Fabricator Jobs in Arlington, TX
Metal fabricators stay in demand across Arlington because the automotive supply chain around GM Arlington Assembly and the heavy-industry shops of the Great Southwest Industrial District constantly need workers who can cut, form, and weld raw material into finished parts. Fabricators who can read prints and weld well earn strong hourly pay in the DFW market.
Current fabricator Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring Fabricators
These Arlington-area employers regularly hire fabricators across automotive, structural, and industrial manufacturing.
- Trinity Industries - structural and railcar fabrication across DFW.
- Gestamp - metal body-structure fabrication supplying GM Arlington.
- Martinrea - metal-forming and fabrication in the automotive supply chain.
- GM Arlington Assembly - body-shop and fixture fabrication supporting SUV production.
- Local fab shops - the Great Southwest Industrial District holds many contract fabrication shops.
- Bell Textron - aircraft structural fabrication across DFW facilities.
Fabricator Salaries in Arlington
- Entry level: about 17 to 21 dollars per hour
- Experienced: about 21 to 28 dollars per hour
- Senior (lead fabricator, welder-fabricator): about 28 to 38 dollars per hour
These are estimates that vary by material, welding requirements, and shift. Combination welder-fabricators earn at the top. Most roles add overtime, shift differentials, and benefits including medical and 401k.
How to Become a Fabricator in Arlington
Most Arlington fabricator jobs require a high school diploma or GED plus shop skills, and many workers train through Tarrant County College's welding and metal-fabrication programs or on the job. AWS welding certification widens your opportunities. Texas does not license fabricators, so blueprint reading, welding skill, and precision drive pay.
What the Job Involves
Fabricators read blueprints, measure and lay out material, then cut, grind, form, and weld metal into parts and assemblies using saws, shears, press brakes, and welders. The work is physical and precise, often requiring the ability to lift and to weld in multiple positions.
Skills Employers Look For
- Blueprint reading and layout
- Welding (MIG, TIG, stick) and grinding
- Use of shop tools like saws, shears, and press brakes
- Precision measurement
- Physical stamina and safety focus
Career Path and Advancement
Arlington fabricators often start as a helper or entry fabricator, advance to skilled fabricator and combination welder-fabricator, then lead fabricator or shop supervisor. Adding certified welding skills is the fastest way to raise pay.
Related Careers in Arlington
If fabrication interests you, these related Arlington roles are close matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be a fabricator in Texas?
No. Texas does not license fabricators. A high school diploma or GED plus shop skills is typical, and AWS welding certification widens your job options and pay.
How long does it take to become a fabricator in Arlington?
A Tarrant County College welding or fabrication certificate can take under a year, and reaching skilled fabricator through on-the-job experience usually takes one to three years.
What is the night-shift or overtime pay for fabricators in Arlington?
Night shifts commonly add about 1 to 3 dollars per hour, and overtime past 40 hours pays time-and-a-half. Fabrication shops often run steady overtime.
Can you work as a fabricator remotely in Arlington?
No. Fabrication is hands-on shop work with metal and equipment and cannot be done remotely.
Which Arlington employer pays fabricators the most?
Aerospace and heavy-industry employers like Bell Textron and Trinity Industries tend to pay at the top for skilled fabrication, with automotive suppliers and specialty fab shops also competitive.