What it pays
Government survey numbers — not estimates, not ads.
Half of all Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters in the U.S. earn more than $51,330 a year — the middle 80% land between $37,960 and $72,280. About 52,360 people in the U.S. do this work. Figures are for the U.S. occupation group “Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters”. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, published 2025.) In India, Plant and machine operators and assemblers earn about ₹17,329 a month on average — around ₹2.1 lakh a year (government PLFS survey via ILOSTAT, occupation-family figure).
$51,330typical pay / year
52,360people in this work
$72,280+top 10% earn
₹2.1 lakha year in India (family avg)
Think you get this job?Six quick questions on how it really works — with a hint and the reason behind every answer.
Test yourself →The work, task by task
These are the real jobs-to-be-done, not a wish list. Each task shows where we found it, and the prompt underneath is written for that exact task.
Make1
Fabricate metal structures
+Fabricate the steel support frame for dock canopy using 50mm RHS and 10mm plate, tack-weld jigs to maintain…
Fabricate metal structures
+Fabricate the steel support frame for dock canopy using 50mm RHS and 10mm plate, tack-weld jigs to maintain 2mm gap tolerance, grind welds flush, apply zinc primer, and hand the completed assemblies to site for trial fit tomorrow morning.
The tools that do the workComputer aided design and drafting CADDESCOjob descriptionsO*NET
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Fixing3
Align and fit parts using jacks and wedges
+Align the gearbox housing to the baseplate using hydraulic jacks and tapered wedges, achieve 0.5mm runout…
Align and fit parts using jacks and wedges
+Align the gearbox housing to the baseplate using hydraulic jacks and tapered wedges, achieve 0.5mm runout across bores, lock shim positions, mark final wedge settings, and record torque sequence before handing to commissioning.
The tools that do the workThree-dimensional modelingjob descriptionsO*NET
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Check workpieces for specifications
+Check the batch of brackets against the M10 hole pattern, flatness under 0.5mm, and material stamp 316L;…
Check workpieces for specifications
+Check the batch of brackets against the M10 hole pattern, flatness under 0.5mm, and material stamp 316L; reject any with corrosion pitting, measure critical dimensions, annotate the inspection checklist, and release acceptable pieces to welding.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptionsO*NET
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Fit parts together
+Fit the ornamental balustrade panels to the base rail, trim tabs for a 3mm clearance, clamp and stitch-weld…
Fit parts together
+Fit the ornamental balustrade panels to the base rail, trim tabs for a 3mm clearance, clamp and stitch-weld at 150mm centres, check that decorative scrolls align visually, and hand the subassembly to paint for touch-up.
The tools that do the workTeklajob descriptionsO*NET
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Analysing1
Read blueprints and specifications
+Read the structural drawing set for platform B: confirm plate grades, all hole centres and welding symbols,…
Read blueprints and specifications
+Read the structural drawing set for platform B: confirm plate grades, all hole centres and welding symbols, extract bolt sizes and moment connections, flag any conflicts with site conditions, and issue clarification request to the engineer by Friday.
The tools that do the workCADjob descriptionsO*NET
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The daily work16
Smooth workpiece edges and fix taps, tubes, and valves.
+Deburr and smooth the workpiece edges, then repair or replace any damaged taps, tubes, and valves so they…
Smooth workpiece edges and fix taps, tubes, and valves.
+Deburr and smooth the workpiece edges, then repair or replace any damaged taps, tubes, and valves so they seal and operate smoothly; inspect for corrosion, record material type, and sign off when pressure-tested to spec.
The tools that do the workComputer aided design and drafting CADDO*NET
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Heat-treat parts, using acetylene torches.
+Heat-treat the specified parts with an acetylene torch to the specified hardness, monitor torch temperature…
Heat-treat parts, using acetylene torches.
+Heat-treat the specified parts with an acetylene torch to the specified hardness, monitor torch temperature and soak time for the steel grade, quench and temper as per the heat chart, then log hardness readings and batch details.
The tools that do the workComputer aided design and drafting CADDO*NET
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Install boilers, containers, and other structures.
+Install the boiler and adjacent containers to the foundation lines, set and level mountings, secure all…
Install boilers, containers, and other structures.
+Install the boiler and adjacent containers to the foundation lines, set and level mountings, secure all structural connections and pipe supports, check welds and fasteners, then carry out a leak and load test and record the installation report.
The tools that do the workTeklaO*NET
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Align parts according to blueprints
+Align the mating parts to the blueprint tolerances, use feeler gauges and dial indicators to adjust until…
Align parts according to blueprints
+Align the mating parts to the blueprint tolerances, use feeler gauges and dial indicators to adjust until alignment readings meet the drawing, tack in place, recheck, then finish weld or fasten and update the drawing notes.
