Do you want to know How Many Jobs Are Available in Metal Fabrications in 2025?
Then you’ve come to the right place.
How Many Jobs Are Available in Metal Fabrication in 2025?
The demand for metal fabrication jobs is expected to grow in 2025 as industries like construction, manufacturing, and automotive continue to expand.
With the rise of automation and advanced technologies, skilled professionals will be needed to handle complex fabrication tasks.
As a result, there will be increasing opportunities for roles such as welders, metal fabricators, and sheet metal workers across various sectors.
Grab a chilled glass of water and keep reading….
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What is Metal Fabrication?
Metal fabrication refers to the cutting, bending, and shaping of metals for various applications. Common uses of fabricated metals include:
- Construction (e.g., bridges)
- Machinery parts
- Automobile manufacturing
Key techniques in metal fabrication include:
- Welding
- Stamping
- Forming
Workers in this field require highly specialized training.
While it’s possible to enter the industry after high school, an apprenticeship lasting several years is often required for employment.
How Many Jobs Are Available in Metal Fabrications?
To understand the number of jobs available in metal fabrication, it’s important to know the industries that rely on these professionals.
Metal fabricators work in any industry that uses raw metal to create structures. Common examples include:
- Assembling vehicles
- Constructing towers
- Building specialized machinery for hospitals
While “metal fabricator” is a job title, it also covers various professions where metal fabrication is the main focus.
For instance, a metal fabricator might weld metal pieces, but there are also welder jobs where welding is the primary skill.
According to the Canada Job Bank, versatile roles like sheet metal workers have strong job prospects across different provinces and territories.
Job Outlook for Metal Fabrication Jobs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2021, 61,070 people worked as structural metal fabricators and fitters in the U.S.
The states with the highest concentration of workers are:
- Texas – 7,000 employees
- California – 4,430 employees
- Wisconsin – 4,000 employees
- Pennsylvania – 2,920 employees
- Alabama – 2,580 employees
The job outlook for sheet metal workers from 2021 to 2031 suggests little to no change, indicating a stable level of job security within the industry.
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Is Metal Fabrication a Good Career Path?
Metal fabrication is a great career path for many people, although it’s often overlooked.
Fabricators play a crucial role in creating amazing structures and products.
Jobs in Metal Fabrication Sector
1. Metal Finisher
- National average salary: $41,372 per year
- Primary duties:
- Use equipment to smooth out metal imperfections.
- Apply protective materials to metal products.
- Conduct visual checks to verify product specifications.
- Collaborate with quality control officers to ensure higher consistency and quality
2. Welder
- National average salary: $57,766 per year
- Primary duties:
- Use various techniques to combine metal pieces.
- Ensure safety by adhering to strict safety procedures.
- Wear protective clothing while working with high-temperature metals.
3. Fabricator
- National average salary: $53,175 per year
- Primary duties:
- Work with metal sheets, tubes, and rods to create products based on blueprints.
- Interpret technical drawings and select appropriate materials.
- Use cutting, bending, and shaping tools to turn raw metal into finished products.
4. Sheet Metal Worker
- National average salary: $53,492 per year
- Primary duties:
- Cut, bend, and shape metal sheets using power shears and rollers.
- Measure metal accurately and ensure a polished, high-quality finish.
- Use metal for applications like roofs, gutters, and sidings.
5. Metal Press Operator
- National average salary: $43,557 per year
- Primary duties:
- Operate machines that press metal into shapes.
- Adjust machinery settings for desired outcomes.
- Inspect machine output for quality and make adjustments as needed.
6. Metal Cutter
- National average salary: $37,718 per year
- Primary duties:
- Cut metal using saws, lasers, and plasma cutters.
- Follow strict safety guidelines when operating industrial tools.
- Perform basic maintenance and repairs on cutting equipment.
7. Quality Control Inspector
- National average salary: $51,846 per year
- Primary duties:
- Ensure that factory products meet quality standards.
- Perform on-the-spot checks of colleagues’ work and identify areas for improvement.
- Review the manufacturing process and develop strategies for quality enhancement.
8. Metal Forming Machine Setter
- National average salary: $62,128 per year
- Primary duties:
- Maintain and operate machinery used for shaping and forming metal.
- Ensure the machinery operates accurately and perform regular maintenance like lubrication.
9. CNC Machinist
- National average salary: $58,670 per year
- Primary duties:
- Use software and machinery to produce precision metal parts.
- Interpret blueprints and inspect finished products to check quality.
- Make adjustments to meet required specifications.
10. Metal Polisher
- National average salary: $50,368 per year
- Primary duties:
- Smooth and polish metal surfaces to create a shiny finish.
- Select the appropriate tools for polishing, such as buffing machines and sanding pads.
- Use abrasive compounds to achieve the desired level of shine.
How big is the metal manufacturing industry?
Total revenues were $47.1 billion in 2021 increasing from $42.4 billion in 2020.
What is the Future of Metal Fabrication?
Automation is transforming the metal fabrication industry, bringing major changes to manufacturing processes.
The integration of robotics and AI-driven systems improves efficiency and precision, while reducing the reliance on manual labor for repetitive and high-risk tasks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the metal fabrication industry is expected to see growth in job opportunities by 2025, driven by advances in technology and continued demand across sectors like construction, automotive, and manufacturing.
Roles such as welders, metal fabricators, and sheet metal workers will remain in high demand.
With automation enhancing efficiency, skilled professionals will be essential for the industry’s evolution, ensuring strong prospects for those pursuing a career in metal fabrication.
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