Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Metal Fabricator
What metal fabricators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a metal fabricator?
Review drawings. From there, the day usually includes read blueprints, lay out parts, and cut steel. Full time, often with overtime.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a metal fabricator working full time.
- Review drawings.
- Lay out a frame.
- Cut beams with a band saw.
- Fit gussets.
- Tack weld assemblies.
- Check squareness.
- Hand off to welders.
Where metal fabricators work
Fabricators work in fab shops and plants.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often with overtime.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Read blueprints
- Lay out parts
- Cut steel
- Bend and form metal
- Fit and align parts
- Tack weld
- Inspect fit-up
Tools you’ll use every day
- Band saws
- Plasma cutters
- Press brakes
- Welders
- Squares and tapes
- Overhead cranes
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Build real things
- Path to welding
- No degree needed
- Overtime
What’s hard
- Declining employment
- Noise
- Heavy material
- Burns and cuts
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like building with metal
- I read drawings well
- I like precision
- I don’t mind noise
- I want a path to welding
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Metal Fabricator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear welding PPE
- Use cranes safely
- Guard saws
- Prevent burns