Metal fabricator vs fabrication operator

The differences between metal fabricators and fabrication operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a metal fabricator has an average salary of $38,047, which is higher than the $31,772 average annual salary of a fabrication operator.

The top three skills for a metal fabricator include MIG, hand tools and aluminum. The most important skills for a fabrication operator are tape measure, hand tools, and calipers.

Metal fabricator vs fabrication operator overview

	Metal Fabricator	Fabrication Operator
Yearly salary	$38,047	$31,772
Hourly rate	$18.29	$15.28
Growth rate	-6%	-5%
Number of jobs	4,868	56,825
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 46%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	-	-

Metal fabricator vs fabrication operator salary

Metal fabricators and fabrication operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Metal Fabricator	Fabrication Operator
Average salary	$38,047	$31,772
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $48,000	Between $25,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Clifton, NJ	Mankato, MN
Highest paying state	Nevada	North Dakota
Best paying company	Halliburton	Sanmina
Best paying industry	Automotive	Technology

Differences between metal fabricator and fabrication operator education

There are a few differences between a metal fabricator and a fabrication operator in terms of educational background:

	Metal Fabricator	Fabrication Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 46%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Business
Most common college	-	-

Metal fabricator vs fabrication operator demographics

Here are the differences between metal fabricators' and fabrication operators' demographics:

	Metal Fabricator	Fabrication Operator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9%	Male, 77.6% Female, 22.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 8.1% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 9.4% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between metal fabricator and fabrication operator duties and responsibilities

Metal fabricator example responsibilities.

Examine surface of metal to detect defects, such as dents, scratches, or breaks in metal.
Operate band see, chop see, MIG welder, stick welder, and grinders to cut to specifications.
Design and construct jigs, templates, and fixtures.
Test and troubleshoot electrical systems prior to shipment of modules.
Fabricate and erect structural, ornamental, and misc steel.
Apply knowledge of shop mathematics, metal properties, and layouts.

Fabrication operator example responsibilities.

Coordinate with engineers and supervisor for setting up Amada press brake, forming sheet metal chassis and parts for productions.
Operate any coil fabrication machine producing aluminum coils.
Monitor, control and operate computerized wafer equipment for the inspection, etching or alignment of integrate circuits.
Perform duties in accordance with GMP principles.
Shape metal material over anvils, blocks, or other forms, using hand tools.

Metal fabricator vs fabrication operator skills

Common metal fabricator skills

MIG, 9%
Hand Tools, 8%
Aluminum, 6%
Press Brake, 6%
Drill Press, 5%
Tape Measure, 5%

Common fabrication operator skills

Tape Measure, 12%
Hand Tools, 9%
Calipers, 7%
Grinders, 6%
MIG, 5%
Customer Satisfaction, 4%

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Metal Fabricator
Metal Fabricator vs Fabrication Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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