What does a fabricator do?
Fabricators help deliver reliable and efficient machinery or products. They use hard and soft skills, such as welding and attention to detail, to produce defect-free components that meet specifications. For example, they may make parts used in the automotive or aerospace industry. Their work helps contribute to overall quality control and customer satisfaction.
Accurate and efficient work helps organizations achieve production goals while minimizing material waste and unnecessary labor costs.
Fabricator skills and qualifications
Strong candidates often demonstrate spatial reasoning, communication and observational skills, which are essential for success in this role. Strong time management and attention to detail are also valuable competencies that set top candidates apart.
Skills to list in your job description templates include:
- Experience analyzing blueprints, diagrams and schematics with computer-aided design (CAD) and assembly viewer software, such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, DraftSight, Navisworks Freedom and Bluebeam Revu
- Familiarity with using and maintaining manufacturing cooperative robots (cobots)
- Ability to use common hand tools and fabrication equipment, such as welding machines, power saws, shears, soldering and brazing irons, presses, rollers, brakes, lathes and milling machines
- Experience conducting quality inspections and recording results with quality assurance (QA) software, such as InspectionXpert and High QA
- Familiarity with documenting production data using an enterprise resource management (ERM) system or specialized manufacturing execution system (MES), such as Prodsmart, Shop System, Oracle NetSuite or SAP Manufacturing
- Understanding of workplace accident prevention strategies and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as welding hoods and safety goggles
- Ability to move heavy components, tools and equipment
Fabricator experience requirements
When assessing a fabricator candidate’s experience, take a skills-first approach, considering any transferable skills and knowledge learned from previous positions.
For example, assembly and manufacturing jobs, such as production worker and millwright, may involve the same cutting, measuring and fastening tools that fabricators use. Ironworkers, pipe fitters, boilermakers and other construction workers in specialty trades may have experience using fabrication tools, such as torches and welding machines.
Fabricator education and training requirements
Fabricators don’t typically need formal education to be successful. Some candidates may have completed an apprenticeship through the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA) or a similar organization, while others might have completed a post-secondary diploma or certificate program or gained skills through previous positions.
Voluntary certifications can also demonstrate a candidate’s knowledge. You might search for candidates with the following credentials: the Certified Fabricator (CF) from the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) from IPC International.
Fabricator salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a fabricator is $74,967 per year. Pay rates can depend on candidate experience and skills, location and employer size.
Fabricator salary expectations
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Common salary:
22.35 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
7.95 -43.90 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
If this fabricator job description doesn’t match your organization’s specific needs, consider the descriptions for these similar positions:
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
