How to hire a fabrication manager

How to hire a fabrication manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step fabrication manager hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a fabrication manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new fabrication manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The fabrication manager hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

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   Hiring the perfect fabrication manager also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list presents fabrication manager salaries for various positions.

   Type of Fabrication Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Fabrication Manager		$25-56
   Supervisor	Supervisors are responsible for overseeing the daily functions of employees in a specific team, department, or even a work shift. They create work schedules, organize work processes and workflows, train new hires, provide necessary reports related to the team function and the employees, monitor and evaluate employee performance, and ensure that goals of the specific team or department are met... Show more	$14-44
   Line Leader	Production line leaders or production team leaders typically work in the manufacturing industry. These leaders undertake both mental and physical work, including filing reports and paperwork, helping in order completion, and managing production assembly lines... Show more	$11-26

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Continuous Improvement
   • Safety Procedures
   • Lean Manufacturing
   • Quality Standards
   • CNC
   • Production Schedules
   • OSHA
   • On-Time Delivery
   • R
   • ISO
   • CAD
   • Press Brake
   • Production Process
   • Aluminum

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage all shipping & receiving logistics before creating position of shipping supervisor.
   • Experience with OSHA safety as well as employee safety.
   • Operate facility in compliance with OSHA and Sapa standards.
   • Operate a press, shears, rollers, plasma cutter, and mig and tig welders.
   • Design and build props for theatrical sets from wood, steel, aluminum, and other materials for special events.
   • Plan and design require parts of sheet metal for the marine industry with duct planning and HVAC installation with wiring.

   More fabrication manager duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your fabrication manager job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A fabrication manager salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, fabrication managers' average salary in iowa is 41% less than in massachusetts.
   • Seniority. Entry-level fabrication managers earn 54% less than senior-level fabrication managers.
   • Certifications. A fabrication manager with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a fabrication manager's salary.

   Average fabrication manager salary

   $79,819yearly

   $38.37 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level fabrication manager salary

   $54,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 19, 2025

   Average fabrication manager salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Massachusetts	$107,698	$52
   2	California	$102,643	$49
   3	New York	$91,503	$44
   4	Arizona	$87,786	$42
   5	Washington	$85,835	$41
   6	Maryland	$85,607	$41
   7	Virginia	$83,088	$40
   8	Wisconsin	$80,148	$39
   9	South Dakota	$79,918	$38
   10	Oregon	$79,530	$38
   11	Michigan	$79,517	$38
   12	Minnesota	$79,358	$38
   13	Pennsylvania	$79,308	$38
   14	Colorado	$77,089	$37
   15	Georgia	$75,674	$36
   16	Nebraska	$75,486	$36
   17	Ohio	$74,548	$36
   18	Arkansas	$70,542	$34
   19	North Carolina	$67,868	$33
   20	Florida	$65,665	$32

   Average fabrication manager salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Calvin Klein	$122,453	$58.87
   2	Vicor	$118,125	$56.79
   3	Tri Cities	$88,829	$42.71
   4	EMCOR Group	$83,721	$40.25	1
   5	Retail	$83,552	$40.17
   6	ATI Physical Therapy	$81,807	$39.33
   7	Elie Tahari	$81,592	$39.23
   8	GPAC	$79,334	$38.14
   9	Spirit AeroSystems	$78,839	$37.90
   10	Hunter Douglas	$75,707	$36.40	1
   11	Hanger	$74,165	$35.66	8
   12	Randstad North America, Inc.	$73,901	$35.53
   13	SPX	$72,302	$34.76
   14	Shaw Industries	$71,284	$34.27
   15	Suncoast Post-Tension	$66,935	$32.18
   16	Center for Families & Children Inc.	$59,236	$28.48
   17	Denver Zoo	$57,424	$27.61
   18	Johns Hopkins University	$50,241	$24.15

4. Writing a fabrication manager job description

   A fabrication manager job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a fabrication manager job description:

   Fabrication manager job description example

   The purpose of this position is to perform the essential job duties and functions as listed below with the overall objective of establishing an execution framework on the project that complies with the contract and ensures the safety, quality, value, timeliness, and Fluor profitability of the completed project. This position performs project management responsibilities on a small, services type low risk services project (as defined by the Business Line) or on an assigned segment of a larger project, including coordination of design, procurement, and construction activities. When assigned to only a segment of a larger project, this role develops a complete understanding of the Fluor contract and any relevant subcontracts in order to provide full support to the overall project management team
   •Review the Fluor prime contract and any relevant subcontracts
   •Collaborate in the preparation of the documents associated with the execution of all aspects of the project in accordance with contractual obligations, Fluor's Operating System Requirements (OSR) and the relevant Operating System Implementation Plan (OSIP)
   •Support the General Manager (GM) in verifying that Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) is emphasized throughout all phases of the project
   •Report to the General Manager about the status of the project requirements for Baseline Centric Execution, safety, quality, and productivity and assess if those requirements are met by Fluor where work is being performed
   •Prepare a draft for GM approval of the project baseline (as defined in the OSR) and ensure that it is fully documented, updated, and communicated to the project team as appropriate
   •Other duties as assigned
   
   Basic Job Requirements
   
   •Accredited bachelor degree or global equivalent in applicable field of study and six (6) years of work-related experience (fabrication/project management) or a combination of an associates degree and directly related experience equal to ten (10) years in a fabrication/ project management environment; some locations may have additional or different qualifications in order to comply with local requirements
   •Ability to communicate effectively with audiences that include but are not limited to executive management, coworkers, clients, vendors, contractors, and other internal/external stakeholders
   •Job related technical knowledge necessary to complete the job
   •Ability to learn and apply knowledge of applicable local, state/province, and federal/national statutes and guidelines
   •Ability to attend to detail and work in a time-conscious and time-effective manner
   •Organize and execute a variety of complex projects and assigned tasks in a cost effective and timely manner by establishing priorities and workflows to meet critical deadlines and budgets through management of the dally work.
   
