Sheet Metal Workers
Career, Salary and Education Information
What They Do: Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets.
Work Environment: Sheet metal workers often lift heavy materials and stand for long periods of time. Those who install sheet metal must often bend, climb, and squat. Most work full time.
How to Become One: Sheet metal workers who work in construction typically learn their trade through an apprenticeship. Those who work in manufacturing often learn on the job or at a technical school.
Salary: The median annual wage for sheet metal workers is $53,440.
Job Outlook: Employment of sheet metal workers is projected to show little or no change over the next ten years.
Related Careers: Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of sheet metal workers with similar occupations.
Following is everything you need to know about a career as a sheet metal worker with lots of details. As a first step, take a look at some of the following jobs, which are real jobs with real employers. You will be able to see the very real job career requirements for employers who are actively hiring. The link will open in a new tab so that you can come back to this page to continue reading about the career:
Top 3 Sheet Metal Worker Jobs
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Sheet Metal Worker
- Wagstaff Inc
- Spokane, WA
Flux core Arc Welding (FCAW) and/or Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) * Ability to interpret mechanical ... Plan details of working procedure, tools, and material requirements * Adhere to technical ...
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Foreman I - Sheet Metal
- TDIndustries
- Houston, TX
Coaches, mentors, and provides guidance to craft workers ( sheet metal trade). Schedules and coordinates activities of assigned craft workers and operation of equipment and machinery. Verifies all ...
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Fabricator - Swing Shift
- Johnson Thermal Systems, Inc.
- Caldwell, ID
This position will be working daily on machines that prepare steel metal products for the assembly ... Set up and operate specialized equipment and tooling for fabrication of stainless sheet metal ...
What Sheet Metal Workers Do[About this section] [To Top]
Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets, such as ducts used in heating and air conditioning systems.
Duties of Sheet Metal Workers
Sheet metal workers typically do the following:
- Select types of sheet metal according to plans
- Measure and mark dimensions and reference lines on metal sheets
- Drill holes in metal for screws, bolts, and rivets
- Install metal sheets with supportive frameworks
- Fabricate or alter parts at construction sites
- Maneuver and anchor large sheet metal parts
- Fasten seams or joints by welding, bolting, riveting, or soldering
Sheet metal is thin steel, aluminum, or other alloyed metal that is used in both manufacturing and construction. Sheet metal is commonly used to make ducts for heating and air conditioning systems, but it is also used to make products such as rain gutters, outdoor signs, and siding.
In addition to installing sheet metal, some workers install nonmetallic materials such as fiberglass and plastic board.
The following are examples of types of sheet metal workers:
Fabrication sheet metal workers, sometimes called precision sheet metal workers, make precision sheet metal parts for a variety of industries, from power generation to medical device manufacturing. Most work in shops and factories, operating tools and equipment. In large-scale manufacturing, the work may be highly automated and repetitive. Many fabrication shops have automated machinery, such as computer-controlled saws, lasers, shears, and presses, which measure, cut, bend, and fasten pieces of sheet metal. Workers often use computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) and building information modeling (BIM) systems to make products. Some of these workers may be responsible for limited programming of the computers controlling their equipment. Workers who primarily program computerized equipment are called metal and plastic machine workers.
Installation sheet metal workers install heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts. They also install other sheet metal products, such as metal roofs, siding, and gutters. They typically work on new construction and on renovation projects. Information about workers who install or repair roofing systems can be found in the profile on roofers.
Maintenance sheet metal workers repair and clean ventilation systems so the systems use less energy. Workers remove dust and moisture and fix leaks or breaks in the sheet metal that makes up the ductwork.
Testing and balancing sheet metal specialists ensure that HVAC systems heat and cool rooms properly by adjusting sheet metal ducts to achieve proper airflow. Information on workers who install or repair HVAC systems can be found in the profile on heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
Work Environment for Sheet Metal Workers[About this section] [To Top]
Sheet metal workers hold about 129,100 jobs. The largest employers of sheet metal workers are as follows:
| Specialty trade contractors | 59% |
| Manufacturing | 23% |
| Government | 6% |
| Construction of buildings | 3% |
| Employment services | 2% |
Sheet metal fabricators usually work in manufacturing plants and small shops, where they must often lift heavy materials and stand for long periods of time.
Workers who install sheet metal at construction sites must bend, climb, and squat, sometimes in close quarters, in awkward positions, or at great heights. Sheet metal installers who work outdoors are exposed to all types of weather. The work environment may be noisy or dusty, and job tasks may create vibrations.
Injuries and Illnesses for Sheet Metal Workers
Sheet metal workers risk injury on the job. Common injuries include cuts from sharp metal, burns from soldering or welding, and falls from ladders or scaffolding.
