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.
Make3
Fabricate metal structures
+Fabricate the metal canopy for Bay Building level 2: cut and shape each steel plate to the supplied profiles,…
Fabricate metal structures
+Fabricate the metal canopy for Bay Building level 2: cut and shape each steel plate to the supplied profiles, tack-weld subassemblies, check torch temperatures and distortion, grind to finish, and deliver three inspected mock-up frames for approval.
The tools that do the workTeklaComputer aided design and drafting CADDESCOjob descriptionsO*NET
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Align and fit parts using jacks and wedges
+Align the north truss at Pier 4 using jacks and wedges: lift and shift sections to meet the erection drawing…
Align and fit parts using jacks and wedges
+Align the north truss at Pier 4 using jacks and wedges: lift and shift sections to meet the erection drawing tolerances, monitor stresses during lifts, log each adjustment with time and operator, and secure temporary bracing once alignment is within spec.
The tools that do the workTeklajob descriptionsO*NET
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Check workpieces for specifications
+Check the finished gusset plates and beams against the structural specs for Block B: verify dimensions, hole…
Check workpieces for specifications
+Check the finished gusset plates and beams against the structural specs for Block B: verify dimensions, hole locations, weld profiles and material grades, record nonconformances with photos and reference to the drawing revision, and route rejects to rework.
The tools that do the workDassault Systemes CATIAMicrosoft Exceljob descriptionsO*NET
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Analysing2
Fit parts together
+Fit the assembled stair stringers and treads into position on the atrium frame: trial-fit connections, adjust…
Fit parts together
+Fit the assembled stair stringers and treads into position on the atrium frame: trial-fit connections, adjust cut lengths and ornamental profiles as needed, clamp and tack plates, verify final fit against the assembly drawing, and sign off for permanent welding.
The tools that do the workComputer aided design and drafting CADDThree-dimensional modelingjob descriptionsO*NET
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Read blueprints and specifications
+Read the structural blueprints and project specifications for the north wing, identify all metal members and…
Read blueprints and specifications
+Read the structural blueprints and project specifications for the north wing, identify all metal members and connection details, flag any corrosion risks or torch-heat limitations, and list required ornamental cuts with measurements and tolerances by Wednesday.
The tools that do the workComputer aided design and drafting CADDjob descriptionsO*NET
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
The daily work16
Use metalworking tools
+Set up the metalworking bench, select the correct steel plate and tools, check the torch calibration to the…
Use metalworking tools
+Set up the metalworking bench, select the correct steel plate and tools, check the torch calibration to the specified temperature for mild steel, and cut and form the ornamental sections to the marked profiles today before shift end.
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Mark designs on metal pieces
+Lay each wrought panel flat, transfer the approved pattern onto the metal with the scribe and punch, verify…
Mark designs on metal pieces
+Lay each wrought panel flat, transfer the approved pattern onto the metal with the scribe and punch, verify corrosion-free areas for cutting, and mark bolt and bend lines so the fitters can weld without rework by first break on Friday morning.
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Design drawings
+Produce fabrication drawings for the balcony balustrade showing material grades, corrosion protection notes,…
Design drawings
+Produce fabrication drawings for the balcony balustrade showing material grades, corrosion protection notes, torch heat settings for each cut, bend lines and ornamental profiles, and issue a checked PDF to procurement and the site foreman by Tuesday noon.
The tools that do the workThree-dimensional modelingComputer aided design and drafting CADDESCOsee the evidence ↗
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Finish fabricated ornamental metal workpieces
+Finish the fabricated ornamental metal workpieces for the lobby railing so every bracket, scroll and finial…
Finish fabricated ornamental metal workpieces
+Finish the fabricated ornamental metal workpieces for the lobby railing so every bracket, scroll and finial is welded, ground and primed to pass the inspector on Thursday; check fit against the shop drawings and mark any that need rework before painting.
The tools that do the workComputer aided design and drafting CADDESCO
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Types of metal
+List the exact metals used across the ornamental package — mild steel for main rails, stainless for handrail…
Types of metal
+List the exact metals used across the ornamental package — mild steel for main rails, stainless for handrail caps, bronze accents and brass fasteners — annotate where each metal must be substituted or protected and circulate to procurement by Tuesday.
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Recognise signs of corrosion
+Survey the completed assemblies and photograph every piece showing pitting, flaking or white powder, record…
Recognise signs of corrosion
+Survey the completed assemblies and photograph every piece showing pitting, flaking or white powder, record location and severity, and produce a one-page defect list for maintenance and the corrosion specialist by end of day Friday.
