Welder
Join and cut metal with MIG, TIG and stick welding for construction and manufacturing.
- $53,750
- 3–18 months
Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career
Metal Fabricator
Also called: Structural Metal Fitter · Steel Fabricator · Fitter · Fab Shop Worker
What metal fabricators do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a metal fabricator do?
Structural metal fabricators and fitters fabricate, position, align and fit parts of structural metal products. The median pay is $51,330 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Several months on the job, and employment is projected to grow -6.2% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$51,330$24.68/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-6.2%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year4,800Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainSeveral months on the jobTypical program length
- U.S. jobs52,300Employment, 2025
What metal fabricators do
Metal fabricators build steel structures and products. They read blueprints, lay out and cut steel, bend and shape parts, fit pieces together and tack weld them for final welding, making beams, frames, tanks, trailers and equipment.
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical. BLS projects a decline, but skilled fitters remain in demand.
Typical duties
- Read blueprints
- Lay out parts
- Cut steel
- Bend and form metal
- Fit and align parts
- Tack weld
- Inspect fit-up
Work environment and schedule
Fabricators work in fab shops and plants.
Schedule: Full time, often with overtime.
A day in the life
- Review drawings.
- Lay out a frame.
- Cut beams with a band saw.
- Fit gussets.
See a full day in the life of a metal fabricator →
Metal Fabricator salary
Half of metal fabricators earned more than $51,330 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $37,960 for the lowest 10% to $72,280 for the top 10%.
Full metal fabricator pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a metal fabricator
- Finish high school
- Learn welding basics
- Get hired
- Learn fitting
- Advance
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a metal fabricator →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Blueprint reading
- Layout
- Cutting
- Fitting
- Tack welding
People skills
- Precision
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Safety awareness
All metal fabricator skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Build real things
- Path to welding
- No degree needed
- Overtime
Cons
- Declining employment
- Noise
- Heavy material
- Burns and cuts
Certifications and licenses
- AWS welding certification: Valued.
- Crane rigging certification: Helpful.
- Blueprint reading course: Helpful.
- OSHA 10: Safety.
Career path
- Fab Helper: Entry.
- Fitter: Fit.
- Lead Fitter: Lead.
- Shop Supervisor: Run shop.
Learn the job before day one
Our Metal Fabricator training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as check a frame for square and read weld symbols on a drawing, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Ironworker
Raise the steel frames of buildings, bridges and towers, high above the ground.
- $62,780
- 3–4 years (apprenticeship)
Sheet Metal Worker
Fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, siding and other products made from sheet metal.
- $61,800
- 4–5 years (apprenticeship)
Welding Machine Operator
Run robotic and automated welding machines on production lines.
- $47,920
- A few months on the job
Compare: Metal Fabricator vs. Welder · Metal Fabricator vs. Ironworker · Metal Fabricator vs. Sheet Metal Worker · Metal Fabricator vs. Welding Machine Operator
Metal Fabricator FAQ
Do fabricators need welding certification?
It helps.
Is the job declining?
BLS projects decline.
Is it a path to welding?
Yes.
How much does a metal fabricator make?
The median annual wage for metal fabricators was $51,330 ($24.68 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,960 and the highest 10% earned more than $72,280.
How long does it take to become a metal fabricator?
Most people need about Several months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a metal fabricator?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More metal fabricator questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-2041 (Structural metal fabricators and fitters).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Structural metal fabricators and fitters (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.