Many of Australia’s most vital industries are kept moving by Mechanical Fitters. A branch of mechanical engineering, mechanical fitters are highly skilled trades that are responsible for fabricating, assembling and maintaining the heavy machinery our country relies on.
Although mechanical fitters often work long, hard hours, it’s a career pathway that can be incredibly rewarding.
For those with great attention to detail who enjoy working with their hands, undertaking a mechanical fitting apprenticeship is the best way to access incredible career opportunities.
Mechanical Fitter Job Description
Mechanical fitters are skilled tradespeople who specialise in installing, repairing and fabricating machinery and other equipment. As a mechanical fitter, you’re an engineering specialist that works on all stages of the equipment fabrication process. From setting up tools to marking out components, shaping materials and then assembling parts to create machinery and other equipment, you will play an integral role in the engineering process.
To support your skills, training as a mechanical fitter will include extensive work with welders, cutting, grinding and shaping equipment, as well as with advanced tools like CNC machines.
What Does a Mechanical Fitter Do?
No two days as a mechanical fitter are the same. Fabricating and installing machine parts requires a high level of problem solving, and you will often be required to think outside the box to get the job done. A typical day at work for a mechanical fitter includes a huge range of tasks, such as:
- Interpreting design plans and specifications
- Determining the best way to fabricate components
- Marking out materials ahead of fabrication
- Using machinery to cut, grind and shape materials such as metal and plastic
- Operating specialist machinery and hand tools
- Assembling fabricated components to produce machines, equipment and tools
- Maintaining and repairing machines and equipment
- Overseeing the fabrication process and making changes to deliver high quality components
With such a broad range of skills, mechanical fitters are some of Australia’s most in-demand trades. Choosing a career as a mechanical fitter can open doorways in industries such as mining, manufacturing, engineering, aviation, construction, power generation and more.
Mechanical Fitter Salary in Australia
The average salary of a mechanical fitter in Australia is $90,000*. The amount you earn will vary depending on the industry you’re in, where you’re working and your employer. Broadly speaking, you can expect to earn between $70,000 and $110,000** as a mechanical fitter, although you may earn substantially more in some roles.
Currently, many of the highest paying mechanical fitter opportunities are available in Queensland and Western Australia with power generation, mining and supply chain companies.
You can increase your earning potential as a mechanical fitter by pursuing further training and specialisations. In most cases, your salary reflects your skill level, so gaining experience in the industry and having exposure to a broader range of fabrication tasks can increase your annual income.