CFChooseField
Production

Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators

Laminate layers of fiberglass on molds to form boat decks and hulls, bodies for golf carts, automobiles, or other products.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators

Median pay

$45,760
Median annual pay for Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

4.2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

2,100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

18,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+800
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

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Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Critical Thinking

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Administration and Management
  2. 2Production and Processing
  3. 3Education and Training
  4. 4Chemistry
  5. 5English Language
  6. 6Customer and Personal Service

Abilities

  1. 1Arm-Hand Steadiness
  2. 2Multilimb Coordination
  3. 3Near Vision
  4. 4Problem Sensitivity
  5. 5Trunk Strength
  6. 6Extent Flexibility

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Artistic
  4. 4Investigative
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  4. 4Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  5. 5Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  6. 6Controlling Machines and Processes

Work context

  1. 1Spend Time Standing
  2. 2Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  3. 3Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  4. 4Exposed to Contaminants
  5. 5Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  6. 6Time Pressure

Representative tasks

  • Release air bubbles and smooth seams, using rollers.
  • Spray chopped fiberglass, resins, and catalysts onto prepared molds or dies using pneumatic spray guns with chopper attachments.
  • Mix catalysts into resins, and saturate cloth and mats with mixtures, using brushes.
  • Check completed products for conformance to specifications and for defects by measuring with rulers or micrometers, by checking them visually, or by tapping them to detect bubbles or dead spots.
  • Pat or press layers of saturated mat or cloth into place on molds, using brushes or hands, and smooth out wrinkles and air bubbles with hands or squeegees.
  • Select precut fiberglass mats, cloth, and wood-bracing materials as required by projects being assembled.
  • Bond wood reinforcing strips to decks and cabin structures of watercraft, using resin-saturated fiberglass.
  • Trim excess materials from molds, using hand shears or trimming knives.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.