Metal fabricator vs sign maker

The differences between metal fabricators and sign makers 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 $36,308 average annual salary of a sign maker.

The top three skills for a metal fabricator include MIG, hand tools and aluminum. The most important skills for a sign maker are graphic design, vinyl graphics, and aluminum.

Metal fabricator vs sign maker overview

	Metal Fabricator	Sign Maker
Yearly salary	$38,047	$36,308
Hourly rate	$18.29	$17.46
Growth rate	-6%	7%
Number of jobs	4,868	8,783
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 46%	Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	-	-

Metal fabricator vs sign maker salary

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

	Metal Fabricator	Sign Maker
Average salary	$38,047	$36,308
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $48,000	Between $26,000 And $50,000
Highest paying City	Clifton, NJ	-
Highest paying state	Nevada	-
Best paying company	Halliburton	-
Best paying industry	Automotive	-

Differences between metal fabricator and sign maker education

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

	Metal Fabricator	Sign Maker
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 46%	Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Graphic Design
Most common college	-	-

Metal fabricator vs sign maker demographics

Here are the differences between metal fabricators' and sign makers' demographics:

	Metal Fabricator	Sign Maker
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9%	Male, 69.1% Female, 30.9%
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, 12.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 8.8% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between metal fabricator and sign maker 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.

Sign maker example responsibilities.

Demonstrate proper use and application of PPE.
Apply basic and finish coats to sign blanks.
Print graphics on corrugate plastic, PVC, foam board, etc.
Keep record of number of boxes and labels used for each product run.
Pick, pack, and receive materials for customer orders using RF scanner and operator headset
Apply primers and sealers to prepare new surfaces, such as bare aluminum and steel, for finish coats.

Metal fabricator vs sign maker skills

Common metal fabricator skills

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

Common sign maker skills

Graphic Design, 16%
Vinyl Graphics, 14%
Aluminum, 13%
Vehicle Graphics, 5%
Custom Signage, 5%
Install Signage, 4%