Sheet Metal Worker salary is $52,867 per year. The estimated hourly rate is $25.68 and should earn an approximate amount of $1,000 yearly on average. You can learn more about the Sheet Metal Worker job market for salaries of real jobs in your area by visiting our salary page. These wages are assuming that you are a full time employee working 40 hours a week for 50 weeks out of the year with at least some experience as a Sheet Metal Worker.
Sheet metal workers install, maintain and repair heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment. The length of a sheet metal worker’s career depends on his or her ability to learn new skills, with some training programs focusing on new techniques in response to industry trends. The median annual income for sheet-metal workers was $36,810 in May 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Salary For Sheet Metal Worker Overview
As a sheet metal worker, you’re going to be working with some of the most important tools in your industry—tools like the ones we make at [company name].
But did you know that these tools are also used by sheet metal workers all over the country? It’s true! That means there are plenty of opportunities out there for sheet metal workers, and if you want to become one, here are some things that will help you get started.
First, a journeyman sheet metal worker salary can range from $35,000 to $80,000 per year depending on experience and location. If you live in Florida, for example, you could earn as much as $80,000 per year as a journeyman sheet metal worker. However, if you live up north in New York City or Boston (or somewhere else cold), it might be harder for people to find work because fewer companies want to hire someone who lives far away from them. But wherever you live—and whatever your level of experience is—you can use our tools to help build your career as a sheet metal worker!
What Sheet Metal Workers Do
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.
How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker
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 salary by state
| State Name | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $96,520 |
| New Jersey | $96,520 |
| Hawaii | $78,250 |
| Washington | $77,890 |
| District of Columbia | $76,850 |
| Connecticut | $76,590 |
| Pennsylvania | $75,700 |
| Massachusetts | $74,750 |
| Illinois | $64,860 |
| California | $63,530 |
| Minnesota | $62,370 |
| Oregon | $62,210 |
| Missouri | $62,140 |
| Rhode Island | $61,980 |
| New York | $61,800 |
| Wisconsin | $61,440 |
| Delaware | $61,300 |
| North Dakota | $59,520 |
| Montana | $58,850 |
| Maryland | $58,840 |
| Ohio | $58,750 |
| New Mexico | $58,340 |
| Iowa | $57,400 |
| Virginia | $56,320 |
| Oklahoma | $56,060 |
| Utah | $50,170 |
| Indiana | $49,950 |
| Michigan | $49,700 |
| New Hampshire | $48,890 |
| Nebraska | $48,610 |
| Nevada | $48,610 |
| West Virginia | $48,560 |
| Colorado | $48,450 |
| Arizona | $47,890 |
| Maine | $47,890 |
| Texas | $47,780 |
| Georgia | $47,260 |
| Kansas | $47,240 |
| Vermont | $46,910 |
| Idaho | $46,740 |
| South Dakota | $46,740 |
| North Carolina | $46,710 |
| Florida | $46,640 |
| Kentucky | $46,640 |
| Tennessee | $46,520 |
| Wyoming | $42,950 |
| Louisiana | $42,160 |
| South Carolina | $40,120 |
| Mississippi | $39,690 |
| Alabama | $38,060 |
| Arkansas | $38,060 |
| Guam | $36,970 |
| Virgin Islands, U.S. | $29,990 |
| Puerto Rico | $23,730 |
