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13 Best Paying Jobs in Metal Fabrication (FAQs) | 2023

What are the best-paying Jobs in metal fabrication? Having a rewarding career in metal fabrication may be an experience with plenty of opportunities for growth and progress.

If you enjoy working with your hands, paying close attention to detail, and producing high-quality items, you may get a high compensation in exchange for your expertise. 

Consider some of the high-paying career alternatives available in the metal fabrication business to assist you in selecting a career path that is compatible with your experience and long-term objectives. 

In this post, we will look at some of the highest-paying occupations in metal production and the fundamental responsibilities of each position.

What does Metal Fabrication mean?

Metal fabrication is constructing metal structures using bending, cutting, and assembly techniques.

The process of manufacturing machines, parts, and buildings from various raw materials is considered a value-added process.

Typically, a manufacturing shop bids on a job, which is usually based on engineering designs, and if the job is awarded, the manufacturing shop constructs the product.

Large shops employ a wide range of value-added processes, such as machining, welding, shaping, and cutting.

Like other manufacturing processes, both human labor and automation are frequently employed.

Manufacturing is the term used to describe creating a finished product, and finished product stores are used to describe stores that specialize in this type of labor.

Even though the end products of other typical types of metalworking, such as machining, metal stamping, forging, and casting, may be comparable in shape and function, these operations are not regarded as machining in the traditional sense.

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13 Best Paying Jobs in Metal Fabrication | 2022

1. Metallurgist:

The primary responsibilities of a metallurgist are to conduct professional research on new methods of extracting and treating metals and alloys.

In their research, they look into various metal uses and identify how to apply the qualities of each metal to specific situations.

Metallurgists research and develop the most efficient methods of processing and manufacturing metals for commercial applications.

They also advise manufacturers on improving their manufacturing processes and using innovative soldering and shaping techniques to create cutting-edge products.

The average annual salary is $89,408.

2. Manufacturing Manager:

A manufacturing manager is responsible for overseeing production activities in an industrial setting.

Their responsibility is to oversee the manufacturing team’s planning, scheduling, and inventory management activities to maximize efficiency and ensure that production targets are met.

Manufacturing supervisors educate their personnel on the necessary procedures and techniques for accomplishing their specific manufacturing specializations in their respective manufacturing departments.

They also provide safety training and guarantee that all employees meet or exceed the standards set by the company and the industry in which they work.

As one of the best-paying jobs in metal fabrication, the average annual salary is $84,931.

3. Construction Superintendent:

Construction superintendents monitor every aspect of the construction process for a new project for a customer, from demolition to construction and inspection.

They procure all of the necessary supplies and raw materials, such as steel girders, scaffolding, lumber, concrete, and sheet metal, among other things.

Construction supervisors employ and train professionals to shape and cut the metal infrastructure for their buildings and then schedule inspections to ensure that the structures’ structural integrity is not compromised.

They are also in charge of overseeing the project’s budget and timetable. As one of the best-paying jobs in metal fabrication, the average annual salary is $80,920.

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4. Industrial Engineer:

Industrial engineers evaluate industrial operations and implement high-efficiency manufacturing solutions.

Industrial engineers in the metal fabrication business examine the most efficient methods of developing metal products, including acquiring raw materials, developing production schedules, training metal fabrication staff, and reducing waste.

On the factory floor, industrial engineers are also responsible for developing quality control procedures and enhancing the productivity and efficiency of each specific manufacturer.

As one of the best-paying jobs in metal fabrication, the average annual salary is $74,344.

5. CNC Machinist:

A CNC machinist operates CNC machines in industrial production plants to produce various goods, such as metal components and structures, from raw materials.

CNC machinists follow assembly instructions, load metal supplies into the CNC machine, weld sections together, check and test the finished goods for quality and durability, and pack the finished products for shipment.

The CNC machinist also maintains the CNC machine and unloads raw materials when the machine has completed a production run. It is one of the best-paying jobs in metal fabrication.

The average annual salary is $67,360 per year.

6. Boilermaker:

A boilermaker assembles and installs boilers and other big containers that transport gases and liquids.

They talk with clients about their industrial requirements to establish what type of boiler to design for their facility and then construct corresponding schematics.

They bend, mold, and seal metal to create an airtight vat that can safely function under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions.

Visiting work sites, boilermakers check the gauges of their steam generators and make modifications to the pipes, as well as repairs to the metal body of the boiler.

As one of the best-paying jobs in metal fabrication, the average annual salary is $65,360.

