Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace structural metal fabricators and fitters?AI replacement risk 34% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$51,330
25th–75th pct. $45,610–$61,250
Top pay (est.)
$94,000
Top 10% $72,280
Pay in 5 years
$58,400est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$66,400est.
$57,100–$77,100
Outlook score
37/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
34%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−6.2%
4,800 openings / yr

Will AI replace Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters? AI replacement risk

34%
Low
Ranked #296 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters

Key skills

Active Listening
3.0
Coordination
2.8
Monitoring
2.6
Speaking
2.6
Reading Comprehension
2.6
Quality Control Analysis
2.5
Operations Monitoring
2.5
Social Perceptiveness
2.4

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
3.4
Mathematics
3.2
Production and Processing
2.9
Design
2.9
Education and Training
2.9
English Language
2.5
Public Safety and Security
2.4
Engineering and Technology
2.4

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsProcessing Information

Important abilities

VisualizationControl PrecisionNear VisionStatic StrengthArm-Hand SteadinessInformation Ordering

Education of workers

High school diploma
77%
Less than high school
18%
Post-secondary certificate
3%
Associate's degree
2%

Training before entry

None / short demo
26%
3–6 months
25%
1–3 months
23%
Up to 1 month
20%
1–2 years
2%
6–12 months
2%

Related work experience

None
43%
2–4 years
20%
1–2 years
14%
6–12 months
12%
3–6 months
7%
Up to 1 month
4%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.