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Sheet metal operator vs metal fabricator

The differences between sheet metal operators and metal fabricators 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 $38,047 average annual salary of a metal fabricator.

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

Sheet metal operator vs metal fabricator overview

Sheet Metal OperatorMetal Fabricator
Yearly salary$45,015$38,047
Hourly rate$21.64$18.29
Growth rate-1%-6%
Number of jobs43,1974,868
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 46%
Average age4544
Years of experience--

Sheet metal operator vs metal fabricator salary

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

Sheet Metal OperatorMetal Fabricator
Average salary$45,015$38,047
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $61,000Between $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 operator and metal fabricator education

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

Sheet Metal OperatorMetal Fabricator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 46%
Most common majorBusinessPrecision Metal Working
Most common college--

Sheet metal operator vs metal fabricator demographics

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

Sheet Metal OperatorMetal Fabricator
Average age4544
Gender ratioMale, 91.8% Female, 8.2%Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9%
Race ratioBlack 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%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 operator and metal fabricator duties and responsibilities

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.

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.
  • Show more

Sheet metal operator vs metal fabricator skills

Common sheet metal operator skills
  • CNC, 25%
  • Punch Press, 14%
  • Spot Welding, 13%
  • MIG, 8%
  • Stamping Presses, 6%
  • Stainless Steel, 6%
Common metal fabricator skills
  • MIG, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Aluminum, 6%
  • Press Brake, 6%
  • Drill Press, 5%
  • Tape Measure, 5%

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