Salary Range
Low (10th %)$36,180
Median$48,480
High (90th %)$66,500
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Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.
The occupation of Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters has an automation risk of 25.9%, closely aligning with its base risk of 26.1%. This relatively moderate risk stems from a mix of repetitive, automatable activities alongside highly manual, environment-specific responsibilities that are more resistant to machine replacement. As part of the manufacturing and construction industries, these professionals often perform physically demanding work that relies on precise interpretation of instructions and adaptability to variable onsite conditions. As a result, while certain tasks within the job are suited to technological automation, others continue to require human oversight and dexterity. The top three most automatable tasks for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters involve routine and precision-centric work. The first is verifying the conformance of workpieces to specifications using measuring tools such as squares, rulers, and measuring tapes—a process that mechanized measurement systems and vision technologies can increasingly handle. The second is studying engineering drawings and blueprints to determine the necessary materials and sequences for assembly, which computer-aided design (CAD) systems can partially automate. The third, positioning, aligning, fitting, and welding parts according to blueprints (using jigs, torches, and hand tools), is also becoming more feasible for automated systems, particularly with the advancement of welding robots and assembly automation. Conversely, the most automation-resistant tasks remain those that require situational adaptability, manual strength, and on-site problem-solving. Installing boilers, containers, and large structures presents unique challenges that demand coordination, spatial awareness, and teamwork, often in unpredictable environments. Preheating workpieces to make them malleable, using hand torches or furnaces, relies on nuanced judgement of material behavior and precise manual control—attributes difficult for machines to replicate in dynamic contexts. Erecting ladders and scaffolding for large assemblies similarly requires human agility, safety awareness, and real-time decision-making. Bottleneck skills such as originality, rated at low levels (2.0% and 1.1%), highlight the ongoing need for creative problem-solving in situations where standard procedures do not suffice, further limiting complete automation in this field.
Filter by Automatable Status
Verify conformance of workpieces to specifications, using squares, rulers, and measuring tapes.
Partially Automatable
Study engineering drawings and blueprints to determine materials requirements and task sequences.
Partially Automatable
Lay out and examine metal stock or workpieces to be processed to ensure that specifications are met.
Partially Automatable
Tack-weld fitted parts together.
Automatable
Move parts into position, manually or with hoists or cranes.
Partially Automatable
Set up and operate fabricating machines, such as brakes, rolls, shears, flame cutters, grinders, and drill presses, to bend, cut, form, punch, drill, or otherwise form and assemble metal components.
Non-Automatable
Position or tighten braces, jacks, clamps, ropes, or bolt straps, or bolt parts in position for welding or riveting.
Partially Automatable
Lift or move materials and finished products, using large cranes.
Automatable
Set up face blocks, jigs, and fixtures.
Non-Automatable
Align and fit parts according to specifications, using jacks, turnbuckles, wedges, drift pins, pry bars, and hammers.
Non-Automatable
Hammer, chip, and grind workpieces to cut, bend, and straighten metal.
Non-Automatable
Locate and mark workpiece bending and cutting lines, allowing for stock thickness, machine and welding shrinkage, and other component specifications.
Automatable
Remove high spots and cut bevels, using hand files, portable grinders, and cutting torches.
Non-Automatable
Smooth workpiece edges and fix taps, tubes, and valves.
Non-Automatable
Design and construct templates and fixtures, using hand tools.
Partially Automatable
Direct welders to build up low spots or short pieces with weld.
Partially Automatable
Heat-treat parts, using acetylene torches.
Non-Automatable
Straighten warped or bent parts, using sledges, hand torches, straightening presses, or bulldozers.
Non-Automatable
Erect ladders and scaffolding to fit together large assemblies.
Non-Automatable
Preheat workpieces to make them malleable, using hand torches or furnaces.
Partially Automatable
Install boilers, containers, and other structures.
Non-Automatable
Position, align, fit, and weld parts to form complete units or subunits, following blueprints and layout specifications, and using jigs, welding torches, and hand tools.
Partially Automatable
Mark reference points onto floors or face blocks and transpose them to workpieces, using measuring devices, squares, chalk, and soapstone.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
AdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTransportationTherapy and CounselingCommunications and MediaAdministration and Management
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgePerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Tekla softwareDassault Systemes CATIAMicrosoft OutlookDassault Systemes CATIAMicrosoft OutlookThree-dimensional modeling softwareSpreadsheet softwareSpreadsheet softwareComputer aided design and drafting CADD softwareComputer aided design and drafting CADD softwareTekla softwareThree-dimensional modeling softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordMicrosoft Word
Boilermakers
Low15.98%
Construct, assemble, maintain, and repair stationary steam boilers and boiler house auxiliaries. Align structures or plate sections to assemble boiler frame tanks or vats, following blueprints. Work involves use of hand and power tools, plumb bobs, levels, wedges, dogs, or turnbuckles. Assist in testing assembled vessels. Direct cleaning of boilers and boiler furnaces. Inspect and repair boiler fittings, such as safety valves, regulators, automatic-control mechanisms, water columns, and auxiliary machines.
Carpenters
Low17.84%
Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
Low6.66%
Apply plasterboard or other wallboard to ceilings or interior walls of buildings. Apply or mount acoustical tiles or blocks, strips, or sheets of shock-absorbing materials to ceilings and walls of buildings to reduce or reflect sound. Materials may be of decorative quality. Includes lathers who fasten wooden, metal, or rockboard lath to walls, ceilings, or partitions of buildings to provide support base for plaster, fireproofing, or acoustical material.
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
Low10.60%
Position and secure steel bars or mesh in concrete forms in order to reinforce concrete. Use a variety of fasteners, rod-bending machines, blowtorches, and hand tools. Includes rod busters.
Sheet Metal Workers
Low29.90%
Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal; shaping metal over anvils, blocks, or forms using hammer; operating soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts; or inspecting, assembling, and smoothing seams and joints of burred surfaces. Includes sheet metal duct installers who install prefabricated sheet metal ducts used for heating, air conditioning, or other purposes.
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Low11.69%
Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings.
Millwrights
Low12.88%
Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Low28.35%
Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
Medium41.74%
Assemble or modify electrical or electronic equipment, such as computers, test equipment telemetering systems, electric motors, and batteries.
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Medium37.10%
Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Medium47.80%
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.
Tool and Die Makers
Medium42.07%
Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Medium34.63%
Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Medium47.79%
Set up, operate, or tend welding, soldering, or brazing machines or robots that weld, braze, solder, or heat treat metal products, components, or assemblies. Includes workers who operate laser cutters or laser-beam machines.
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
Medium33.53%
Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
Low29.58%
Cut, shape, and assemble wooden articles or set up and operate a variety of woodworking machines, such as power saws, jointers, and mortisers to surface, cut, or shape lumber or to fabricate parts for wood products.
Patternmakers, Wood
Medium48.09%
Plan, lay out, and construct wooden unit or sectional patterns used in forming sand molds for castings.
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
Medium44.55%
Set up, operate, or tend woodworking machines, such as drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, and wood nailing machines. May operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment.
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Medium40.69%
Grind, sand, or polish, using hand tools or hand-held power tools, a variety of metal, wood, stone, clay, plastic, or glass objects. Includes chippers, buffers, and finishers.
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Medium44.30%
Mold, shape, form, cast, or carve products such as food products, figurines, tile, pipes, and candles consisting of clay, glass, plaster, concrete, stone, or combinations of materials.
Brickmasons and Blockmasons
Low19.41%
Lay and bind building materials, such as brick, structural tile, concrete block, cinder block, glass block, and terra-cotta block, with mortar and other substances, to construct or repair walls, partitions, arches, sewers, and other structures.
Stonemasons
Low4.35%
Build stone structures, such as piers, walls, and abutments. Lay walks, curbstones, or special types of masonry for vats, tanks, and floors.
Glaziers
Low18.32%
Install glass in windows, skylights, store fronts, and display cases, or on surfaces, such as building fronts, interior walls, ceilings, and tabletops.
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall
Low7.42%
Line and cover structures with insulating materials. May work with batt, roll, or blown insulation materials.
Insulation Workers, Mechanical
Low21.99%
Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.
Pipelayers
Low22.97%
Lay pipe for storm or sanitation sewers, drains, and water mains. Perform any combination of the following tasks: grade trenches or culverts, position pipe, or seal joints.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Low23.86%
Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.
Helpers--Carpenters
Low16.46%
Help carpenters by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
Helpers--Electricians
Low13.85%
Help electricians by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Low13.20%
Help plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, or pipelayers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
Fence Erectors
Low12.39%
Erect and repair fences and fence gates, using hand and power tools.
Roof Bolters, Mining
Low17.67%
Operate machinery to install roof support bolts in underground mine.
Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Low12.83%
Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.
Mechanical Door Repairers
Low21.74%
Install, service, or repair automatic door mechanisms and hydraulic doors. Includes garage door mechanics.
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons
Low9.90%
Build or repair equipment such as furnaces, kilns, cupolas, boilers, converters, ladles, soaking pits, and ovens, using refractory materials.
Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers
Low10.55%
Move or install mobile homes or prefabricated buildings.
Riggers
Low19.42%
Set up or repair rigging for construction projects, manufacturing plants, logging yards, ships and shipyards, or for the entertainment industry.
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators
Low26.26%
Laminate layers of fiberglass on molds to form boat decks and hulls, bodies for golf carts, automobiles, or other products.
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Medium46.07%
Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
Foundry Mold and Coremakers
Medium45.76%
Make or form wax or sand cores or molds used in the production of metal castings in foundries.
Upholsterers
Low20.15%
Make, repair, or replace upholstery for household furniture or transportation vehicles.
Furniture Finishers
Low24.64%
Shape, finish, and refinish damaged, worn, or used furniture or new high-grade furniture to specified color or finish.
Model Makers, Wood
Medium42.20%
Construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Medium34.83%
Design, fabricate, adjust, repair, or appraise jewelry, gold, silver, other precious metals, or gems.
Medical Appliance Technicians
Low24.63%
Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices such as braces, orthotics and prosthetic devices, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.
Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing
Low13.87%
Cut or carve stone according to diagrams and patterns.
Tire Builders
Medium34.65%
Operate machines to build tires.