SOC 51-2041
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ53/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ53,380
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$50K
$37K โ $71K
Projected Growth
๐-16.3%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค10/100
Low exposure
๐ก Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters face a risk score of 53/100 โ 9 points above the national average of 44. With only 10/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $50K ($4K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 53/100, Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 53,380 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in handling non-standard materials and configurations and setup and calibration of custom production runs to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Verify conformance of workpieces to specifications, using squares, rulers, and measuring tapes.
Study engineering drawings and blueprints to determine materials requirements and task sequences.
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.
Lay out and examine metal stock or workpieces to be processed to ensure that specifications are met.
Tack-weld fitted parts together.
๐ป Technology Skills
Computer aided design CAD software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Electronic mail software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Mathematics
Production and Processing
Mechanical
English Language
Administration and Management
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 51% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 61% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 70% |