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Fabricator/installer vs sheet metal mechanic

The differences between fabricator/installers and sheet metal mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a sheet metal mechanic has an average salary of $42,882, which is higher than the $33,758 average annual salary of a fabricator/installer.

The top three skills for a fabricator/installer include customer service, aluminum and hand tools. The most important skills for a sheet metal mechanic are hand tools, brazing, and HVAC.

Fabricator/installer vs sheet metal mechanic overview

Fabricator/InstallerSheet Metal Mechanic
Yearly salary$33,758$42,882
Hourly rate$16.23$20.62
Growth rate-1%-1%
Number of jobs16,64235,242
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 46%
Average age4545
Years of experience--

Fabricator/installer vs sheet metal mechanic salary

Fabricator/installers and sheet metal mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Fabricator/InstallerSheet Metal Mechanic
Average salary$33,758$42,882
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $43,000Between $30,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City-Seattle, WA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Constellation Energy Partners
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between fabricator/installer and sheet metal mechanic education

There are a few differences between a fabricator/installer and a sheet metal mechanic in terms of educational background:

Fabricator/InstallerSheet Metal Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 46%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Fabricator/installer vs sheet metal mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between fabricator/installers' and sheet metal mechanics' demographics:

Fabricator/InstallerSheet Metal Mechanic
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 96.3% Female, 3.7%Male, 92.5% Female, 7.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.3% Asian, 2.7% White, 65.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between fabricator/installer and sheet metal mechanic duties and responsibilities

Fabricator/installer example responsibilities.

  • Manage telecommunications, data and CCTV equipment.
  • Fabricate and install HVAC equipment for new construction / retrofit existing for residential and commercial buildings.
  • Follow detail drawings in building fan assemblies, using MIG welding or Huckriveting.
  • Pull low voltage wiring for thermostat, zone systems, and other HVAC controls.
  • Fabricate all new components and weld them onto the new frames using GMAW process.
  • Work with different granite stone; cutting, polishing and getting it ready for kitchen and bathrooms.
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Sheet metal mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Adhere to OSHA regulations by inspection and documenting safety harnesses and PPE.
  • Solder copper lines to set condensing, package and air handler units with oxygen and acetylene torches.
  • Perform installation and assembly of air duct systems with use of hand and power tools, ladders, and lifts.
  • Locate establish reference lines or points and perform sheet metal assembly work without aid of jigs, fixtures, or other tooling
  • Green handle and red handle snips )
  • Build and hang Tdc and duct mate duct.
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Fabricator/installer vs sheet metal mechanic skills

Common fabricator/installer skills
  • Customer Service, 29%
  • Aluminum, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • MIG, 5%
  • CNC, 5%
  • Custom Cabinets, 4%
Common sheet metal mechanic skills
  • Hand Tools, 18%
  • Brazing, 8%
  • HVAC, 7%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • Air Handlers, 5%
  • Aluminum, 4%

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