Description
Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.
Interests
- Realistic
- Conventional
Work Values
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Independence
- Self-Control
Tasks
- 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.
Work Activities
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Getting Information
Detailed Work Activities
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Technology Skills
- Spreadsheet software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Electronic mail software
- Office suite software
- Word processing software
Abilities
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
- Control Precision
- Manual Dexterity
- Multilimb Coordination
Skills
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- English Language
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Welding Inspection and Metallurgy ProfessionalCertifying Organization
American Petroleum Institute
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Metalworking Fluids SpecialistCertifying Organization
Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers
Type
Core
Certificate name
Principles and Practice of Engineering - StructuralCertifying Organization
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
Type
Advanced
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $48,692 |
| Median (50%) | $61,741 |
| High (90%) | $81,550 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $56,444 |
| Mid Level | $71,373 |
| Senior Level | $74,725 |
| Expert Level | N/A |
Employability
There are currently 59,300 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to decrease to 50,300 positions, reflecting a projected decline of -15%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of -15%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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