Shigoto Zukan
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How to become structural metal fabricators and fitterseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become structural metal fabricators and fitters

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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)

Career path and how to earn more as structural metal fabricators and fitters

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

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.