How to become a Metal Fabricator

Also called: Boilermaker

Marks off and fabricates structural steel and other metal stock to make, assemble or repair metal products, pipes and structures, such as boilers and pressure vessels.

Main tasks

• Studies blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine fabrication job requirements
• Measures and marks out the size, shape and location of cutouts and joints on metal stock
• Uses specialised tools to cut, bend or shape metal into the desired structure or product
• Joins metal sections together by welding, bolting and riveting
• Examines welds for width of bead, penetration and precision, and performs necessary repairs or reworks
• Cleans and smooths welds by filing, chiselling and grinding
• May program machinery or computer-aided fabrication tools to optimise the metal fabrication process

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade. 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 - Fabrication Trade (MEM31922); Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119); Certificate IV in ESI Generation Maintenance (Fabrication) (UEP40422); Diploma of Engineering - Advanced Trade (MEM50119); Diploma of Engineering - Prototyping (MEM50622); Certificate III in Engineering - Toolmaking Trade (MEM31519); Certificate III in Manufacturing Technology (MSA30208); Certificate I in Engineering (MEM10119)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $87,776 a year
• About 77,200 people work in this job group now, and about 83,000 are projected by 2035. (+7.5%)
• 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.

Related jobs

• Pressure Welder
• Welder (First Class)
• Blacksmith
• Electroplater
• Farrier
• Metal Casting Trades Worker

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Metal Fabricator?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade; Certificate IV in Engineering; Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade.

How much does a Metal Fabricator earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $87,776 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Metal Fabricator a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 77,200 to about 83,000 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Metal Fabricator?

Usually not. Only 2% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade; Certificate IV in Engineering; Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade.

Will AI change the work of a Metal Fabricator?

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