Fabricator

Skilled Trades AI-Augmented

Builds metal structures and products according to technical drawings.

Work Profile

Stress

6/10

Work-Life

8/10

Future Outlook

8/10

Hours / Week

Salary Growth

Starting

$38,000

Year 5

$54,000

Year 10

$72,000

Top Earners

$98,000

Promotion Path: Apprentice -> Fabricator -> Lead -> Manager.

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Core Skills and Tools

These are the practical tools, systems, math, and AI skills used in Fabricator roles.

Core Skills

Blueprint reading

Policy and procedure development

TIG and MIG welding

Industry Knowledge

Overhead crane fabrication knowledge

Requirements

High school diploma / GED requirement

Professional certification or license

About to graduate?

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Other Potential Career Pivot Paths

Pivot paths coming soon for this career.

How to Get Hired

This section focuses on practical readiness: what skills matter, what tools or certifications may help, and what you can do now to become more employable.

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See the exact skills, certifications, projects, and step-by-step plan to break into Fabricator.

Real projects to build experience

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AI Impact & Task Breakdown

AI-Augmented

Robotic welding and AI-driven precision cutting are increasingly common.

How to Stay Valuable

Develop judgment, communication, and problem-solving skills
Learn how AI tools can support this career instead of ignoring them
Move toward strategy, interpretation, and higher-value work over time

AI Scores

Automation Risk: 4.6/10 Human Value: 9.2/10 AI Leverage: 5.6/10

Based on 5 analyzed tasks

More likely automated

Read technical drawings
Inspect finished parts

Still requires human judgment

Cut and shape materials
Assemble fabricated components

How AI Affects This Job

This career includes a mix of tasks. Some are becoming more automated, while others are becoming more valuable because they require human expertise.