How to become a labourer in metal fabrication
Official title: Labourers in metal fabrication
Also called: Metal cleaner, Hand metal filer, Metal polisher helper, Metal casting finisher, Metal fabrication worker, Labourer - metal fabrication, Metal pickler operator helper, Metal structure fitter helper, Metal-fabricating shop helper, Structural metal fitter helper, Sheet metal polisher and buffer, Shotblaster - metal fabrication
Labourers in metal fabrication remove excess metal and unwanted materials from metal parts, castings and other metal products and perform other labouring activities. They are employed in structural steel, boiler and platework fabrication plants, heavy machinery manufacturing plants, sheet metal fabrication shops, shipbuilding and other metal products manufacturing companies.
Main tasks
- Read and interpret work orders
- Operate metal cleaning equipment such as wheelabrators, deburrers and shotblasters to remove excess welds, rust, scale and other material from surfaces of metal parts, castings and other metal products
- Polish metal products to mirror finish
- Immerse metal products in cleaning solutions
- Assist structural steel and platework fitters, sheet metal workers, metalworking machine operators or other metal workers
- Transport raw materials and finished metal products manually or using hoists or other devices
- Sort metal sheets and parts, scrap metal and other materials
- Clean work areas and equipment
How to become one
Some secondary school education may be required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $46,800 a year The middle half earn $39,975 to $54,600.
- About 18,200 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 20,000 are projected by 2033. (+9.9%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
Related jobs
- Labourers in mineral and metal processing
- Labourers in chemical products processing and utilities
- Labourers in wood, pulp and paper processing
- Labourers in rubber and plastic products manufacturing
- Labourers in textile processing and cutting
- Labourers in food and beverage processing
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Questions people ask
How do I become a labourer in metal fabrication?
Some secondary school education may be required.
How much does a labourer in metal fabrication earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $46,800 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $39,975 to $54,600.
Is a labourer in metal fabrication a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 10% by 2033, from about 18,200 to about 20,000 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a labourer in metal fabrication?
Usually not. Only 5% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03