How to hire a sheet metal fabricator

How to hire a sheet metal fabricator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step sheet metal fabricator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a sheet metal fabricator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new sheet metal fabricator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a sheet metal fabricator do?

Post a sheet metal fabricator job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the sheet metal fabricator you need to hire. Certain sheet metal fabricator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a sheet metal fabricator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a sheet metal fabricator that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of sheet metal fabricators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Sheet Metal Fabricator	Description	Hourly rate
   Sheet Metal Fabricator	Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets, such as ducts used in heating and air conditioning systems.	$13-25
   Gutter Installer	A gutter installer does the basic installation of gutters, inspects, and repairs them. An installer isn't afraid of enclosed spaces and, if need be, is comfortable making use of a ladder... Show more	$12-21
   Fabricator	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... Show more	$12-21

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Hand Tools
   • Math
   • HVAC
   • MIG
   • Punch Press
   • Aluminum
   • Calipers
   • Brake Press
   • Tape Measure
   • Product Specifications
   • Stainless Steel
   • CNC Machines
   • Drill Press
   • Tig Welding

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage large-scale industrial and commercial HVAC installation and service projects.
   • Weld and fabricate projects of stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum using MIG welding or TIG welding.
   • Perform pattern layout, construct fabricate materials by MIG welding, TIG welding, or standard pop rivets.
   • Input data into a CNC plasma machine and cut duct work.
   • Assist with the installation and operation of control systems and plumbing assemblies.
   • Ensure that all company and OSHA safety guidelines are met or exceed on job site.

   More sheet metal fabricator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the sheet metal fabricator job description is a good way to get more applicants. A sheet metal fabricator salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a sheet metal fabricator in Oklahoma may be lower than in Nevada, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level sheet metal fabricator. Additionally, a sheet metal fabricator with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average sheet metal fabricator salary

   $40,224yearly

   $19.34 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level sheet metal fabricator salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

   Average sheet metal fabricator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Massachusetts	$57,937	$28
   2	New Jersey	$57,040	$27
   3	Connecticut	$52,415	$25
   4	Minnesota	$52,003	$25
   5	Arizona	$47,928	$23
   6	Colorado	$44,502	$21
   7	Oregon	$43,642	$21
   8	Virginia	$43,620	$21
   9	Illinois	$42,374	$20
   10	Pennsylvania	$41,768	$20
   11	Wisconsin	$40,960	$20
   12	Texas	$39,054	$19
   13	Michigan	$38,230	$18
   14	Florida	$38,193	$18
   15	Montana	$36,931	$18
   16	Iowa	$36,759	$18
   17	Missouri	$35,979	$17
   18	Alabama	$34,915	$17
   19	Oklahoma	$34,807	$17
   20	Georgia	$33,668	$16

   Average sheet metal fabricator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Fortune Brands Home & Security	$57,770	$27.77	1
   2	Metals USA	$52,401	$25.19	2
   3	Danaher	$51,215	$24.62	2
   4	Applied Materials	$49,690	$23.89
   5	Carrier	$48,898	$23.51
   6	River City Construction	$48,781	$23.45
   7	Lockheed Martin	$48,479	$23.31	7
   8	Raytheon Technologies	$47,887	$23.02	4
   9	Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co	$46,239	$22.23	1
   10	Intralox	$46,126	$22.18
   11	Pall	$45,495	$21.87
   12	Kratos Defense & Security Solutions	$45,402	$21.83	1
   13	Murray	$44,931	$21.60
   14	Modine Manufacturing	$43,994	$21.15	2
   15	Timesavers	$43,480	$20.90
   16	CECO Environmental	$43,113	$20.73	3
   17	Flynn	$42,983	$20.66	24
   18	Tradesmen International	$42,229	$20.30	28
   19	Metals	$41,988	$20.19
   20	NANA	$41,463	$19.93	1

4. Writing a sheet metal fabricator job description

   A sheet metal fabricator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a sheet metal fabricator job description:

   Sheet metal fabricator job description example

   At Wipaire we have been engineering and manufacturing aircraft floats for the last 60 years and have become an aviation industry leader of diversified aviation services. We are committed to investing in our people, products, and technology. Our core values are simple, a win-win mindset, technically adept, work/life balance, do the right thing and have fun. If these values speak to you, we want to connect with you. Join this growing company that is proudly producing products made in the USA. Visit our careers page to learn more about what our employees do and to apply.
   
   If you want to be part of creating something and enjoy working with tools in a team environment, then Wipaire is the place for you. We are looking for proactive team players that are flexible, have a positive attitude and are quick learners. Experience in working with hand tools or previous fabrication experience is strongly preferred. We work a condensed work schedule Monday through Thursday, so you can enjoy a long weekend every week.
   
   Working at Wipaire we will start you with a signing bonus of $2,500, and you will also receive a full benefits package including health, dental, 401(k) plan with employer match and other benefits. In addition, you will get 15 days of PTO, holiday pay, all while working in a climate-controlled work environment with great people in a family friendly atmosphere. Pay rates start at $20.00/hour and you will be eligible for a manufacturing bonus as well.
   
   Depending on experience, our Fabricators perform various levels of work within the aircraft float fabrication process. As you gain experience and receive training, the work you will be performing will be more complex and you will have the opportunity to advance to a Senior Fabricator.
   
   Performs simple fabrication and assemblies of aircraft floats under the guidance of more experienced fabricators.
   Forms material to match blueprint specifications or sample parts, following instructions. Operates equipment and utilizes common hand tools to manufacture and assemble parts. Inspects all parts for cleanliness and defects. Keeps Production Supervisor advised of work status, workload, problems, and progress as related to work assignments. Records time in ERP software and signs off work order for each process of assembly. Follows procedures that support compliance to FAA regulations.
   
   High school diploma or GED preferred. Prior experience in assembly and fabrication preferred. Proficiency in working with hand tools and common metal shop tasks. Apply manual dexterity for hand tools and power equipment use. Lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Able to use hand tools, including files, hammers, snips; power tools such as sanders, drills, riveters, and grinders. Wipaire is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer: Women, minorities, the disabled and veterans are encouraged to apply.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find sheet metal fabricators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your sheet metal fabricator job on Zippia to find and attract quality sheet metal fabricator candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as constructionjobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with sheet metal fabricator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new sheet metal fabricator

   Once you've selected the best sheet metal fabricator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new sheet metal fabricator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a sheet metal fabricator?