Metal Fabricator
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to further process ferrous and/or non-ferrous metal plates or shapes, and to manufacture and/or install products as interpreted through technical drawings. Includes instruction in trade tools, shop equipment, reading and interpreting blueprints, material handling, welding, thermal cutting, metallurgy, template pattern development, plate and structural fabrication, destructive and non-destructive testing, inspection, shipment preparation and fabrication installation.
- Schools offering
- 8
- Annual completions
- 72
- Typical degree level
- Associate's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $57k
About this major
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to further process ferrous and/or non-ferrous metal plates or shapes, and to manufacture and/or install products as interpreted through technical drawings. Includes instruction in trade tools, shop equipment, reading and interpreting blueprints, material handling, welding, thermal cutting, metallurgy, template pattern development, plate and structural fabrication, destructive and non-destructive testing, inspection, shipment preparation and fabrication installation.
Examples of specialized tracks: Metal Fabricator, Steel Fabricator, Steel Fabricator (Fitter), Structural Steel and Plate Fitter.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural metal fabricators and fitters | $50k | -16.3% | High school diploma or equivalent |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$57k
Top colleges for Metal Fabricator
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology | Lancaster, PA | 24 | 0 | 24 |
| Waukesha County Technical College | Pewaukee, WI | 20 | 0 | 20 |
| Mohawk Valley Community College | Utica, NY | 13 | 0 | 13 |
| State Fair Community College | Sedalia, MO | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | Williamsport, PA | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Helena College University of Montana | Helena, MT | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Cuyahoga Community College District | Cleveland, OH | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Moraine Park Technical College | Fond du Lac, WI | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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