Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.
Also called: Component Fabricator, Fabricator, Fitter, Ground Support Equipment Assembler, Hand Former, Industrial Fabricator
Median pay
$51,330
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$37,960 – $72,280
People employed
52,360
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 2.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 3.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 4.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 5.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 6.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 7.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Long hours on your feet
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters pay by state
Annual median pay by state (47 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters salary in every state →
What structural metal fabricators and fitters do
- 01Verify conformance of workpieces to specifications, using squares, rulers, and measuring tapes.
- 02Study engineering drawings and blueprints to determine materials requirements and task sequences.
- 03Position, align, fit, and weld parts to form complete units or subunits, following blueprints and layout specifications, and using jigs, welding torches, and hand tools.
- 04Lay out and examine metal stock or workpieces to be processed to ensure that specifications are met.
- 05Tack-weld fitted parts together.
- 06Move parts into position, manually or with hoists or cranes.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from structural metal fabricators and fitters
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic91% · +24%
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders90% · −7%
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers88% · +22%
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic87% · −10%
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers86% · +5%
Change into structural metal fabricators and fitters
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders90% · $47,920
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers89% · $53,750
- Model Makers, Wood87% · $56,550
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic87% · $46,170
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers86% · $58,970
Majors that lead here
- Machine Shop Technology/Assistant
- Metal Fabricator
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.