Production · SOC 51-2041
Structural metal fitting and welding demands spatial judgment and physical skill that automation handles poorly on varied parts.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Robotic welding handles repetitive seams well but complex structural fit-up on custom projects stays manual through at least 2032.
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$45,190 median pay
$33,880 median pay
$38,160 median pay
$38,260 median pay
$42,530 median pay
$122,610 median pay
AI job-risk card
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters is 20/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
20 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Verifying dimensions with measuring instruments, Logging conformance to specifications. Harder to automate: Positioning, aligning, and tack-welding structural assemblies, Interpreting blueprints and layout specifications on the floor, Moving heavy parts with hoists and cranes safely, Adapting fit-up to real-world material variation.
Lean into Structural welding and blueprint reading, Precision measurement and layout, Rigging and material handling, Weld quality inspection. Consider roles such as Certified welding inspector or Structural steel fabrication supervisor or Ironworker.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.