How to become a Fitter
Official title: Fitter (General)
Fits and assembles metal parts and subassemblies to fabricate production machines and other equipment.
Main tasks
- Reads and interprets engineering drawings and specifications
- Measures and fits metal components using hand tools, power tools and machines
- Prepares and configures machine tools for specific jobs, and ensures correct fixtures, settings and tools are applied
- Assembles metal parts and subassemblies according to engineering specifications
- Fits fabricated metal parts into products and assembles metal parts and subassemblies to produce machines and equipment
- Repairs and maintains machines and equipment by replacing or repairing faulty parts
- Operates machines and equipment to fabricate metal components
- Tests and adjusts machines and equipment to ensure proper functioning
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic (MEM31419); Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (MEM30219)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $135,512 a year
- About 123,000 people work in this job group now, and about 131,800 are projected by 2035. (+7.2%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Fitter?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic; Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade; Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic.
How much does a Fitter earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $135,512 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Fitter a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 7% by 2035, from about 123,000 to about 131,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Fitter?
Usually not. Only 3% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic; Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade; Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic.
Will AI change the work of a Fitter?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04