# How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker

[Skilled trade guides](/trades/)

Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, siding, and architectural metal in commercial and industrial buildings. Median pay is **$61,800 per year** ($29.71/hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025.

      2025 median pay$61,800/year ($29.71/hour)
      Entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalent
      Training pathApprenticeship (typically 4-5 years)
      Job outlook2% growth 2025-35
      Jobs in the US131,000+

## The path in, step by step

- Apply to a SMART (Sheet Metal Workers) union apprenticeship or train with a contractor.
- Complete 4 to 5 years covering layout, fabrication, welding, and installation.
- HVAC-adjacent ductwork is the largest employment segment; architectural and industrial specialties pay more.
- Testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) certification is a high-pay specialty.

## How long it takes

4 to 5 years to journeyman.

## What it costs

Paid apprenticeship; minimal cost to the trainee.

## What working tradespeople say

- The math and layout work surprises people; it is more technical than it looks.
- Architectural sheet metal (custom facades, roofing) is the craft end and pays accordingly.
- TAB technicians who verify HVAC system performance are in short supply.
- Commercial work is steadier than residential through economic cycles.

## Run your own numbers

See what the hourly rate means per paycheck with our [salary to hourly calculator](/salary-hourly/), and compare lifetime earnings against a college path with the [compound interest calculator](/compound-interest/) (four years of earning vs four years of tuition changes the math dramatically). When you are job hunting, our [resume templates](/resume-templates/) and [cover letter examples](/cover-letter-examples/) are free.

## More trade guides

- [**Electrician**$63,190/yr median](/trades/electrician/)
- [**Plumber**$63,800/yr median](/trades/plumber/)
- [**HVAC Technician**$61,010/yr median](/trades/hvac-technician/)
- [**Welder**$53,750/yr median](/trades/welder/)
- [**Carpenter**$60,580/yr median](/trades/carpenter/)
- [**Auto Mechanic**$50,620/yr median](/trades/auto-mechanic/)
- [**Ironworker**$62,780/yr median](/trades/ironworker/)
- [**Solar Installer**$53,140/yr median](/trades/solar-installer/)
- [**Truck Driver (CDL)**$58,640/yr median](/trades/truck-driver/)
- [**Boilermaker**$76,410/yr median](/trades/boilermaker/)
- [**Elevator Installer**$109,910/yr median](/trades/elevator-installer/)

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does sheet metal worker pay?

The national median is $61,800 per year ($29.71/hour) as of May 2025, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half earn more, half earn less; apprentices start lower and experienced specialists earn much more.

### Do I need college to get into the trades?

No. Every trade on this page lists a high school diploma or a short certificate as the entry credential. The training happens through paid apprenticeships or trade school, not four-year degrees.

### How long does it take to become a sheet metal worker?

4 to 5 years to journeyman.

### Union or non-union: which is better?

Union apprenticeships generally pay more during training and offer stronger benefits and pensions, but can have waitlists. Non-union paths through contractor associations or direct hire can start faster. Many successful tradespeople do both over a career.

### Will AI replace trade jobs?

Physical trades that work in unpredictable real-world environments (wiring buildings, fixing pipes, driving trucks) are among the hardest jobs to automate. The BLS projects continued openings driven mostly by retirements.