As tough as jobs in the metal fabrications industry seems to be, more and more people are getting into it by the day. Therefore the number of the query, ‘is metal fabrications a good career path’ continues to build up in our inbox. So we are going to be dedicating this post to answering that.
If you are looking for a somewhat different job from the mainstream, you can consider metal fabrication. Jobs in the industry involve dealing with dangerous things on a daily basis, including sharp grinders, molten metal, and saws. However, jobs here are highly rewarding and come with lots of perks and benefits.
This post will show you important things you need to know about the metal fabrication industry and why it could be a good career path. If that sounds interesting to you, you should keep reading!
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Is Metal Fabrications a Good Career Path?
If you are a die-hard lover of machines and various equipment and wish to get a job where you can satisfy your love for machines and metals, then metal fabrication may be a perfect industry for you. Different construction-related, aerospace and manufacturing companies are hiring skilled fabricators by the day, making lots of jobs available in the industry.
Careers in the industry are high-paying and highly satisfying. If you are looking for a job that offers great opportunities and allows you to work with your hands, the metal fabrication industry is good to consider. In the later part of this post, we will show you more reasons anyone should consider picking up a career in the metal fabrication industry.
What Does A Metal Fabricator Do?
It is important what the industry is about to be able to rightly decide if it is a good one for you or not. Metal fabrication majorly involves cutting, forming, bending, and assembling metals. It is one of the oldest forms of skills that humans have mastered.
The process of fabricating metals is more of an art than just cutting and reshaping metals. And most tasks in the industry today are automated. But that still didn’t remove the involvement of human efforts from the scene. In fact, it even places more demand for professionals in the industry.
As a metal fabricator, you will be responsible for multiple steps in assembling metal parts while using raw materials. Some of the responsibilities of a fabricator include:
- Studying blueprints of machinery
- Using hand tools and equipment to cut, shape, join and fabricate metals
- Conducting quality checks to make sure all parts comply with required specifications
- Record the result and maintain a work log for every project
Different metal fabrication jobs can mean different job requirements. Some fabrication jobs can require physical abilities. For instance, workers involved in the manufacture of bridge structures, cranes, and ship structures might have to lift heavy metal sheets or have to stand for a long time.
Is Metal Fabrications A Good Career Path: How Much Can A Metal Fabricator Make?
Jobs in the metal fabrication industry are really rewarding. The industry doesn’t only give you high satisfaction with your jobs but also pays well. Although the amount you can earn as a metal fabricator depends on your experience and education, the lowest average salary you can earn in the industry is around $33k per year. And this can go as high as $70k with some positions.
Is Metal Fabrications a Good Career Path: Some Perks Offered By the Industry
As we earlier said, the industry is good for anyone who loves working with machines and various equipment. Working in metal fabrications comes with a host of benefits, and that is why we recommend you consider it when looking for a career path. Some of the perks offered by metal fabrication include:
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High demand
As technology and infrastructure development continue to increase in our economy, so is the demand for workers in the metal fabrication industry to help with the demand. Companies are out there looking to build faster and more efficient chips to power the next generation. So workers are in high demand in the industry.
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Exiting work opportunities
There are lots of job opportunities in the metal fabrication industry. That means picking a career path there will be a smart choice as you will not have to struggle to get jobs. Whether for seasoned and qualified professionals or entry-level workers, there is enough space to accommodate everyone.
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High pay
The metal fabrication industry is one of the best paying industries in consumer durables. As we said, workers can earn as high as $70k per year, with the least salary averaging $33k. While the salary may vary from one country to another or from one company to the other, you can be sure of getting a handsome salary working as a metal fabricator.
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You get the chance to work with different technicians
There are lots of departments in the metal fabrication industry. Picking a career in this industry means having the chance to work with different technicians across various fields. This is a great way to improve your skills and interact with people outside your area of expertise.
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No need for a university degree
You don’t have to have a university degree before you can work in the metal fabrication industry. There are various entry-level positions that even require only informal training.
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High job satisfaction
One of the most important things people should consider when asking, ‘is metal fabrications a good career path’ is job satisfaction. Luckily the industry provides that at a good level. Apart from getting paid well for your efforts, you will also be happy doing what you are doing as a metal fabricator. Jobs there come with good exposure and happiness, knowing that you are making a good impact in the economy.
Is Metal Fabrications A Good Career Path: Top Paying Jobs in the Industry
Let’s take a quick look at some of the top-paying jobs in the metal fabricator industry.
- Metallurgists: deal with research and metal extraction. They also deal with making alloys. The average salary of a metallurgist is $89,400 per year.
- CNC programmer: This professional deals with creating software and computer programs for CNC machines that automatically cut metals. They make jobs super easy in the industry. The average annual salary of a CNC programmer is $65,300.
- Sheet metal mechanics: these are technicians in charge of the installation of various sheet metal equipment, particularly for draining pipes, roofing, and air conditioning. The average salary of a sheet metal mechanic is $64,300.
- Boiler makers: are responsible for the assembly and installation of boilers and large containers that carry liquids and gases. The average salary for that position is $60,000.
- Welder: A welder specializes in working on fusing two pieces of metal using intense heat. They also cut metals, smooth surfaces, and fill holes. The average salary of a welder is $58,000.
- Millwright: these professionals are most needed on construction sites where they operate large machinery. They can also work in some other areas of the industry. The average salary a millwright receives is $56,000.
- Fabricators: metal fabricators are specialized in creating, designing, and shaping metal components of equipment. They always use certain equipment such as drills, shears, soldering irons, and cutters. The average salary of a fabricator is $58,800.