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Sheet metal apprentice vs metal fabricator

The differences between sheet metal apprentices and metal fabricators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a sheet metal apprentice has an average salary of $39,020, which is higher than the $38,047 average annual salary of a metal fabricator.

The top three skills for a sheet metal apprentice include HVAC, hand tools and product specifications. The most important skills for a metal fabricator are MIG, hand tools, and aluminum.

Sheet metal apprentice vs metal fabricator overview

Sheet Metal ApprenticeMetal Fabricator
Yearly salary$39,020$38,047
Hourly rate$18.76$18.29
Growth rate-1%-6%
Number of jobs11,3424,868
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 46%
Average age4544
Years of experience--

Sheet metal apprentice vs metal fabricator salary

Sheet metal apprentices and metal fabricators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Sheet Metal ApprenticeMetal Fabricator
Average salary$39,020$38,047
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $52,000Between $29,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City-Clifton, NJ
Highest paying state-Nevada
Best paying company-Halliburton
Best paying industry-Automotive

Differences between sheet metal apprentice and metal fabricator education

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

Sheet Metal ApprenticeMetal Fabricator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 46%
Most common majorBusinessPrecision Metal Working
Most common college--

Sheet metal apprentice vs metal fabricator demographics

Here are the differences between sheet metal apprentices' and metal fabricators' demographics:

Sheet Metal ApprenticeMetal Fabricator
Average age4544
Gender ratioMale, 93.4% Female, 6.6%Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 2.6% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%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%
LGBT Percentage4%5%

Differences between sheet metal apprentice and metal fabricator duties and responsibilities

Sheet metal apprentice example responsibilities.

  • Help hang duct work, make duct work, plumbing.
  • Certify by the USAF in MIG and TIG weld operations.
  • Use scribers, dividers, and squares to mark dimensions on materials
  • Measure parts with micrometers and calipers to verify dimensions.
  • Perform in visible, progressively responsible roles primarily involving the installation of commercial/ industrial HVAC equipment.
  • Work to restore aircraft to optimal performance capacity by ensuring that necessary devices are repaired and install according to FAA guidelines.
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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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Sheet metal apprentice vs metal fabricator skills

Common sheet metal apprentice skills
  • HVAC, 16%
  • Hand Tools, 15%
  • Product Specifications, 12%
  • Tape Measure, 9%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
Common metal fabricator skills
  • MIG, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Aluminum, 6%
  • Press Brake, 6%
  • Drill Press, 5%
  • Tape Measure, 5%

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