SOC 51-2041
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Risk Score
⚠️53/100
Elevated
US Employment
👥53,380
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$50K
$37K – $71K
Projected Growth
📈-16.3%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖10/100
Low exposure
💡 Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters face a risk score of 53/100 — 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 →
💡 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 →
🔍 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 →
⚠️ 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
🛡️ 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
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 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% |