The tools that do the workDassault Systemes CATIAjob descriptions
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Use hand tools and power tools
+Select and use the correct hand and power tools for the job, inspect each tool before use, perform the…
Use hand tools and power tools
+Select and use the correct hand and power tools for the job, inspect each tool before use, perform the cutting, filing, drilling or grinding to the required finish, maintain safe rotation and feed rates, and log any tool defects.
The tools that do the workThree-dimensional modelingjob descriptions
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Lay out and examine metal stock
+Lay out the metal stock to the drawing dimensions, mark cut lines and datum points, check material grade and…
Lay out and examine metal stock
+Lay out the metal stock to the drawing dimensions, mark cut lines and datum points, check material grade and corrosion signs, measure twice for critical parts, then publish a cutting ticket and hand the stock to the cutter.
The tools that do the workComputer aided design and drafting CADDjob descriptions
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Finish fabricated ornamental metal workpieces
+Finish the fabricated ornamental metalwork pieces for the front gate: grind welds smooth, remove slag, fit…
Finish fabricated ornamental metal workpieces
+Finish the fabricated ornamental metalwork pieces for the front gate: grind welds smooth, remove slag, fit matching decorative finials, check all mating faces for flatness, apply two coats of zinc primer and amber touch-up by Friday lunchtime so installation isn't delayed.
The tools that do the workThree-dimensional modelingESCO
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Types of metal
+Sort and label the workshop stock by metal: separate mild steel, stainless, brass and bronze, note gauge and…
Types of metal
+Sort and label the workshop stock by metal: separate mild steel, stainless, brass and bronze, note gauge and any mill finish, record each batch with supplier and heat number so I can pick the right alloy for the baluster runs tomorrow.
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Recognise signs of corrosion
+Inspect the north rail batch and mark pieces showing rust, pitting or flaking coating, photograph failures,…
Recognise signs of corrosion
+Inspect the north rail batch and mark pieces showing rust, pitting or flaking coating, photograph failures, write up which areas are surface corrosion versus through-thickness and recommend repair, so procurement can decide on replacement versus salvage today.
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Torch temperature for metal processes
+Set torch heating targets for tomorrow's brazing and annealing runs: list each metal and desired preheat,…
Torch temperature for metal processes
+Set torch heating targets for tomorrow's brazing and annealing runs: list each metal and desired preheat, welding and neutral flame temperatures, include cooling notes for brass, bronze and mild steel so the crew follows consistent temperatures on the shop floor.
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Shape ornamental design
+Shape the five ornamental scrolls for the stair handrail: bend each to the pattern profile, check springback…
Shape ornamental design
+Shape the five ornamental scrolls for the stair handrail: bend each to the pattern profile, check springback against the template, trim and cold-form the last 20 millimetres for a tight fit, then mark ready for final welding by end of shift.
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Cut ornamental design
+Cut the decorative leaves and rosettes from the sheet for the balcony balustrade: lay out parts to minimise…
Cut ornamental design
+Cut the decorative leaves and rosettes from the sheet for the balcony balustrade: lay out parts to minimise waste, cut to profile, deburr edges, stamp part numbers and send the cut list and waste yield to procurement before knocking off today.
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Use metalworking tools
+Measure and lay out the ornamental panel blanks, scribe the cut and bend lines for mild steel and stainless…
Use metalworking tools
+Measure and lay out the ornamental panel blanks, scribe the cut and bend lines for mild steel and stainless pieces, mark corrosion-risk zones, note torch preheat temperature beside each cut, then hand the set of marked panels to the welder by Friday shift end.
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Mark designs on metal pieces
+Transfer the approved decorative pattern to the physical blanks: align the pattern, transfer centrelines and…
Mark designs on metal pieces
+Transfer the approved decorative pattern to the physical blanks: align the pattern, transfer centrelines and reference points, score the cut profile and bend lines for aluminium and steel, flag hard-to-reach corrosion areas, and leave the marked pieces on the staging rack for the cutter.
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Design drawings
+Produce a fabrication drawing set for the gate panels showing material spec, grain, corrosion allowances,…
Design drawings
+Produce a fabrication drawing set for the gate panels showing material spec, grain, corrosion allowances, exact cut and bend lines, torch preheat instructions, and one exploded detail of the ornamental element, then file the drawings in the job folder and send prints to the shop foreman.
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Three dimensional modeling
+Measure the bespoke jacket panels, update the three dimensional modeling with final seam allowances and notch…
Three dimensional modeling
+Measure the bespoke jacket panels, update the three dimensional modeling with final seam allowances and notch positions, then export printer-ready patterns and schedule the fitting for Thursday morning.
The tools that do the workThree-dimensional modelingO*NET
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Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses
Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses