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.
Fabricator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real fabricator resumes:
- 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.
- Advance knowledge of shop mathematics.
- Review blue prints and ISO certifications.
- Install or troubleshoot electrical lighting on trucks.
- Sign fab, building all shipping creates.
- Install outdoor condensing units and run refrigeration lines.
- Install blowers or motors to unit as needed.
- Advance knowledge of measuring devices such as, calipers, scales, dial indicators, gauges, and micrometers.
- Set up tooling for pieces to be mold, used calipers and micrometers, inspection of final pieces packing and shipping
- Exercise skills in math, reading truss technical instructions to efficiently and correctly assemble the product.
Fabricator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Fabricators are proficient in Hand Tools, Basic Math, and Calipers. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Dexterity, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Fabricators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 10%
Followed blueprints/paperwork to fabricate product using various hand tools and equipment.
- Basic Math, 8%
Caculated rebar count and measured loads with basic math operrations.
- Calipers, 8%
Measure and examine completed work to verify conformance to specifications using micrometers, gauges, calipers, and rulers.
- Math, 7%
Utilize math skills to make calculations related to machining, fabrication and/or assembly operations.
- Tape Measure, 6%
Utilize power tools, tape measures, and other equipment to mold material into desired wall coverings.
- CNC, 5%
Operate CNC plasma table and milling machines as well as all manually operated machines in our complete machine shop.
Common skills that a fabricator uses to do their job include "hand tools," "basic math," and "calipers." You can find details on the most important fabricator responsibilities below.
Dexterity. Many fabricator duties rely on dexterity. "sheet metal workers need good hand–eye coordination and motor control to make precise cuts and bends in metal pieces.," so a fabricator will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways fabricator responsibilities rely on dexterity: "maintained area cleanliness at all times along with operating forklifts and overhead cranes. "
Math skills. This is an important skill for fabricators to perform their duties. For an example of how fabricator responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "sheet metal workers must calculate the proper sizes and angles of fabricated sheet metal to ensure the alignment and fit of ductwork." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a fabricator: "utilize math skills to make calculations related to machining, fabrication and/or assembly operations. ".
Mechanical skills. For certain fabricator responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "mechanical skills." The day-to-day duties of a fabricator rely on this skill, as "sheet metal workers use saws, lasers, shears, and presses." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what fabricators do: "body, metal and mechanical work fiberglass repairs, custom molding and paint audio and video installs. "
Physical strength. Another crucial skill for a fabricator to carry out their responsibilities is "physical strength." A big part of what fabricators relies on this skill, since "sheet metal workers must be able to lift and move ductwork that is heavy and cumbersome." How this skill relates to fabricator duties can be seen in an example from a fabricator resume snippet: "use of heavy machinery, power tools, air tools, lots of physical labor. "
The three companies that hire the most fabricators are:
- Nexus Staffing Solutions118 fabricators jobs
- Wastequip42 fabricators jobs
- White Cap Construction Supply Inc31 fabricators jobs
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Compare different fabricators
Fabricator vs. Pipe welder
According to schematics and analyzing specifications, a pipe welder is responsible for maintaining and repairing pipe systems and components. Pipe welders inspect the quality of the materials, assemble tools for welding preparations, ensure the safety of the welding method and structural units, and strictly adhere to safety operations procedures. They also examine finished welds to identify any defects and perform adjustments as needed. A pipe welder must have a broad knowledge of the mechanical industry to operate machinery and construct a safe piping system.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a fabricator are more likely to require skills like "basic math," "calipers," "math," and "tape measure." On the other hand, a job as a pipe welder requires skills like "fcaw," "safety equipment," "rough spots," and "install pipe." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Pipe welders earn the highest salaries when working in the construction industry, with an average yearly salary of $56,027. On the other hand, fabricators are paid more in the finance industry with an average salary of $42,665.The education levels that pipe welders earn slightly differ from fabricators. In particular, pipe welders are 3.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a fabricator. Additionally, they're 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Fabricator vs. Mig welder
The MIG welder is responsible for creating metal projects using inert gas welding techniques and electric arc processes. MIG welders carefully fuse metal components, avoiding contamination on the weld, as well as managing the metal bond defects. They analyze specifications, interpret blueprints, and operate various machine tools and equipment for accurate measuring and cutting. The MIG welder should strictly follow the safety procedures at all times during operations to avoid hazards in the workplace, including the proper storage and cleaning of welding tools and materials.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, fabricator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "basic math," "calipers," "mig," and "fabrication shop." Meanwhile, a mig welder has duties that require skills in areas such as "good communication," "safety equipment," "steel-toed boots," and "plasma arc." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Mig welders earn a higher average salary than fabricators. But mig welders earn the highest pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $40,936. Additionally, fabricators earn the highest salaries in the finance with average pay of $42,665 annually.mig welders earn similar levels of education than fabricators in general. They're 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Fabricator vs. Liner
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, fabricators are more likely to have skills like "hand tools," "basic math," "calipers," and "math." But a liner is more likely to have skills like "osha," "machinery equipment," "sandbags," and "rig."
When it comes to education, liners tend to earn similar degree levels compared to fabricators. In fact, they're 1.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Fabricator vs. Door assembler
Types of fabricator
Updated January 8, 2025
