Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
The short answer
This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 112 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
This job is in the least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.
AI can help with or automate about 4% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Study engineering drawings and blueprints to determine materials requirements and task sequences.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Verify conformance of workpieces to specifications, using squares, rulers, and measuring tapes.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Position, align, fit, and weld parts to form complete units or subunits, following blueprints and layout specifications, and using jigs, welding torches, and hand tools.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Lay out and examine metal stock or workpieces to be processed to ensure that specifications are met.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Tack-weld fitted parts together.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Move parts into position, manually or with hoists or cranes.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Very similar work+7% pay1,288 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 7% more—$60,485 vs your $56,333 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Near Vision
- Control Precision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Mechanical
- Visualization
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Very similar workslightly less pay58 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$53,272 vs your $56,333 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Control Precision
- Visualization
- Near Vision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Production and Processing
New skills to build
- Administration and Management
Millwrights
Similar work+45% pay81 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 45% more—$81,814 vs your $56,333 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Visualization
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Building and Construction
- Installation
- Repairing
- Equipment Maintenance
- Engineering and Technology
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Somewhat similar work+69% pay240 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 69% more—$95,116 vs your $56,333 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Visualization
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Building and Construction
- Gross Body Equilibrium
- Dynamic Strength
- Static Strength
- Extent Flexibility
Sheet Metal Workers
Somewhat similar work+34% pay471 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 34% more—$75,758 vs your $56,333 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Visualization
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Near Vision
- Control Precision
New skills to build
- Building and Construction
- Repairing
- Equipment Maintenance
- Installation
- Design
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
Somewhat similar work+79% pay101 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 79% more—$100,692 vs your $56,333 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Mathematics
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Static Strength
New skills to build
- Building and Construction
- Stamina
- Extent Flexibility
- Administration and Management
- Trunk Strength