
Top 27 best paying jobs in metal fabrications
27 of the Best-Paying Jobs in Metal Fabrications
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Working in metal fabrications can be a rewarding career path with many opportunities for growth and advancement. If you enjoy working with your hands, paying close attention to detail, and producing high-quality products, you can earn a high salary for your skills. Exploring some of the high-paying career options in the metal fabrication industry can help you choose a path that is best suited to your experience and long-term goals. In this article, we explore some of the best paying jobs in metal fabrication and the basic duties of each position.
Best-paying jobs in metal fabrications
If you are experienced in the metal fabrication field, you can earn salaries of $50,000 or more. Indeed has the most up-to-date salaries information available.
1. Ironworker
National average salary: $51,453 per year
An ironworker is responsible for fabricating iron and steel structures, including scaffolding, rigging, and beams. They use welding techniques to join pieces of metal together and install them on site. Ironworkers are often responsible for maintaining their equipment while working, as well as cleaning their tools and tracking their progress during construction.

Ironworker
2. Millwright
National average salary: $56,489 per year
Millwrights are responsible for operating industrial equipment in a construction or manufacturing setting. They review blueprints and schematics, set up worksites, prepare individual machine parts, file down pieces to fit into specific machines, and replace defective parts.

Millwright
3. Fabricator
National average salary: $58,816 per year
Fabricators create the metal components of products, machines and equipment. They use cutting, bending, shaping and filing techniques to create pieces that meet engineering specifications. They select the appropriate tools for the job, measure finished items for quality and consistency and prepare them for delivery.

Fabricator
4. Sheet metal mechanic
National average salary: $64,337 per year
A sheet metal mechanic is responsible for working with sheet metal, cutting and shaping it to fit specific needs, installing the finished product. They also make sure all measurements are precise in order to ensure a perfect fit.

Sheet metal mechanic
5. CNC programmer
National average salary: $65,283 per year
A CNC programmer is responsible for designing software that controls a CNC machine to cut and manufacture materials. This involves understanding schematics and programming instructions in order to process the materials correctly, creating databases of code that can be used by the machine, and then entering these designs into a modeling program.

CNC programmer
6. Boilermaker
National average salary: $65,360 per year
Boilermakers are responsible for assembling and installing boilers and other large containers that carry gases or liquids. They consult with clients to determine what type of boiler will be best suited for their industrial needs, then develop schematics that match those specifications. They shape, bend and seal metal to create an airtight vat that can safely operate under hot, high-pressure conditions. Boilermakers travel to worksites to observe the gauge on the boiler, make adjustments to the pipes and make repairs if necessary.

Boilermaker
7. CNC machinist
National average salary: $67,360 per year
A CNC machinist is responsible for operating a variety of high-powered machines in industrial manufacturing plants to produce components and structures out of metal. They use assembly instructions, load metal materials into the machine, weld pieces together, and inspect finished products for quality before testing their durability. Machinists are also responsible for maintaining the machines and unloading raw materials after completing a production run.

CNC machinist
8. Industrial engineer
National average salary: $74,344 per year
Industrial engineers are responsible for reviewing manufacturing operations and developing efficient systems to improve productivity. In the metal fabrication industry, industrial engineers review the best way to acquire raw materials, develop production schedules, train employees in metal fabrication, and reduce waste. Industrial engineers are also responsible for improving quality control methods and maximizing product yield from each manufacturer on the production floor.

Industrial engineer
9. Construction superintendent
National average salary: $80,920 per year
A construction supervisor is responsible for overseeing the entire process of building a new structure, from acquiring supplies to ensuring that the structure is structurally sound. They also oversee budgets and timelines.

Construction superintendent
10. Manufacturing manager
National average salary: $84,931 per year
A manufacturing manager is responsible for overseeing the production activities of a manufacturing team in order to optimize efficiency and ensure that products meet production goals. This includes training employees on proper processes and techniques, conducting safety training, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Manufacturing manager
11. Metallurgist
National average salary: $89,408 per year
A metallurgist is a professional scientist who specializes in the study and treatment of metals and alloys. They use their knowledge to develop new ways to extract and treat metals, improve manufacturing processes, and create innovative products.

Metallurgist
12. Chief Metallurgist
The majority of chief metallurgists’ salaries across the United States currently range between $66,000 and $112,000 annually. This large range of salary potential suggests that there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location, and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the chief metallurgist job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role.

Chief Metallurgist
13. Physical Metallurgist
Salary range: $67,500-$97,000 per year
The majority of Physical Metallurgist salaries across the United States fall within a moderate range, with pay averaging out at $67,500 annually. This suggests that pay in this role is consistent regardless of skill level or location. With a few active job markets, there may be some advancement potential for those with experience in this field.

Physical Metallurgist
14. Metallurgical Engineer
Salary range: $73,000-$91,500 per year
As a metallurgical engineer, you work on ways to extract metals more efficiently from their sources and produce products out of them. In the mining industry, you may specialize in finding environmentally-friendly methods to extract minerals from mines. Those working in the manufacturing field may develop techniques for removing metals from other materials or converting raw metals into new alloys and types of metal products.

Metallurgical Engineer
15. Metals Analyst
Salary range: $39,500-$65,000 per year
The majority of metal analysts’ salaries in the United States currently range between $39,500 and $65,000 annually. This moderate range suggests that pay in this role will be consistent regardless of a metal analyst’s skill level, location, or years of experience. However, some advancement is possible based on recent job postings.

