An Overview of the Best Paying Jobs in Metal Fabrications
Metal fabrication is one of the most in-demand and highly-paid professions in the world. From aerospace to automotive, metal fabricators are responsible for creating, assembling, and repairing components made from metals such as aluminum, steel, and titanium. With the right qualifications and experience, metal fabricators can command lucrative salaries in a variety of industries. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the highest paying jobs in metal fabrication, the skills and qualifications needed to land them, and what kind of salary you can expect. Whether you’re just starting out in the field or looking to take your career to the next level, this is the perfect place to learn more and find the ideal job for you.
Aerospace Fabrication
Aerospace fabrication is the creation of aircraft and spacecraft parts, including fuselage, wings, and control surfaces. The industry is massive and employs hundreds of thousands of workers in the U.S. Aerospace fabricators typically specialize in one part or component and work with design engineers to ensure parts meet strict engineering and safety standards. Aerospace fabricators are responsible for a variety of tasks, including working with metals and alloys, computer-generated design (CAD) modeling and 3D modeling, quality control and inspection, and using specialized tools and machinery. Aerospace fabricators earn a very high salary and can earn even more with experience. The average annual salary for a fabricator in the aerospace industry is $75,000. The skills and qualifications needed to become an aerospace fabricator are significant, including a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field, and experience or certification in welding or a related skill.
Automotive Fabrication
Automotive fabrication is one of the most common and highly paid professions in the field, with annual wages around $48,000. The industry is responsible for making vehicle parts, including body panels and frames, engine components, and other accessories. Automotive fabricators are responsible for using a variety of tools and machinery, including electric arc welders, hydraulic presses, and other common shop equipment. They also work with a variety of metals and alloys, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium. The job requires a variety of skills, including proficiency in welding and fabrication, computer-generated design (CAD) modeling and 3D modeling, quality control and inspection, and using specialized tools and machinery. If you want to become an automotive fabricator, you’ll need a post-secondary certificate or diploma in welding or a related field, and certification in welding and other skills is strongly recommended.
Industrial Fabrication
Industrial fabrication is the creation of component parts for heavy equipment, including crushing and mining equipment, excavators, and cranes. The industry employs hundreds of thousands of workers and pays an average annual wage of $48,000. Industrial fabricators typically specialize in one component or item, such as cranes, excavators, or crawler tractors, and work with engineers or designers to ensure parts meet strict safety and engineering standards. Industrial fabricators are responsible for a variety of tasks, including working with metals and alloys, computer-generated design (CAD) modeling and 3D modeling, quality control and inspection, and using specialized tools and machinery. To become an industrial fabricator, you’ll need a post-secondary certificate or diploma in welding or a related field, and certification in welding and other skills is strongly recommended.
Structural Fabrication
Structural fabrication is the creation of large metal components and structures, including buildings, bridges, and stadiums. The industry employs tens of thousands of workers, and workers earn a very high salary, averaging $49,000 annually. Structural fabricators typically specialize in one type of metal, such as steel, and work with design engineers to ensure parts meet strict safety and engineering standards. Structural fabricators are responsible for a variety of tasks, including working with metals and alloys, computer-generated design (CAD) modeling and 3D modeling, quality control and inspection, and using specialized tools and machinery. To become a structural fabricator, you’ll need a post-secondary certificate or diploma in welding or a related field, and certification in welding and other skills is strongly recommended.
Building Fabrication
Building fabricators are responsible for creating and constructing large metal buildings, including stadiums, arenas, and large commercial buildings. The field employs thousands of workers and pays an average annual salary of $49,000. Building fabricators typically specialize in one type of metal, such as steel, and work with design engineers to ensure parts meet strict safety and engineering standards. Building fabricators are responsible for a variety of tasks, including working with metals and alloys, computer-generated design (CAD) modeling and 3D modeling, quality control and inspection, and using specialized tools and machinery. To become a building fabricator, you’ll need a post-secondary certificate or diploma in welding or a related field, and certification in welding and other skills is strongly recommended.
Qualifications and Skills
If you’re interested in becoming a metal fabricator, you’ll need to have a wide variety of skills and a strong work ethic. In addition to proficiency in welding and other skills, you’ll need to be organized and able to work independently, have excellent attention to detail, and be able to work quickly and efficiently without sacrificing accuracy. You’ll also need to be able to lift and move heavy items, often weighing hundreds of pounds, and be comfortable working in loud and potentially dangerous environments. If you’re interested in working in any of the highest paying jobs in metal fabrication, you’ll need certification in related skills, such as welding, rigging, and computer-aided design (CAD) modeling. You can often earn these certifications in a matter of months, or sometimes even weeks, through community colleges and vocational schools or through online courses.
Salaries for Metal Fabrication Jobs
If you’re interested in becoming a metal fabricator, there are a number of high-paying jobs available to you. Aerospace fabricators are among the highest paid in the field, averaging $75,000 annually, while industrial and structural fabricators earn $48,000 per year. Residential and commercial building fabricators earn $49,000, while automotive fabricators average $48,000 per year. If you want to earn the highest salary possible in metal fabrication, you’ll want to specialize in one particular field, such as aerospace or industrial, and work towards earning certifications in related skills.
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