Fiberglass laminators and fabricators
SOC Code: 51-2051
Fiberglass laminators and fabricators carries a 27% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $45,760 and +4.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 18,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 27% AI exposure, Fiberglass laminators and fabricators sits 10 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 22% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Fiberglass laminators and fabricators sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Fiberglass laminators and fabricators has ai exposure of 27%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Fiberglass laminators and fabricators vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Fiberglass laminators and fabricators is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Fiberglass laminators and fabricators (SOC 51-2051) carries an AI exposure score of 27%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 18,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.2% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $45,760, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Fiberglass laminators and fabricators. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Release air bubbles and smooth seams, using rollers.
- 2. Spray chopped fiberglass, resins, and catalysts onto prepared molds or dies using pneumatic spray guns with chopper attachments.
- 3. Apply layers of plastic resin to mold surfaces prior to placement of fiberglass mats, repeating layers until products have the desired thicknesses and plastics have jelled.
- 4. Mix catalysts into resins, and saturate cloth and mats with mixtures, using brushes.
- 5. Check completed products for conformance to specifications and for defects by measuring with rulers or micrometers, by checking them visually, or by tapping them to detect bubbles or dead spots.
- 6. Pat or press layers of saturated mat or cloth into place on molds, using brushes or hands, and smooth out wrinkles and air bubbles with hands or squeegees.
- 7. Inspect, clean, and assemble molds before beginning work.
- 8. Select precut fiberglass mats, cloth, and wood-bracing materials as required by projects being assembled.
- 9. Cure materials by letting them set at room temperature, placing them under heat lamps, or baking them in ovens.
- 10. Apply lacquers and waxes to mold surfaces to facilitate assembly and removal of laminated parts.
Key Skills Required
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- Administration and Management
- Production and Processing
- Education and Training
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Building and Construction
- Administrative
- Mechanical
- Design
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Fiberglass laminators and fabricators?
Fiberglass laminators and fabricators has an AI exposure score of 27%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Fiberglass laminators and fabricators?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Fiberglass laminators and fabricators is projected to grow by 4.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 18,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Fiberglass laminators and fabricators?
Key skills for Fiberglass laminators and fabricators include Monitoring, Operations Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Fiberglass laminators and fabricators earn?
The median annual wage for Fiberglass laminators and fabricators is $45,760, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Fiberglass laminators and fabricators?
The typical entry-level education for Fiberglass laminators and fabricators is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Fiberglass laminators and fabricators?
Fiberglass laminators and fabricators roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).