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Metal fabricator vs lead fabricator

The differences between metal fabricators and lead fabricators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a lead fabricator has an average salary of $44,415, which is higher than the $38,047 average annual salary of a metal fabricator.

The top three skills for a metal fabricator include MIG, hand tools and aluminum. The most important skills for a lead fabricator are customer service, lean manufacturing, and safety procedures.

Metal fabricator vs lead fabricator overview

Metal FabricatorLead Fabricator
Yearly salary$38,047$44,415
Hourly rate$18.29$21.35
Growth rate-6%-1%
Number of jobs4,8683,209
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 28%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

Metal fabricator vs lead fabricator salary

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

Metal FabricatorLead Fabricator
Average salary$38,047$44,415
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $48,000Between $27,000 And $72,000
Highest paying CityClifton, NJ-
Highest paying stateNevada-
Best paying companyHalliburton-
Best paying industryAutomotive-

Differences between metal fabricator and lead fabricator education

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

Metal FabricatorLead Fabricator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 28%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingBusiness
Most common college--

Metal fabricator vs lead fabricator demographics

Here are the differences between metal fabricators' and lead fabricators' demographics:

Metal FabricatorLead Fabricator
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 94.1% Female, 5.9%Male, 92.8% Female, 7.2%
Race ratioBlack 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, 11.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 8.8% White, 58.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between metal fabricator and lead fabricator 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.
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Lead fabricator example responsibilities.

  • Weld TIG & GMAW stainless certify.
  • Quoted jobs, weld TIG, MIG, aluminum and steel.
  • Fabricate jigs and fixtures for accurate production of parts.
  • Follow all safety policies and ensure PPE are used.
  • Develop jigs, dies, fixtures, gauges and other tooling to meet specifications set out by customers.
  • Glass glazing/commercial aluminum window panel fabrication
  • Show more

Metal fabricator vs lead fabricator skills

Common metal fabricator skills
  • MIG, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Aluminum, 6%
  • Press Brake, 6%
  • Drill Press, 5%
  • Tape Measure, 5%
Common lead fabricator skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Lean Manufacturing, 7%
  • Safety Procedures, 7%
  • Sigma, 6%
  • CNC Plasma, 4%
  • Shop Equipment, 4%

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