   •Provide input to and develop customer quotations by developing a detailed scope of work for each job inclusive of the assignment of expected labor, material, indirect costs and appropriate overhead and profit.
   
   •Ensure the timely preparation and issuance of project deliverables, inclusive of but not limited to, work instructions, drawings, specifications, work schedules, etc. in support of project execution activities.
   
   •Establish direct work sequencing to expedite project delivery and to minimize the disruption of ongoing operations.
   
   •Implement a strong, effective, and decisive project leadership platform that establishes an execution framework that ensures the safety, quality, timeliness, and profitability of the fabrication product line and the overall business.
   
   •Establish a positive work environment and relationship among team members that supports Fluor's core values of safety, integrity, teamwork, and excellence to ensure the team's focus is on the execution of assigned goals and objectives.
   
   •Develop and issue final close out reports for each assigned project and provide accurate, comprehensive, and timely data input to facilitate project and facility reporting requirements.
   
   •Ensure the establishment of an efficient and cost-effective work environment.
   
   •Adhere to and support Fluor's Health, Safety & Environmental, Diversity & Inclusion, and Sustainability policies.
   
   •Raise and track issues and conflicts, remove barriers, resolve issues of medium complexity involving stakeholders and escalate to appropriate level when required.
   
   •Ensure all material and component inventory is properly maintained to complete each project on time and within budget.
   
   •Ensure all personnel within the fabrication unit, inclusive of fabricators, welders and other craft are fully trained & qualified to perform their assigned work.
   
   •Develop and implement weld procedures and specifications required by the work in conjunction with Fluor's welding department.
   
   •Support the implementation of automated work processes and tools to the fullest extent practical, consistent with adding value.
   
   •Establish and maintain credible, professional relationships with clients, internal business lines, and external vendors.
   
   •Communicate personally with all customers on shop job status, and present corrective plans to customers for all delivery and quality concerns / issues.
   
   •Manage expenditures within agreed client budgets.
   
   •Ensure employee performance and development review cycle is carried out in line with company procedures.
   
   Preferred Qualifications
   
   •Jobsite experience and understanding of construction safety program
   Five (5) years of experience as Project Engineer or Specialist, or a project role of significant capacity such as Project Controls Lead, Contracts Lead, etc., and three (3) years experience as a design or construction engineer on projects
   •Demonstration of successful performance as an assistant General Manager on small to medium sized projects (as defined by the Business Line or having proven his or her capability in a projects role on large sized engineering, procurement, fabrication, and construction/construction management (EPFC/CM) projects
   •Completed project management related courses in-house and through university or other qualified sources
   •Basic understanding of project design, engineering, procurement, material management, construction, commissioning, start up, turn over work processes, sequencing, and interfaces
   •Project Controls and Finance including basic understanding of:
   - Scheduling (including manpower loading)
   - Progress measurement
   - Risk assessment and management
   - Code of accounts
   - Work breakdown structure
   - Change management
   - Cost control
   - Estimating process and planning
   - Global Pricing Model (GPM), Project Status Review (PSR) and Project Margin Analysis, Report (PMAR) development and reporting
   •Appreciation of key elements of contract law and when to engage legal
   •Understanding of general regulatory requirements including permitting
   •Proactive - goal orientated with the initiative to influence events positively
   •Ability to resolve problems and to be comfortable in complex project or business environments
   •Ability to set and maintain high standards of self performance with responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments and tasks
   •Mobility - for example, relocating to site locations when necessary
   •Analytical approach to problem solving and identifying potential solutions
   •Technical and business writing skills
   •Basic computer and software skills to include the use of word processing, email, spreadsheets, and electronic presentations
   •Certification in project management is suggested, for example, Project Management Professional (PMP)
   
   Other Job Requirements
   
   •Participate in Fluor University courses for continued learning experiences
   •Utilize Knowledge Management processes to capture, support and leverage relevant knowledge to enhance project execution
   •Participate in sales and marketing efforts as requested
   •Knowledge of general business software and aptitude to learn new applications; proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
   
   •Ability to read and understand policies & procedures, engineered drawings, instructions in the use and maintenance of shop tools and equipment, vendor manuals, and other production related material
   
   Notice to Candidates:
   
   Background checks are carried out as part of any conditional offer made, including (but not limited to & role dependant) education, professional registration, employment, references, passport verifications and Global Watchlist screening.
   
   Benefits
   
   Fluor is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote employee health, wellness, and financial security. Our offerings include medical, dental and vision plans, EAP, disability coverage, life insurance, AD&D, voluntary benefit plans, 401(k) with a company match, and training and development courses.

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5. Post your job

   To find fabrication managers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any fabrication managers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level fabrication managers with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your fabrication manager job on Zippia to find and recruit fabrication manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with fabrication manager candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new fabrication manager

   Once you've decided on a perfect fabrication manager candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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