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Sheet metal journeyman vs metal fabricator

The differences between sheet metal journeymen and metal fabricators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a sheet metal journeyman has an average salary of $43,478, which is higher than the $38,047 average annual salary of a metal fabricator.

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

Sheet metal journeyman vs metal fabricator overview

Sheet Metal JourneymanMetal Fabricator
Yearly salary$43,478$38,047
Hourly rate$20.90$18.29
Growth rate-1%-6%
Number of jobs14,5014,868
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 46%
Average age4544
Years of experience--

Sheet metal journeyman vs metal fabricator salary

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

Sheet Metal JourneymanMetal Fabricator
Average salary$43,478$38,047
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $60,000Between $29,000 And $48,000
Highest paying CityFall River, MAClifton, NJ
Highest paying stateMassachusettsNevada
Best paying companyMcCarthy Holdings, Inc.Halliburton
Best paying industryConstructionAutomotive

Differences between sheet metal journeyman and metal fabricator education

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

Sheet Metal JourneymanMetal Fabricator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 46%
Most common majorFine ArtsPrecision Metal Working
Most common college--

Sheet metal journeyman vs metal fabricator demographics

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

Sheet Metal JourneymanMetal Fabricator
Average age4544
Gender ratioMale, 94.6% Female, 5.4%Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 2.6% White, 68.1% 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 journeyman and metal fabricator duties and responsibilities

Sheet metal journeyman example responsibilities.

  • Weld aircraft parts and support equipment utilizing MIG, TIG, SMAW and oxy-acetylene.
  • Maintain inventory levels and conduct cyclical counts.
  • Employ and supervise 5 employees, payroll, scheduling and all other operations of a small business.
  • Skil tech in HVAC install department on commercial projects and jobs, train three HVAC installers and perform general labor.
  • Fabricate ducts for high efficiency heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to maximize efficiency of system.
  • 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 journeyman vs metal fabricator skills

Common sheet metal journeyman skills
  • Hand Tools, 23%
  • HVAC, 14%
  • OSHA, 6%
  • Product Specifications, 5%
  • MIG, 4%
  • Stainless Steel, 4%
Common metal fabricator skills
  • MIG, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Aluminum, 6%
  • Press Brake, 6%
  • Drill Press, 5%
  • Tape Measure, 5%

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