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Sheet metal fabricator vs sheet metal operator

The differences between sheet metal fabricators and sheet metal operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a sheet metal operator has an average salary of $45,015, which is higher than the $40,224 average annual salary of a sheet metal fabricator.

The top three skills for a sheet metal fabricator include hand tools, math and HVAC. The most important skills for a sheet metal operator are CNC, punch press, and spot welding.

Sheet metal fabricator vs sheet metal operator overview

Sheet Metal FabricatorSheet Metal Operator
Yearly salary$40,224$45,015
Hourly rate$19.34$21.64
Growth rate-1%-1%
Number of jobs4,03643,197
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 51%
Average age4545
Years of experience--

Sheet metal fabricator vs sheet metal operator salary

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

Sheet Metal FabricatorSheet Metal Operator
Average salary$40,224$45,015
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $54,000Between $32,000 And $61,000
Highest paying CityFall River, MA-
Highest paying stateNevada-
Best paying companyFortune Brands Home & Security-
Best paying industryConstruction-

Differences between sheet metal fabricator and sheet metal operator education

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

Sheet Metal FabricatorSheet Metal Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 51%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingBusiness
Most common college--

Sheet metal fabricator vs sheet metal operator demographics

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

Sheet Metal FabricatorSheet Metal Operator
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 94.4% Female, 5.6%Male, 91.8% Female, 8.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.7% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 2.6% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between sheet metal fabricator and sheet metal operator duties and responsibilities

Sheet metal fabricator example 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.
  • Show more

Sheet metal operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage large-scale industrial and commercial HVAC installation and service projects.
  • Create & run complex bend setup & forming operations.
  • Measure and then run sheets of metal into a machine that cut it into the exact measurement.
  • Perform fabrication and installation of copper and aluminum gutters for large-scale buildings.
  • Fire caulking, trim returns to fit above ceiling, install exhaust for bathrooms in each apartment.

Sheet metal fabricator vs sheet metal operator skills

Common sheet metal fabricator skills
  • Hand Tools, 19%
  • Math, 7%
  • HVAC, 6%
  • MIG, 5%
  • Punch Press, 5%
  • Aluminum, 4%
Common sheet metal operator skills
  • CNC, 25%
  • Punch Press, 14%
  • Spot Welding, 13%
  • MIG, 8%
  • Stamping Presses, 6%
  • Stainless Steel, 6%

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