Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 1 (4%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 22 (96%)

• Study engineering drawings and blueprints to determine materials requirements and task sequences.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Verify conformance of workpieces to specifications, using squares, rulers, and measuring tapes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Align and fit parts according to specifications, using jacks, turnbuckles, wedges, drift pins, pry bars, and hammers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Move parts into position, manually or with hoists or cranes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• 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.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Set up and operate fabricating machines, such as brakes, rolls, shears, flame cutters, grinders, and drill presses, to bend, cut, form, punch, drill, or otherwise form and assemble metal components.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Lay out and examine metal stock or workpieces to be processed to ensure that specifications are met.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Tack-weld fitted parts together.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Lift or move materials and finished products, using large cranes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Remove high spots and cut bevels, using hand files, portable grinders, and cutting torches.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Mark reference points onto floors or face blocks and transpose them to workpieces, using measuring devices, squares, chalk, and soapstone.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Set up face blocks, jigs, and fixtures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Position or tighten braces, jacks, clamps, ropes, or bolt straps, or bolt parts in position for welding or riveting.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Locate and mark workpiece bending and cutting lines, allowing for stock thickness, machine and welding shrinkage, and other component specifications.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Erect ladders and scaffolding to fit together large assemblies.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Design and construct templates and fixtures, using hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Hammer, chip, and grind workpieces to cut, bend, and straighten metal.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Straighten warped or bent parts, using sledges, hand torches, straightening presses, or bulldozers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Smooth workpiece edges and fix taps, tubes, and valves.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Preheat workpieces to make them malleable, using hand torches or furnaces.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Heat-treat parts, using acetylene torches.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Install boilers, containers, and other structures.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Direct welders to build up low spots or short pieces with weld.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about structural metal fabricators and fitters and AI