Metal fabrication currently employs 57,810 structural metal fabricators and fitters across the United States, according to May 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are plenty of jobs available in metal fabrication, including welders, CNC machinists, sheet metal workers, quality control inspectors, with a median salary sitting at $50,640 per year. Texas has the most positions with 6,940 jobs, followed by Wisconsin at 3,110 and California at 2,670. Here’s the interesting part though: even with steady demand from construction, aerospace, and automotive companies, 63% of manufacturers say they’re struggling to fill their open metal fabrication roles because of skilled labor shortages.
Key Takeaways
- 57,810 jobs in metal fabrication exist in the U.S., concentrated in Texas, Wisconsin, and California
- Median salary reaches $50,640, with welders earning $57,766 and specialized roles commanding higher wages
- Critical skills shortage affects 63% of manufacturers seeking qualified fabricators nationwide
- AWS welding certifications and CNC machining proficiency significantly increase earning potential
What is the Current Job Market for Metal Fabricators?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 57,810 structural metal fabricators employed nationwide as of May 2023. Texas dominates employment with 6,940 positions, representing 12% of national metal fabrication jobs. Wisconsin follows with 3,110 positions, California with 2,670 positions, Illinois with 2,480 positions, and Indiana with 2,470 positions.
Top Employment Locations
- Houston, Texas
- Chicago, Illinois
- Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
- Providence, Rhode Island
- New York, New York
- San Diego, California
The Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing sector, classified under NAICS 3323, drives employment across machinery manufacturing, ship and boat building, and automotive body manufacturing industries. Manufacturing job vacancies exceed 500,000 openings across the U.S., with metal fabrication representing significant job opportunities in this field.
| State | Employment | Primary Industries |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 6,940 | Petrochemical, construction projects |
| Wisconsin | 3,110 | Machinery, automotive |
| California | 2,670 | Aerospace, defense |
| Illinois | 2,480 | Transportation equipment |
Which Metal Fabrication Jobs Pay the Best?
A metal fabricator earns a median annual wage of $50,640 according to May 2023 BLS data. Welders command higher hourly wage averages of $57,766 per year, particularly those holding American Welding Society (AWS) certifications for MIG and TIG weld processes. A CNC machinist operating computer numerical control equipment earns competitive wages due to precision manufacturing requirements and Industry 4.0 technology integration.
High-Paying Fabrication Roles
| Job Title | Median Salary | Key Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Superintendent | $100,000/year | Project management |
| Industrial Engineer | $95,000/year | Engineering degree |
| Boilermaker | $65,000/year | Physical fitness |
| Welder | $57,766/year | AWS certification |
| Structural Metal Fabricator | $50,640/year | Blueprint reading |
| CNC Machinist | $30/hour | CAD/CAM software |
Metal Fabricator Job Description
A metal fabricator job description includes cutting, bending, and assembling metal components to create finished products. Fabricators use specialized machine tools and equipment to shape metal parts according to blueprint specifications. The occupation requires the ability to follow technical drawings, meet quality standards, and maintain excellent communication skills with engineers and production teams.
Entry-level positions typically require a high school diploma and on-the-job training.
Manufacturing managers supervising fabrication plant operations earn $47 to $63 per hour, depending on experience level. Metallurgists studying material properties in metal processing plants earn over $40 per hour. At ZHXING Hardware, our CNC machining operations demand advanced precision manufacturing expertise aligned with NAICS 3323 standards.
Where Can You Find Metal Fabrication Jobs Worldwide?
Working in metal fabrication offers opportunities across global markets. United States metal fabrication employment concentrates in Texas (6,940 jobs available), Wisconsin (3,110), California (2,670), Illinois (2,480), and Indiana (2,470) according to BLS occupational employment statistics. Houston, Chicago, and Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan areas lead urban fabrication employment due to petrochemical, transportation equipment, and construction industries.
Global Employment Data
| Country | Employment | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 57,810 | $50,640/year |
| Australia | 20,576 | AUD 75,000/year |
| South Africa | 362,871* | Variable |
| United Kingdom | N/A | £26,367/year |
*Metals and engineering sector total
What Skills do Metal Fabricators Need for Success in the Field?
Metal fabrication requires blueprint reading skills to interpret technical drawings, welding proficiency in MIG and TIG processes, and knowledge of cutting and forming raw materials. American Welding Society (AWS) certifications validate welding competency across structural metal, pipe, and sheet metal applications. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) qualifications certify fabricators for defense industry and shipbuilding projects requiring stringent quality standards.
Essential Technical Competencies
- Blueprint interpretation: Reading orthographic projections and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
- Welding processes: MIG (Metal Inert Gas), TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), arc welding, brazing
- CAD/CAM software: Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing proficiency
- CNC programming: G-code programming and toolpath optimization for machine operation
- Material knowledge: Understanding properties of steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper alloys
- Safety compliance: OSHA regulations, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage
Industry Certifications
Apprenticeship programs and vocational training provide structured pathways into fabrication careers. Trade schools offer programs in welding technology, machining, and metal fabrication fundamentals. Metal fabricators work with raw metal using hand tools, power tools, and automated equipment to fabricate metal structures and components. At ZHXING Hardware, our CNC machining operations demand quality control expertise for precision component production serving robotics and industrial automation sectors.