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Torch temperature for metal processes
+Set the correct torch temperatures and cutting parameters for the ornamental steel and brass run tomorrow —…
Torch temperature for metal processes
+Set the correct torch temperatures and cutting parameters for the ornamental steel and brass run tomorrow — specify preheat, tip size and travel speed for 6mm mild steel and 3mm brass and brief the welder at 07:30 on site.
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Shape ornamental design
+Shape the ornamental designs from the template drawings into full-size patterns, tack one sample scroll and a…
Shape ornamental design
+Shape the ornamental designs from the template drawings into full-size patterns, tack one sample scroll and a finial for approval, note bend radii and sequence, then hand the patterns and the sample to fabrication by Wednesday morning.
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Cut ornamental design
+Cut the ornamental pieces to final profile for the grand staircase — follow the cutting list, check edge…
Cut ornamental design
+Cut the ornamental pieces to final profile for the grand staircase — follow the cutting list, check edge quality on the first five pieces, record kerf and adjust feed rate if burrs appear, then release the batch to finishing.
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Smooth workpiece edges and fix taps, tubes, and valves.
+Deburr and smooth the workpiece edges, repair and reseat damaged taps, tubes and valves so they seal, then…
Smooth workpiece edges and fix taps, tubes, and valves.
+Deburr and smooth the workpiece edges, repair and reseat damaged taps, tubes and valves so they seal, then file a short defect list and tag each part with its finish and corrosion treatment before returning to staging.
The tools that do the workComputer aided design and drafting CADDO*NET
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Heat-treat parts, using acetylene torches.
+Heat-treat the batch of flanges and brackets with an acetylene torch to the specified temper, watch colour…
Heat-treat parts, using acetylene torches.
+Heat-treat the batch of flanges and brackets with an acetylene torch to the specified temper, watch colour change and peak temperatures, quench per spec, record furnace-equivalent times and stamp each part with heat code.
The tools that do the workThree-dimensional modelingO*NET
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Install boilers, containers, and other structures.
+Set and secure the boiler shell, pressure container and platform members, fit temporary supports, tack the…
Install boilers, containers, and other structures.
+Set and secure the boiler shell, pressure container and platform members, fit temporary supports, tack the primary seams, then log alignment checks, lifting points and corrosion protections before commissioning.
The tools that do the workTeklaO*NET
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Align parts according to blueprints
+Align the column splices, gussets and plate edges to the blueprint dimensions, shim where necessary, clamp…
Align parts according to blueprints
+Align the column splices, gussets and plate edges to the blueprint dimensions, shim where necessary, clamp and record final offsets against the drawing, then sign off alignment for welding.
The tools that do the workCADjob descriptions
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Use hand tools and power tools
+Assemble the subframe using hand files, grinders, impact drivers and torque wrenches: meet specified torque…
Use hand tools and power tools
+Assemble the subframe using hand files, grinders, impact drivers and torque wrenches: meet specified torque and finish, document any tool-related defects encountered, and return worn bits to stores with the defect log.
The tools that do the workComputer aided design and drafting CADDjob descriptions
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Lay out and examine metal stock
+Lay out the plate and bar stock, check mill marks, measure for squareness and thickness tolerances, flag any…
Lay out and examine metal stock
+Lay out the plate and bar stock, check mill marks, measure for squareness and thickness tolerances, flag any corrosion or warped pieces, then cut the approved stock and record serials.
The tools that do the workComputer aided design and drafting CADDjob descriptions
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Three dimensional modeling
+Update the three dimensional modeling record for Building B level 3 support beams with as-built reinforcement…
Three dimensional modeling
+Update the three dimensional modeling record for Building B level 3 support beams with as-built reinforcement sizes, note conflict with MEP run at gridline C, attach the latest site scan, and notify Rajeev and the project engineer before Friday close of business.
The tools that do the workTeklaO*NET
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Says who?
These are the pages we read to build this. Open any of them and check us.
Activities this job lives in
The human activities behind the tasks — each with its honest AI ceiling.
The logs, files & records this job keeps
Shared with other careers — the same record means something different in each.
Related careers
Same family of work — each with its own tasks and prompts.
The LLOS Work Atlas is the world's largest evidenced task library — a map of human work, with a ready prompt behind every task. 1,774 careers · every task named by the sources that witnessed it — O*NET, ESCO, real job descriptions, Wikipedia — and the deepest tasks by several at once. And it is honest about limits: where AI cannot help, the map says so.
The rest of the map
Same library, five ways in.
Copyright © LLOS.ai · 2026 — original pedagogy, voice, and design — all rights reserved.
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