrication processes to enhance productivity
- Oversee project progress (in high positions)
- Participate in training programs/workshops
- Perform various welding joining techniques (Mig, Tig, Arc)
- Selecting appropriate materials for fabrication
- Stay updated with the latest fabrication techniques
- Use specialized techniques (underwater/robotic welding)
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Work within specified timeframes (meeting deadlines)
Equipment Types
Some common equipment types include-
- Arc Welders
- MIG Welders (Metal Inert Gas)
- TIG Welders (Tungsten Inert Gas)
Cutting Tools-
- Cutting Torches
- Plasma Cutters
Grinders/Abrasive Tools-
- Angle Grinders
- Bench Grinders
Bending Machines-
- Press Brakes
- Roll Benders
Drilling Machines-
- Drill Press
- Magnetic Drilling Machines
Shearing Machines-
- Sheet Metal Shears
Material Handling Equipment-
- Forklifts
- Overhead Cranes
Welding Positioners/Turntables-
Welding Masks/Helmets-
Protective Gear-
- Ear Protections
- Gloves
- Safety Goggles
- Welding Jackets
Measuring/Layout Tools-
- Levels
- Rulers
- Squares
- Tape Measures
Calipers/Micrometers-
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software-
Welding Inspection Tools-
- Fillet Gauges
- Ultrasonic Testers
Abrasive Blasting Equipment-
Safety Equipment-
- Fire Extinguishers
- First Aid Kits
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Ventilation Systems
Abilities/Skills
Some important skills include-
- Adaptability/flexibility
- Blueprint reading skills
- Effective communication skills
- Equipment maintenance knowledge
- Fabrication equipment operation proficiency
- Finding solutions skills
- Material knowledge
- Mechanical aptitude
- Multiple tasks managing ability
- Precision/detail-oriented
- Problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in various welding techniques
- Skillful in fabrication techniques
- Strong mathematical skills
- Time management skills
- Weld quality control skills
Work Environment
Some common working conditions include-
- Expose to fumes/gases
- May encounter uneven terrain
- May experience temperature fluctuations
- Might also work outdoors on construction sites
- Must adhere to strict safety protocols
- Often work as part of a team
- Often work indoors in workshops or manufacturing facilities
- Often work under project deadlines
- Use proper respirators
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Work in noise/vibrations
- Work in regular/flexible shifts
Physical Requirements
Some common physical demands include-
- Extended periods require physical stamina to work
- Fabrication in awkward positions can strain the upper body
- Frequently lift/carry heavy tools/equipment
- Manipulate heavy machinery and tools
- Might need to climb scaffolds, ladders, or equipment
- Often need to stoop, bend, and squat
- Possess precise hand-eye coordination
- Repetitive motions can lead to muscle fatigue
- Requires physical strength for manipulating materials
- Vibration exposure can impact comfort/fatigue
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Welding equipment/fabrication tools require force
- Work prolonged periods of standing and walking around
Resume Format
A suggested resume format includes-
Contact Information
- Your Full Name
- Professional Title
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Location (city/state)
Summary/Objective
- Concisely highlight your skills, experience, and career goals
Skills
- List relevant skills and areas of expertise
- Highlight both technical skills and soft skills
Work Experience
- List your work experience (most recent job first)
- For each position, include-
Job title
Company name and location
Dates of employment (month and year)
Brief description of the company’s industry and scope of work
Responsibilities/Achievements
- Emphasize your duties as a Structural Fabricator
- Add any leadership roles (if you have)
- Use quantifiable achievements whenever possible
Education
- List your educational background (most recent degree first)
- Also Include-
Degree earned
Name of the institution
Location of the institution
Graduation date (month and year)
Certifications
- List any relevant certifications you hold
- Also, include the name of the certifying organization, the certification name, and the date of certification
Additional Sections (Optional)
- Here you can include sections like Apprenticeships, Volunteer Experience, Projects, or Professional Memberships
References
- Generally, not required (can produce upon request later)
Resume Formatting Tips-
- Apply consistent fonts and formatting ways
- Avoid large paragraphs
- Ensure no grammar errors or spelling mistakes
- Keep the resume concise (one/two pages)
- Use a professional and clean design
- Use action verbs to start each bullet point
- Use bullet points for more readability
Top Industries
Some common employment areas include-
- Aerospace Industry
- Architectural Metalwork Projects
- Automotive Industry
- Civil Engineering Projects
- Construction Equipment Manufacturing Companies
- Construction Industry
- Heavy Equipment Manufacturing
- Manufacturing/Fabrication Shops
- Mining/Minerals Processing Facilities
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Power Generation Units
- Rail/Transportation Industry
- Renewable Energy Sectors
- Shipbuilding/Marine Industry
- Specialized Fabrication Companies
- Structural Steel Companies
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Aluminum Fabricator
- Apprentice Fabricator
- Assembly Fabricator
- CNC Operator
- Custom Fabricator
- Estimator
- Maintenance Fabricator
- Pipe Fabricator
- Pipefitter
- Quality Control Inspector
- Research/Development Fabricator
- Project Manager
- Sheet Metal Fabricator
- Shop Foreman/Supervisor
- Robotic Welding Technician
- Structural Steel Fabricator
- Welder Fabricator
- Welding Engineer
- Welding Inspector
- Welding Instructor/Trainer
Salary Information
On average, a Structural Fabricator earns $26 per hour in the United States. But factors like experience, location, specialization, skills, employer types, and market trends affect salary figures.
However, the approximate salary ranges for Structural Fabricators include-
Hourly Wage
- Entry-Level – $15 to $25
- Mid-Career – $20 to $35
- Experienced – $25 to $45 or more
Monthly Salary
- Entry-Level – $2,400 to $4,000
- Mid-Career – $3,200 to $5,600
- Experienced – $4,000 to $7,200 or more
Yearly Salary
- Entry-Level – $28,800 to $48,000
- Mid-Career – $38,400 to $67,200
- Experienced – $48,000 to $86,400 or more
These salary figures are just estimates, actual ranges can vary from place to place depending on various local market trends.
Benefits/Perks
Some common benefits include-
- Advancement Opportunities
- Bonuses/Incentives
- Company Social Events
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
- Employee Discounts
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Employee Referral Programs
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- Health/Medical Benefits
- Overtime Pay
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Retirement Plans (401k plans)
- Safety Gear/Equipment
- Training/Professional Development
- Travel Opportunities
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Wellness Programs
Summary
Structural Fabricators play a crucial role in various industries. The profession offers a rewarding path for individuals with a passion for working with metal structures. The job demands a combination of precision and technical skills. As a Structural Fabricator, you can contribute to innovative projects, and advance your skills, and professional development. The career provides a range of benefits, competitive compensation, and craftsmanship satisfaction. Overall, the world of structural fabrication offers numerous possibilities for creativity, growth, and long-lasting impact.