Is Metal Fabrication Always in Demand?
Manufacturing job vacancies exceed 500,000 openings across the United States, with jobs within metal fabrication representing substantial unfilled positions. Skilled labor shortages affect 63% of manufacturers attempting to fill fabrication roles. This workforce gap persists despite competitive wages and consistent industrial demand from construction, aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy sectors.
Technology Impact on Career Opportunities
Industry 4.0 technologies reshape fabrication roles through:
- CNC automation systems for precision manufacturing
- Robotics integration for repetitive tasks
- Digital manufacturing platforms
- Additive manufacturing (3D metal printing)
- IoT sensors for quality monitoring
Green technologies and aerospace manufacturing fuel demand for high-precision metal fabricators capable of working with advanced materials and tight tolerances. The metal fabrication industry offers a variety of projects spanning construction, aerospace, and medical device sectors.
What Career Path Options Exist in Metal Fabrication?
A career in metal fabrication begins with entry-level positions in small shops learning fundamental cutting, bending, and assembly techniques. Career progression advances through welder, machinist, and CNC operator positions requiring specialized certifications and technical proficiency. This physically demanding job requires working with their hands and standing for extended periods.
Advancement Opportunities
- Entry Level: Fabricator, welder, machine operator, assembler, cutter
- Mid-Level: CNC machinist, quality control inspector, maintenance mechanic, sheet metal mechanics
- Senior Level: Project manager, industrial engineer, manufacturing manager
- Specialized Paths: Metallurgist, boilermaker, structural metal worker
Building a Fulfilling Career
Working in metal fabrication is a rewarding career path for those interested in manufacturing or production environments. Metal fabrication means converting raw materials into finished metal products through various processes. The career in metal offers stability, competitive wages, and opportunities for skill development. Staying updated with emerging technologies and obtaining industry certifications enhances job prospects.
Specialization opportunities exist in aerospace fabrication, automotive body manufacturing, shipbuilding, and structural steel for construction projects. At ZHXING Hardware, precision CNC machining careers parallel traditional fabrication paths, emphasizing advanced manufacturing technology expertise.
Which Industries Hire Metal Fabricators?
The industries with the highest employment include construction, aerospace manufacturing, automotive production, and machinery manufacturing. Construction industries employ metal fabricators for structural steel, architectural metalwork, and building systems’ installation. Aerospace manufacturing requires precision fabricators working with aluminum alloys, titanium, and composite materials under strict quality standards.
Primary Employment Sectors
- Machinery manufacturing: Industrial equipment, agricultural machinery, mining equipment
- Ship and boat building: Hull construction, superstructure assembly, marine systems
- Infrastructure and utility: Bridges, railways, utilities requiring structural metalworkers
- Renewable energy: Wind turbine components, solar panel mounting systems
- Medical devices: Surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment fabrication
At ZHXING Hardware, our CNC machining services support diverse industries requiring precision metal parts, from robotics to industrial automation systems. We apply for jobs carefully, selecting skilled fabricators who understand the complexities of modern manufacturing.
Start Your Metal Fabrication Career Today
Metal fabrication is a rewarding career offering strong job security, competitive salaries, and diverse opportunities across industries. The metal fabrication industry provides pathways for those interested in working with metal and building tangible products. Whether you pursue welding, CNC machining, or specialized fabrication roles, learn how many jobs exist and explore positions matching your skills through platforms like Indeed.com.
At ZHXING Hardware, we understand the value skilled fabricators bring to precision manufacturing. Our CNC machining expertise relies on professionals who can fabricate complex metal components meeting exact specifications. Explore opportunities in metal fabrication to build a stable, fulfilling career in an industry that remains consistently in demand. Reach out to ZHXING Hardware to learn more!
Jobs are Available in Metal Fabrication FAQs
Are metal fabricators in demand?
Metal fabricators remain in high demand, with 63% of manufacturers reporting difficulty filling positions. The BLS projects continued employment stability for 57,810 structural metal fabricators across construction, aerospace, automotive, and machinery manufacturing sectors despite median wages of $50,640 annually.
How many types of fabrication work exist?
Metal fabrication encompasses cutting (laser, plasma, waterjet), forming (bending, rolling, stamping), joining (MIG welding, TIG welding, brazing), machining (milling, turning, drilling), and finishing (grinding, polishing, powder coating). Each type requires specific equipment and quality control procedures.
What jobs involve working with metal?
Positions include metallurgists, maintenance mechanics, tool and diemakers, metal press operators, machinists, foundry workers, metal finishers, pipe fitters, steam fitters, and ironworkers. A metal fabricator may specialize in sheet metal work, structural fabrication, or precision machining depending on industry needs.
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