How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker
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 education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training path | Apprenticeship (typically 4-5 years) |
| Job outlook | 2% growth 2025-35 |
| Jobs in the US | 131,000+ |
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, and compare lifetime earnings against a college path with the compound interest calculator (four years of earning vs four years of tuition changes the math dramatically). When you are job hunting, our resume templates and cover letter examples are free.
More trade guides
- Electrician$63,190/yr median
- Plumber$63,800/yr median
- HVAC Technician$61,010/yr median
- Welder$53,750/yr median
- Carpenter$60,580/yr median
- Auto Mechanic$50,620/yr median
- Ironworker$62,780/yr median
- Solar Installer$53,140/yr median
- Truck Driver (CDL)$58,640/yr median
- Boilermaker$76,410/yr median
- Elevator Installer$109,910/yr median
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.