Structural metal fabricators and fitters
SOC Code: 51-2041
Structural metal fabricators and fitters carries a 16% AI exposure score (Low automation risk), with a median annual wage of $49,900 and -16.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 53,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Structural metal fabricators and fitters (SOC 51-2041) carries an AI exposure score of 16%, placing it in the Low 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 53,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -16.3% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $49,900, 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 Structural metal fabricators and fitters. 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. Verify conformance of workpieces to specifications, using squares, rulers, and measuring tapes.
- 2. Study engineering drawings and blueprints to determine materials requirements and task sequences.
- 3. Position, align, fit, and weld parts to form complete units or subunits, following blueprints and layout specifications, and using jigs, welding torches, and hand tools.
- 4. Lay out and examine metal stock or workpieces to be processed to ensure that specifications are met.
- 5. Tack-weld fitted parts together.
- 6. Move parts into position, manually or with hoists or cranes.
- 7. Set up and operate fabricating machines, such as brakes, rolls, shears, flame cutters, grinders, and drill presses, to bend, cut, form, punch, drill, or otherwise form and assemble metal components.
- 8. Mark reference points onto floors or face blocks and transpose them to workpieces, using measuring devices, squares, chalk, and soapstone.
- 9. Position or tighten braces, jacks, clamps, ropes, or bolt straps, or bolt parts in position for welding or riveting.
- 10. Lift or move materials and finished products, using large cranes.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Time Management
- Coordination
- Operation and Control
Knowledge Areas
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- Design
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Structural metal fabricators and fitters?
Structural metal fabricators and fitters has an AI exposure score of 16%, indicating a low 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 Structural metal fabricators and fitters?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Structural metal fabricators and fitters is projected to decline by 16.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 53,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Structural metal fabricators and fitters?
Key skills for Structural metal fabricators and fitters include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Structural metal fabricators and fitters earn?
The median annual wage for Structural metal fabricators and fitters is $49,900, 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 Structural metal fabricators and fitters?
The typical entry-level education for Structural metal fabricators and fitters 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 Structural metal fabricators and fitters?
Structural metal fabricators and fitters 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
Low automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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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).