Sheet Metal Jobs

Sheet metal workers fabricate, install, and maintain duct systems, metal roofs, siding, and other structures from thin sheet metal, primarily in construction and manufacturing settings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for sheet metal workers was $60,850, or $29.26 per hour, as of May 2024. Employment in this occupation is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations, with about 3,100 openings annually.

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, followed by a 4-5 year apprenticeship program combining on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Common certifications include those from the Sheet Metal Contractors’ Association (SMACNA), AWS welding certifications from the American Welding Society, and EPA Section 608 for handling refrigerants. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook provides detailed career information at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/sheet-metal-workers.htm.