Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Structural metal fabricators and fitters build the metal frameworks and components that form bridges, buildings, ships, and machinery. Working in fabrication shops, manufacturing plants, and on construction sites, they cut, drill, bend, and assemble steel and other metals according to specifications, then position and align parts before final fastening.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against structural metal fabricators and fitters and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves measuring and marking metal stock, operating cutting and bending equipment, drilling holes for bolts and rivets, and assembling components using welding or fasteners. Fabricators check measurements against blueprints, fit parts together to ensure alignment, and may work at heights or in confined spaces. Tasks shift between shop work on individual parts and on-site assembly of larger structures.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You do well in this work if you're detail-oriented and comfortable following exact specifications and procedures. You tend to prefer hands-on problem-solving over abstract thinking, and you're satisfied by seeing tangible results—the completed metal structures you helped build.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | $57,120 | $64,760 | $64,760 | 770 |
| Alaska | $52,270 | $63,420 | $67,580 | 70 |
| Oregon | $49,370 | $62,220 | $78,810 | 560 |
| Massachusetts | $48,910 | $62,040 | $77,730 | 690 |
| Washington | $54,820 | $61,850 | $76,970 | 1,050 |
| Indiana | $47,130 | $60,180 | $68,560 | 3,870 |
| Connecticut | $48,370 | $58,760 | $71,250 | 500 |
| Idaho | $44,990 | $58,140 | $67,530 | 320 |
| California | $46,730 | $57,590 | $65,000 | 3,420 |
| Wisconsin | $48,000 | $56,310 | $59,860 | 1,810 |
| Minnesota | $47,960 | $56,210 | $60,460 | 640 |
| New Jersey | $48,920 | $55,650 | $59,750 | 1,540 |
All 47 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Structural Sheetmetal Assembly — Snap-on Industrial
- Principles and Practice of Engineering - Structural (PE-S) — National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against structural metal fabricators and fitters and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-2041.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.