The metal fabrication industry is one of the most diverse and rapidly growing industries in the United States. Metal fabricators create products essential to the economy, from aircraft parts to medical implants. The metal fabrication industry employs many workers, from technicians who design and build products to executives who manage companies. Anyone seeking a career opportunity within the metal fabrication industry can be happy to find out that many jobs are available in the metal fabrication industry.
This guide will explain how to get a job in the metal fabrication industry and what roles are available.
How Big is the Fabrication Industry?
The fabrication industry is a massive global market that is only growing larger. Indeed, the estimated market value was recorded as $2.7 billion in 2021. However, the global market for Metal Fabrication Services is expected to reach US$17.2 billion by 2026, with growth at a CAGR of 2%.
The workforce is changing, with more people working in factories. Metal fabrication provides an excellent opportunity for those seeking financial benefits and personal growth through employment. It has many different industry sectors, including architectural, manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace components, allowing our cars to run. This particular industry is one of the largest industries in America.
The Types of Metal Fabrications Jobs
The metal fabrication industry is vast and offers many opportunities for career growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 61,070 metal fabricators are working in the United States.
This number is projected to grow by 26% between 2020 and 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Also, many different types of metals can be fabricated. So, there are many opportunities to find a position that fulfills your skillset and interests. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of metal fabrication jobs:
Field Installers
Field installers are the people who install metal fabrication products in the field, as opposed to in a factory. Field installers may work for a fabricator or a contractor. They have a good understanding of the products they are installing and how to install them.
The work can be challenging, as it often involves working in difficult or dangerous locations. For that reason, working quickly and efficiently is essential, as time is often of the essence on construction projects.
Pipefitters in the Metal Fabrication
Metal fabrication is a process that creates parts from metal sheets by cutting, bending, and welding. Pipefitters are an essential part of the metal fabrication process. They use specialized tools and equipment to create and install piping systems.
Pipefitters must be able to read blueprints and follow instructions to ensure they install the piping systems correctly. Moreover, they must also know the different types of pipe fittings and how to install them.
Sheet Metal Workers
Sheet Metal Workers (SMW) in metal fabrication use metal sheets to create various products. They may cut the metal sheets with a machine or hand and then form them into the desired shape. SMEs often work in factories but may also work in construction or automotive repair. The work is physically demanding and requires a high level of precision.
Welders
Welders are a critical part of the metal fabrication industry, and their skills and experience are necessary for producing high-quality metal products. Also, welder training programs teach students how to join metals together using various welding techniques.
Welder career paths can vary, but most welders start as apprentices and work up to more skilled positions. Some welders may also become certified welder professionals.
Assemblers
Metal fabrication is a process that uses metalworking machines to create objects from metal. There are many different types of metalworking machines, each with unique capabilities. In the metal fabrication industry, assemblers use these machines to create parts and components that machinists have created.
The job of an assembler is to take the parts created by the machinist and put them together in the correct order. It can be difficult, especially if the parts are very small or delicate. An assembler needs to understand how the machines work and the ability to read blueprints and schematics.
Assembly work can be extremely tedious and time-consuming, but it is crucial to producing finished products that meet customer specifications.
Fabricators
Metal fabrication is a process that uses various types of metal to create objects or products. This may involve using a machine in some scenarios, while in others, it may require manual labor. The final product can be something as simple as a tool or part or more complex like a vehicle or machine.
Metal fabrication often gets used in the manufacturing and construction industries. And, many different types of fabricators work in these fields. Some specialize in certain types of metalworking, while others have more general skills. There are also many machines and tools used in metal fabrication, and those working in this field must be familiar with them all.
Ironworkers
Ironworkers in the metal fabrication industry are some of America’s most physically demanding jobs. It is a hard but gratifying job. These workers are responsible for shaping and assembling metal parts into products that meet specific customer requirements. They use various tools and machines, including a variety of used ironworkers, to fabricate everything from car parts to skyscrapers.
The Metal Fabrication Industry is constantly growing, and there is always a need for skilled ironworkers. Those interested in becoming ironworkers should prepare for a challenging but fulfilling career.
The American Welding Society has published and maintained a list of approved certifications for the welding industry.
How to Get a Job in Metal Fabrications?
Metal fabrication is a process that uses metal sheets or rods to create objects or parts. For example, metal fabrication is used to create everything from small objects, like screws and nails, to large objects, like cars and boats. If you’d like to work in metal fabrication, you need to have an aptitude for hands-on work and an understanding of engineering principles.
Careers in the metal fabrication industry require unique skill sets that can only be taught by individuals specializing in this manufacturing engineering field. It also helps if you have good mathematical abilities as well.
Finding a job is not difficult as there is high demand if you have the right skill set. The metal fabrication industry is hot right now, and Texas, California, and Oklahoma are leading the way with the most job opportunities in America. The average salary of a metal sheet worker is around $53,449 per year, and the education requirement is a high school diploma.
However, suppose you’re keen on a career in metal fabrication. In that case, the best way to find out about job openings is to search online job databases or contact local companies specializing in metal fabrication.
Conclusion
The metal fabrication industry is thriving. It has various job opportunities available in the United States for those willing to learn. The industry is constantly growing and changing, so new opportunities are always opening up. If you’re looking for a challenging career with many opportunities for growth, Metal Fabrication is the industry for you.