Sheet Metal Worker salary
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What a sheet metal worker does
Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ductwork, roofing and metal components for HVAC, industrial and architectural work. Reached through a paid apprenticeship.
Day-to-day duties
- Fabricate ducting and components from drawings
- Install HVAC ductwork and metal systems
- Cut, form, bend and seam metal
- Weld, rivet and seal joints
- Test and balance installed systems
Skills employers look for
- Reading shop drawings
- Precision layout and measurement
- Metal forming and joining
- Working in ceilings, plant rooms and at height
Requirements
- Apprenticeship (typically 4–5 years, paid)
- Journeyman certification in many areas
- OSHA safety training
- Ability to work at height and in confined spaces
How to get started
- 1 Apply to a sheet metal apprenticeship
- 2 Earn while training across 4–5 years
- 3 Complete journeyman certification
- 4 Specialise in fabrication, service, or architectural work
Job outlook: Tied to commercial construction and HVAC installation. Union apprenticeships in this trade are well established and pay progresses on a defined scale.
Common questions about sheet metal workers
What does a sheet metal worker do?
Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ductwork, roofing and metal components for HVAC, industrial and architectural work. Reached through a paid apprenticeship. Day to day, that means fabricate ducting and components from drawings, install HVAC ductwork and metal systems, cut, form, bend and seam metal and weld, rivet and seal joints.
How do you become a sheet metal worker?
The usual route is: (1) apply to a sheet metal apprenticeship, (2) earn while training across 4–5 years, (3) complete journeyman certification, (4) specialise in fabrication, service, or architectural work. Employers typically look for apprenticeship (typically 4–5 years, paid), journeyman certification in many areas and OSHA safety training.
Do you need a certification to work as a sheet metal worker?
Usually not. Most employers hire sheet metal workers without a specific licence, though journeyman certification in many areas will widen your options and often your pay.
Are sheet metal workers in demand?
Tied to commercial construction and HVAC installation. Union apprenticeships in this trade are well established and pay progresses on a defined scale.
Where are sheet metal workers most in demand?
See the metro and rural areas with the highest concentration of this work, ranked from Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data.
Similar roles
Pay figures are estimates for guidance only, not an offer or guarantee. Advertised ranges come from job postings on LocalWork; government figures come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Actual pay depends on experience, certifications, shift and employer.