Career Overview
Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.
Also Known As
- Layout Inspector
- Layout Man
- Layout Technician (Layout Tech)
- Layout Worker
Alternate Job Titles
- Aircraft Lay Out Worker
- Bellmaker
- Development Mechanic
- Dimensional Inspector
- Duplicator
- Hangersmith
- Lay-Out Worker
- Layout Fabricator
- Layout Fitter
- Layout Inspector
- Layout Man
- Layout Mechanic
- Layout Technician (Layout Tech)
- Layout Worker
- Location and Measurement Technician
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Mark curves, lines, holes, dimensions, and welding symbols onto workpieces, using scribes, soapstones, punches, and hand drills.
- Plan locations and sequences of cutting, drilling, bending, rolling, punching, and welding operations, using compasses, protractors, dividers, and rules.
- Fit and align fabricated parts to be welded or assembled.
- Locate center lines and verify template positions, using measuring instruments such as gauge blocks, height gauges, and dial indicators.
- Plan and develop layouts from blueprints and templates, applying knowledge of trigonometry, design, effects of heat, and properties of metals.
- Lay out and fabricate metal structural parts such as plates, bulkheads, and frames.
- Compute layout dimensions, and determine and mark reference points on metal stock or workpieces for further processing, such as welding and assembly.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mathematics
- Design
- Mechanical
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Visualization
- Manual Dexterity
- Problem Sensitivity
- Information Ordering
- Deductive Reasoning
- Finger Dexterity
- Written Comprehension
- Selective Attention
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Achievement Orientation
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Coordinate measuring machines CMM
- Dial indicators
- Digital hardness testers
- Digital height gauges
- Digital micrometers
- Drafting compasses
- Drafting dividers
- Electric saws
- Gauge block sets
- Hand drills
- Measurement calipers
- Optical comparators
- Parallel blocks
- Power hoists
- Protractors
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Exposed to Contaminants
- Time Pressure
- Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $40,430 |
| Median | $61,870 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $93,230 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 5,610
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $49,900
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $61,680
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Education: Some College Courses
Median Salary: $54,540
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $62,700
Sheet Metal Workers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $60,850
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.