Structural Metal Fitter

Your Fit

Income

$50K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

-16.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Structural Metal Fitter?

A Structural Metal Fitter is a skilled tradesperson who assembles and fits components of structural metal products, ensuring they meet specified dimensions. This occupation involves reading blueprints, using tools, and applying knowledge of metal properties.

Sample job titles:

Fabricator, Fitter, Layout Man, Ship Fitter

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Structural Metal Fitter.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Structural Metal Fitter earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$37K per year	$44K per year	$50K per year	$60K per year	$70K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $400 above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Structural Metal Fitter do?

Work environment

Structural Metal Fitters typically work in manufacturing or construction settings. These environments can be noisy and may require working in various weather conditions. Safety is a high priority due to the use of heavy machinery and tools.

Quick task list

Reads and interprets blueprints and job specifications.
Lays out, positions, aligns, and fits components of structural metal products.
Uses hand tools and machinery to cut, bend, and assemble metal parts.
Inspects and tests completed units to ensure specifications are met.
Collaborates with other workers to facilitate the assembly process.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Commercial Construction Fitting: Specializing in assembling metal frameworks for commercial buildings.
Industrial Equipment Assembly: Focusing on the assembly of large-scale industrial machinery.
Custom Metal Fabrication: Crafting unique, tailor-made metal components for specific projects.

Description

Structural Metal Fitters play a crucial role in the construction and manufacturing industries. Their work involves interpreting complex blueprints and precisely assembling metal parts, ensuring the structural integrity of the final product. The job requires a keen eye for detail, as even small errors can compromise safety and functionality.

A typical day for a Structural Metal Fitter may involve using various tools to cut and shape metal, followed by meticulous alignment and assembly of these parts. The work is physically demanding and requires excellent coordination and manual dexterity. Collaboration with other skilled workers, such as welders and machinists, is often necessary to complete projects efficiently.

This career path offers the satisfaction of creating tangible products and seeing a project evolve from individual components to a completed structure. It demands adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to ongoing learning, especially as technology advances.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The pride of building tangible, enduring structures or products.
The challenge and variety of working on different projects.
Opportunities for skill development and career advancement.

You might make a good Structural Metal Fitter if you are...

Skilled in manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
Able to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints.
Interested in working with metal and learning about its properties.
Physically fit and capable of handling demanding tasks.
Detail-oriented, with a focus on accuracy and quality.

Pros:

Skilled trade with a focus on hands-on work and craftsmanship.
Opportunities for employment in various industries, including construction and manufacturing.
Potential for high job satisfaction from seeing tangible results of one's work.
Opportunities for overtime and higher pay based on project demands.

Cons:

Physically demanding job with potential risk of injury from heavy lifting and use of power tools.
Work environments can be loud and require working in various weather conditions.
May require long hours or overtime to meet project deadlines.
Need for continuous learning and skill updating due to advancements in welding and fitting technologies.

How to become a Structural Metal Fitter

Typical education

Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or an apprenticeship program. Some may pursue vocational training or community college courses in welding or metalworking.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop or vocational classes, particularly in welding and metalwork, for basic skills.
Mathematics, especially geometry, for understanding measurements and angles.
Physics to grasp the principles of force, tension, and material properties.
Technical drawing or drafting to learn how to read blueprints and schematics.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in a robotics club or a workshop-focused group to gain experience in metalworking.
Volunteering for community service projects that involve construction or metalworking.
Summer jobs or internships in construction or metal fabrication shops.

Preparation after high school

Vocational or technical school training in welding, metal fabrication, or a related trade.
Apprenticeship programs in structural metalworking to gain hands-on experience.
Certification programs in welding or metal fitting techniques.
Entry-level positions in metalworking or construction to develop practical skills.

More resources

American Welding Society (AWS) - Offers resources and certification information for welding and metalworking professionals.
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) - Provides training and certification for construction-related trades.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Offers training and resources on workplace safety, crucial for metal fitters.
Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl. (FMA) - Provides industry information and educational resources for metal fabricators.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.