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Fabricator vs installer

The differences between fabricators and installers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an installer has an average salary of $39,799, which is higher than the $34,922 average annual salary of a fabricator.

The top three skills for a fabricator include hand tools, basic math and calipers. The most important skills for an installer are customer service, windows, and plumbing.

Fabricator vs installer overview

FabricatorInstaller
Yearly salary$34,922$39,799
Hourly rate$16.79$19.13
Growth rate-1%2%
Number of jobs7,77230,303
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 44%High School Diploma, 45%
Average age4442
Years of experience-12

What does a fabricator do?

A fabricator specializes in manufacturing and assembling equipment or devices, ensuring every product's quality and efficiency. There are instances when a fabricator is required to make multiple gears, conduct verification processes on product schematics and specifications, perform quality control inspections, and test the product in different environments. Furthermore, a fabricator needs to coordinate with all workforce members to remain informed on any changes or updates in the production operations while adhering to the company's policies and safety standards.

What does an installer do?

Installers are assigned to assemble equipment or fixtures in the client's work or home area. They should have extensive knowledge of the product they will install to ensure it works as intended. They should also be familiar with handling different tools, especially those that would help them build the product. Installers should be able to walk the client through how to use the product. They should also be able to answer any inquiries that the client may have. Installers should have quick decision-making skills, interpersonal skills, and creativity.

Fabricator vs installer salary

Fabricators and installers have different pay scales, as shown below.

FabricatorInstaller
Average salary$34,922$39,799
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $44,000Between $31,000 And $50,000
Highest paying CityLas Vegas, NVSeattle, WA
Highest paying stateNevadaWashington
Best paying companyDanaherPella
Best paying industryFinanceTechnology

Differences between fabricator and installer education

There are a few differences between a fabricator and an installer in terms of educational background:

FabricatorInstaller
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 44%High School Diploma, 45%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingBusiness
Most common college--

Fabricator vs installer demographics

Here are the differences between fabricators' and installers' demographics:

FabricatorInstaller
Average age4442
Gender ratioMale, 89.8% Female, 10.2%Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 8.1% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage5%2%

Differences between fabricator and installer duties and responsibilities

Fabricator example responsibilities.

  • Finish weld using SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW as required.
  • Gain experience in tig and arc welding, as well as cleaning welds.
  • Design, manufacture, and assemble plastic products through one of a number of methods such as molding and extrusion.
  • Operate equipment and power tools, including arc welding and gas welding equipment, grinders, sanders, lathes and saws.
  • Master the use of an array of tools including but not limit to power saws, grinders, polishers, etc.
  • Certify in SMAW, GMAW.
  • Show more

Installer example responsibilities.

  • Manage telecommunications, data and CCTV equipment.
  • Experience with brazing, running new line set, and EPA certify.
  • Install various heating and air conditioning systems like water heaters, furnaces, heat pumps, a/c condensers.
  • Work with steel snips, brake and screw guns.
  • Train in Crestron integrate systems.
  • Schedule and run sales appointments.
  • Show more

Fabricator vs installer skills

Common fabricator skills
  • Hand Tools, 10%
  • Basic Math, 8%
  • Calipers, 8%
  • Math, 7%
  • Tape Measure, 6%
  • CNC, 5%
Common installer skills
  • Customer Service, 27%
  • Windows, 11%
  • Plumbing, 10%
  • Work Ethic, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
  • HVAC, 4%

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