A career in metal fabrication is a rewarding, exciting and lucrative one for skilled metal workers. This ever-growing career field offers a steady pool of jobs, solid income potential, and the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects.
Career outlook
Assemblers and fabricators hold 1.8 million jobs in today’s workforce. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 2.3% employment rise in 2016, with an average hourly wage of $19.23 per hour and a mean annual wage of $40,000. Industries with the highest levels of employment for metal fabricators include architectural manufacturing, ship and boat building, and foundation/structural contractors. Other highly employable industries within metal fabrication include industrial, transportation, shipping, motor vehicle, body and trailer manufacturing, engines and turbines, aerospace parts, rail transportation, and jobs within the government sector.
We do metal fabricators do?
Metal fabricators utilize raw metals and machinery to fabricate, position, align and fit metal products for a large variety of products and industries. From car parts to aircraft to steel buildings, if there’s metal involved, you need a fabricator. Most metal fabricators work in fabrication companies or manufacturing plants. Even with advances in technology and machinery, such as precision tube lasers, metal fabrication requires strength and skill.
Skills and training
Hands-on occupational training in the fundamentals, skills and theories of metal fabrication is critical to success in the field. Typically, a high school diploma is required, followed by study in a technical program. It’s important to find a solid program with a strong combination of education and hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment. Areas of instruction should include safety, blueprint readings, math, MIG/TIG/stick welding, sheet metal fabrication, part constructing and forming and project building. In Utah, the DATC in Kaysville and OWATC in Ogden, for example, teach a variety of welding processes, cutting, joining, reading and understanding blueprints, and industrial skills.
Our people and technology
All Metals Fabrication is about more than just metal. Utilizing a strong combination of skilled craftsmen and state-of-the-art technology, our experienced fabrication crews work closely with our project management, engineering, and installation teams to create high-quality metal fabrication work that delivers on time. From our dedicated 60-foot tube laser to welding, flat sheet lasering, punching, rolling, forming and polishing, we provide high-end architectural and industrial metal fabrication from start to finish. For more information about career opportunities, including incredible benefits such as 100% health care coverage and 401K Safe Harbor retirement plans, contact us today at All Metals Fabrication, where Vision Takes Shape!
Rich Marker is an 18 year, skilled professional in metal fabrication and manufacturing. Co-founder, owner and principal of All Metals Fabrication, Rich has helped to sustain the company’s success over a variety of economic conditions. He has extensive background in continuous improvement, training and process improvement, and emotional intelligence—among other specialized proficiencies. He loves to learn, fly fish, watch college football and devour NY style pizza! He has the best family on earth, loves a good plan, great teaching and the opportunity to get better.
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