Metals Analyst
16. Metallographer
As a metallographer, you use microscopy and other laboratory tests to study the crystal structure, porosity, and homogeneity of metals and alloys. You also prepare reports about metal characteristics and make recommendations for their use in production or manufacturing.

Metallographer
17. Metallurgical Technician
The median salary for Metallurgical Technicians in the United States is $57,500 per year. This means that half of all Metallurgical Technicians earn more than this amount and half earn less. The range of salaries for this role is moderate, which suggests that pay will be consistent regardless of a Technician’s skill level, location or years of experience. However, some advancement opportunities are available due to the active job market in this field.

Metallurgical Technician
18. Metal Fitter
Salary range: $33,000-$40,500 per year
Salaries for Metal Fitters vary widely, but tend to stay consistent regardless of skill level or location. This is likely because the job market is moderately active and there are several companies hiring.

Metal Fitter
19. Metal Worker
Salary range: $28,000-$37,000 per year
A metal worker is a person who operates machinery that cuts metal. They monitor and adjust these machines to ensure that all cutting, molding, forming, and casting on a workpiece is accurate. This can be done with hand tools as well as machine tools. Most metal workers are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their equipment. The components created by a metal worker are used in a wide variety of products including automobiles, electronics, and building materials.

Metal Worker
20. Rebar Fabricator
As a steel rebar fabricator, your job is to cut, bend, tie and perform other processes to meet building construction project materials specifications. You read technical drawings to identify the requested size of the rebar, cut pieces with a rebar cutter, bend them to the specified angles and dimensions using rebar bender machinery and ensure they meet quality control standards by remeasuring.
The individual is responsible for following and reinforcing established safety procedures and guidelines, delivering completed parts to production areas, and cleaning workspaces.

Rebar Fabricator
21. Metal Sorter
Salary range: $25,000-$33,000 per year
Salaries for Metal Sorters vary significantly in the United States, with a 25th percentile salary of $25,000 and a 75th percentile salary of $33,000. This suggests that pay in this role will be consistent no matter what skill level or location someone is in, though some advancement may be possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the metal sorter job market is not very active at present so you may want to consider looking for jobs with more active opportunities.

Metal Sorter
22. Estimator
Construction estimators are responsible for calculating the expenses associated with a projected construction project, such as labor costs, equipment purchases, and materials. They often work for construction contractors in the pre-construction phase of the project.

Estimator
23. Blueprint tracer
Metal fabricators rely on blueprint drafters to help specify dimensions, materials, and methods for new products. These professionals play a key role in the early stages of metal fabrication and can earn an estimated average pay of $53,470.

Blueprint tracer
24. Draftsmen
Draftsmen are professionals who use CAD software to create drawings for buildings, infrastructure, and airplanes. They often work closely with architects and are highly compensated for their skills.

Draftsmen
25. Metal and plastic machine worker
Machine operators are inspecting machines for strange noises or vibrations, and manually or using a hoist, inserting material into the machinery.

Metal and plastic machine worker
26. Millwright
Millwrights are typically well-paid workers in metal fabrication, with an average salary of $56,489. They operate industrial machinery on a building site or in a manufacturing plant.

Millwright
27. Metals Analyst:
The metals analysts use chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry to look at organic or inorganic compounds and figure out their chemical or physical properties. They may also examine the composition, structure, relationships, or reactions of these substances.
Salaries for metal analysts can vary greatly depending on experience, qualifications, and location. The median salary for this occupation is $50,000 per year.
Are metal Fabricators in demand?
In their Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in careers like welding and sheet metalworking. The U.S. Department of Labor expects job opportunities in fabrication to grow up to 22% in the next decade.Why A Metal Fabrication Career Might Be for Youwww.wileymetal.com › why-a-metal-fabrication-career-might-be-for-youAbout Featured Snippets
Where do sheet metal workers make the most money?
The states and districts that pay Sheet Metal Workers the highest mean salary are Alaska ($80,560), Hawaii ($78,410), Washington ($71,840), District of Columbia ($71,180), and West Virginia ($69,350).Sheet Metal Worker Salary | US News Best Jobsmoney.usnews.com › Money › Careers › Best Jobs › Sheet Metal WorkerAbout Featured Snippets
Is metal fabrications a good career path?
Is metal fabrication/welding a good career choice? Yes. Metal fabrication and welding is ideally suited to people who like to use their hands to build and construct metal structures from engineering specificationsIs Fabrication and Welding a Good Career Choice?www.westermans.com › blog › fabrication_and_weldingAbout Featured Snippets
Who is the best metal fabricator?
Did you mean: Who is the best metal fabrication
Top website has the answer to “best paying jobs in metal fabrications” :
Featured snippet from the webThe 11 best-paying jobs in metal fabricationsSheet metal mechanic. … CNC programmer. … Boilermaker. … CNC machinist. … Industrial engineer. … Construction superintendent. National average salary: $80,920 per year. … Manufacturing manager. National average salary: $84,931 per year. … Metallurgist. National average salary: $89,408 per year.More items…&bull11 of the Best-Paying Jobs in Metal Fabrications (Plus Salaries)
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