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7. CNC Programmer: 

CNC programmers design and develop software for CNC machines, which are used to cut and create materials such as metal sheeting mechanically.

These programmers evaluate schematics and program instructions to process materials and generate the necessary quantity of products.

The job is one of the best-paying jobs in metal fabrication.

They choose which tools to employ, compile a code database for incorporation into their programs, and then import their designs into CNC modelling software to complete the process.

The average annual salary is $65,283 per year.

8. Sheet Metal Mechanic:

A sheet metal mechanic is responsible for cutting, shaping, and installing sheet metal equipment, which includes drainage pipes, roofing, air conditioning systems, and ventilation ducts, to name a few examples of applications.

They examine the plans of a given area and shape the sheet metal to fit into the space to the exact specifications of the blueprints.

Sheet metal mechanics create even seams, cut and straighten metal, and put the finished product together.

The average annual salary is $64,337 per year.

9. Fabricator:

Fabricators primarily produce metal components for products, machinery, and equipment.

Metalworkers cut, bend, shape, and file metal parts to meet the engineering specifications of a project engineering specifications.

Choose the proper equipment, such as cutters, shears, soldering irons, and dills, and measure finished goods before inspecting metal parts for uniformity and quality before preparing them for delivery.

As one of the best-paying jobs in metal fabrication, the average annual salary is $58,816.

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10. Millwrights: 

A millwright’s primary responsibilities include operating industrial machinery on a building site or manufacturing plant.

Their responsibilities are assembling, installing, transporting, setting up, and repairing industrial machinery, equipment, and tools.

A few other examples of their responsibilities include:

  • Setting up work sites.
  • Checking drawings and schematics.
  • Preparing individual machine parts.
  • Replacing damaged pieces.
  • Filing down items to fit into certain machines.

As one of the best-paying jobs in metal fabrication, the average annual salary of $56,489 per year.

11. Ironworker: 

An ironworker’s primary duties include shaping iron and steel constructions and installing them to provide the framework for highways, bridges, and other structures.

They work with iron beams, scaffolding, and rigging, which they heat, cut, and shape.

The work of an ironworker entails joining pieces of iron together, strengthening them with concrete, operating heavy machinery, repairing buildings, and adhering to safety requirements.

During a construction project, ironworkers maintain their equipment, clean their tools, and keep track of their progress.

The average annual salary is $51,453 per year.

12. Robotic Weld Technician:

As a robotic weld technician, you’ll be responsible for robot operation, construction, setup, and programming. The job is one of the best-paying jobs in metal fabrication.

Your additional tasks would include:

  • Making necessary modifications to equipment to ensure appropriate motion.
  • Troubleshooting robots and weld controllers.
  • Ensuring that all equipment sections comply with safety standards.

Some of the tasks you’ll be performing include assisting in training new weld technicians, developing procedures for welding operations, and ensuring that quality is maintained throughout the robotic manufacturing process.

The average annual salary is $47,500 per year.

13. Mold Setter: 

Mold setters are responsible for positioning molds used to cast items and parts. The setting and installation of the mold are done either by hand or with the aid of a machine by those employed in this role.

A mold setter’s materials can include lead, plastics, metals, and composites, to name a few examples.

Furthermore, they may be in charge of regulating the flow of materials and coolant into the machine and keeping an eye on the operation to address any developing difficulties.

The average annual salary is $31,000 per year.

Read more: 10 Best Paying Jobs in Energy (Energy Analysis, FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions on Best Paying Jobs in Metal Fabrication:

Are sheet metal workers happy?

With a career satisfaction rating of 2.75 out of 5, sheet metal workers are in the bottom 1% of all occupations.

What is a sheet metal worker called?

Sheet Metal Mechanic 

What do you call an ironworker?

Buildings, bridges, highways, and other constructions rely heavily on structural and reinforcing iron and steel. Even though the principal metal involved in this activity is steel, the workers are typically called ironworkers or erectors.

How thick can sheet metal be?

The minimum thickness of sheet metal is 0.5 mm, and the maximum is 6 mm.

Conclusion:

Before deciding which of the highest-paying jobs in metal fabrication are the best fit for you, you should assess your abilities, credentials, interests, and aspirations.

Awesome one; I hope this article answers your question.

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Uche Paschal
Uche Paschal

Uche Paschal is a professional and passionate writer on education, including homeschool, college tips, high school, money and travel tips. He has been writing articles for over 5 years. He is the Chief Content Officer at School & Travel.

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