Some sheet metal fabricators work around high-speed machines, which can be dangerous. Because of these hazards, workers must often wear safety glasses and must not wear jewelry or loose-fitting clothing that could easily get caught in a machine. To avoid repetitive strain injuries, sheet metal workers may rotate through different production stations.
Sheet Metal Worker Work Schedules
The majority of sheet metal workers work full time.
How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker[About this section] [To Top]
Get the education you need: Find schools for Sheet Metal Workers near you!
Sheet metal workers who work in construction typically learn their trade through an apprenticeship. Those who work in manufacturing often learn on the job or at a technical school.
Education for Sheet Metal Workers
Most sheet metal workers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Those interested in becoming a sheet metal worker should take high school classes in algebra, geometry, and general vocational education courses including blueprint reading, mechanical drawing, and welding.
Many technical schools have programs that teach welding and metalworking. These programs help provide the basic welding and sheet metal fabrication knowledge that many workers need to perform their job.
Some manufacturers have partnerships with local technical schools to develop training programs specific to their factories.
Sheet Metal Worker Training
Most construction sheet metal workers learn their trade through 4- or 5-year apprenticeships, which include both paid on-the-job training and related classroom technical instruction. Apprentices learn construction basics such as blueprint reading, math, building code requirements, and safety and first aid practices. Welding may be included as part of the training.
Although most construction workers enter apprenticeships directly after finishing high school, some start out as helpers before entering apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship programs are offered by unions and businesses. The basic qualifications for entering an apprenticeship program are being 18 years old and having a high school diploma or the equivalent. Some apprenticeship programs give veterans preference.
After completing an apprenticeship program, sheet metal workers are considered to be journey workers who are qualified to perform tasks on their own.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Sheet Metal Workers
Although not required, sheet metal workers can earn certifications for several of the tasks that they perform. For example, some sheet metal workers can become certified in welding from the American Welding Society. In addition, the International Training Institute for the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Industry offers certification in building information modeling (BIM), welding, testing and balancing, and other related activities. The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International, offers a certification in precision sheet metal work.
Important Qualities for Sheet Metal Workers
Computer skills. Sheet metal workers use computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) programs and building information modeling (BIM) systems as they design products and cut sheet metal.
Dexterity. Sheet metal workers need good hand–eye coordination and motor control to make precise cuts and bends in metal pieces.
Math skills. Sheet metal workers must calculate the proper sizes and angles of fabricated sheet metal, as it is important to ensure the alignment and fit of ductwork.
Mechanical skills. Sheet metal workers use saws, lasers, shears, and presses to do their job. As a result, they should have good mechanical skills in order to operate and maintain equipment.
Physical stamina. Sheet metal workers in factories may spend many hours standing at their workstation.
Physical strength. Sheet metal workers must be able to lift and move ductwork that is often heavy and cumbersome. Some jobs require workers to be able to lift 50 pounds.
Sheet Metal Worker Salaries[About this section] [More salary/earnings info] [To Top]
The median annual wage for sheet metal workers is $53,440. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,450, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $95,010.
The median annual wages for sheet metal workers in the top industries in which they work are as follows:
| Government | $61,610 |
| Specialty trade contractors | $57,510 |
| Manufacturing | $48,450 |
| Construction of buildings | $46,850 |
| Employment services | $37,660 |
The starting pay for apprentices is usually less than what fully trained sheet metal workers make. As apprentices learn more skills, their pay increases.
Most sheet metal workers work full time.
Job Outlook for Sheet Metal Workers[About this section] [To Top]
Employment of sheet metal workers is projected to show little or no change over the next ten years.
Despite limited employment growth, about 12,300 openings for sheet metal workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment of Sheet Metal Workers
Employment change in this occupation reflects the expected number of industrial, commercial, and residential structures that will be built over the projections decade. It also reflects the continuing need to install and maintain energy-efficient air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems in existing buildings. However, the use of prefabricated duct systems will limit the need for sheet metal workers on residential construction sites. Some sheet metal fabrication equipment is automated, further reducing the need for workers.
| Occupational Title | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||
| Sheet metal workers | 129,100 | 128,100 | -1 | -1,000 |
More Sheet Metal Worker Information[About this section] [To Top]
For more information about apprenticeships or other work opportunities, contact local sheet metal contractors or heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning contractors; a local of the Sheet Metal Workers International Association; a local of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association; a local joint union–management apprenticeship committee; or the nearest office of your state employment service or apprenticeship agency. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship program online or by phone at 877-872-5627. Visit Apprenticeship.gov to search for apprenticeship opportunities.
For more information about sheet metal workers, visit
International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART)
International Training Institute for the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Industry
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association
For more information about certification for sheet metal workers, visit
Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International
International Certification Board
For information about opportunities for military veterans, visit:
A portion of the information on this page is used by permission of the U.S. Department of Labor.