The metal fabrication industry offers a vast and rewarding career path for individuals who enjoy working with their hands and possess a knack for creating functional objects.
This sector encompasses a wide range of specialties, ensuring there’s a perfect niche for everyone, from entry-level positions to senior roles requiring extensive experience. Not only can a career in metal fabrication be personally fulfilling, but it can also provide excellent work-life balance and competitive salaries.
This guide explores ten of the highest-paying jobs in metal fabrication for 2024, outlining the job duties, educational requirements, and projected job growth for each position.
What is the Metal Fabrication Industry?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics https://www.bls.gov/, the metal fabrication industry transforms raw materials into intermediate or finished products used in various applications, including computer equipment, electronics, and metal furniture. Metal goes through processes like stamping, welding, forging, bending, and machining to achieve the desired final shape.
Workers in this industry can expect to earn an average of over $28.80 per hour, working around 40 hours a week. Job opportunities range from welders and assemblers to machinists, supervisors, and more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the metal fabrication industry to be a stable and in-demand field, with job growth expected to reach billions by 2027.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Metal Fabrication (2024)
1. Sheet Metal Mechanic
- Median National Salary: $55,350/year
- Education Required: High school diploma
- Number of Jobs: 126,200
- Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 0% (Little or no change)
Sheet metal mechanics specialize in fabricating, assembling, and installing sheet metal components for various structures and systems. They leverage their expertise in metalworking, blueprint reading, and welding to shape and join sheet metal, contributing to the construction and maintenance of architectural, industrial, and mechanical systems.
2. Boilermaker
- Median National Salary: $66,920/year
- Education Required: High school diploma
- Number of Jobs: 13,700
- Job Growth 2022 – 2032: -4% (Decline)
Boilermakers are responsible for constructing, assembling, and maintaining boilers, tanks, and other large vessels that hold liquids and gases. Their proficiency in welding, metalworking, and blueprint reading is crucial for fabricating and installing these structures, playing a vital role in the construction and maintenance of industrial facilities. While the job outlook shows a slight decline, boilermakers remain a high-paying specialty within metal fabrication.
3. Industrial Engineer
- Median National Salary: $96,350/year
- Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
- Number of Jobs: 327,300
- Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 12% (Much faster than average)
Industrial engineers focus on optimizing complex processes, systems, and organizations to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality control. They utilize their knowledge of engineering principles, data analysis, and project management to design and implement solutions that enhance operational performance and streamline production processes across various industries.
4. Manufacturing Manager
- Median National Salary: $107,560/year
- Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
- Number of Jobs: 222,100
- Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 2% (As fast as average)
Manufacturing managers oversee production processes, manage resources, and ensure goods are manufactured efficiently and meet quality standards. Their expertise in production management, supply chain operations, and leadership allows them to coordinate and optimize manufacturing activities, drive productivity, and uphold product quality within a manufacturing facility.
5. Construction Superintendent
- Median National Salary: $101,480/year
- Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
- Number of Jobs: 505,800
- Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 5% (Faster than average)
Construction superintendents oversee and coordinate construction projects, manage on-site operations, and ensure work is carried out according to plans and specifications. Their expertise in construction management, scheduling, and quality control empowers them to supervise construction activities, monitor progress, and ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.
6. Sheet Metal Worker
- Median National Salary: $55,350/year
- Education Required: High school diploma
- Number of Jobs: 126,200
- Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 0% (Little or no change)
Similar to sheet metal mechanics, sheet metal workers specialize in fabricating, installing, and maintaining sheet metal products and components used in various construction projects. They utilize their skills in metalworking, blueprint reading, and welding to shape, cut, and assemble sheet metal into ductwork, roofing, and other architectural elements, contributing to the construction and maintenance of buildings and structures.
7. Assembler
- Median National Salary: $37,930/year
- Education Required: High school diploma
- Number of Jobs: 1,961,900
- Job Growth 2022 – 2032: -6% (Decline)
Assemblers play a vital role in manufacturing and production environments by putting together components or products. They rely on their ability to follow assembly instructions, operate hand tools or machinery effectively to assemble parts and ensure the quality and accuracy of the finished products. While the job outlook for assemblers shows a decline, it remains a large occupational field with various entry-level opportunities.
8. Fabricator
- Median National Salary: $37,930/year
- Education Required: High school diploma
- Number of Jobs: 1,961,900
- Job Growth 2022 – 2032: -6% (Decline)
Fabricators are responsible for creating metal structures through cutting, bending, and assembling metal materials. Their expertise in welding, metalworking, and blueprint reading allows them to produce metal components and structures used in various industrial and architectural projects. Similar to assemblers, fabricators play a key role in the manufacturing process, and the job outlook reflects a projected decline.
9. Metallurgical Engineer
- Median National Salary: $100,140/year
- Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or a related field
- Number of Jobs: 22,300
- Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 5% (Faster than average)
Metallurgical engineers delve into the world of metals, studying and manipulating their properties to develop and improve manufacturing processes and materials.
Their expertise in metallurgy, materials science, and engineering principles empowers them to research, design, and implement processes for producing metals and alloys with desired properties. This field plays a crucial role in advancements across various industries such as manufacturing, mining, and materials development.
10. Metals Analyst
- Median National Salary: $85,720/year
- Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, or a related field
- Number of Jobs: 109,900
- Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 23% (Much faster than average)
Metals analysts are specialists who research and analyze trends in metal markets, providing valuable insights and recommendations to investors and industry professionals. Their expertise in market research, data analysis, and economic factors allows them to assess supply and demand dynamics, price movements, and market conditions, ultimately supporting informed decision-making within the metal industry.
The projected job growth for metals analysts is significantly faster than average, highlighting the increasing demand for their specialized skills.
Requirements and Skills for a Metal Fabrication Career
Success in a metal fabrication career hinges on possessing the right qualifications and skills. While specific requirements vary depending on the position, here’s a general skillset that provides a solid foundation for landing a job in this field:
- Communication Skills: The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, is essential in any industry, and metal fabrication is no exception. Depending on the specific role, you might work independently or collaboratively, requiring strong communication skills to effectively convey information and collaborate with colleagues.
- Work Ethic: A strong work ethic demonstrates dedication, hard work, and a sense of pride in your work. This quality is highly valued in metal fabrication, where precision and following best practices are paramount.
- Teamwork: The ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively is crucial in metal fabrication. Many roles involve working closely with others in a team setting and being a team player ensures you can contribute effectively towards achieving shared goals