Sheet Metal Worker

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Work Tasks

SHEET METAL WORKERS make, install, and maintain air-conditioning, heating, ventilation, and pollution control duct systems. They also make and install roofs, siding, rain gutters and downspouts, skylights, restaurant equipment, outdoor signs, and many other building parts and products made from metal sheets. Sheet metal workers do both construction-related sheet metal work and mass production of sheet metal products in manufacturing. In addition to installation, some sheet metal workers specialize in testing, balancing, adjusting, and servicing existing air-conditioning and ventilation systems to make sure they are functioning properly and to improve their energy efficiency.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $44,000 average per year ($21.25 per hour)
• A medium occupation (140,400 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow slowly (0.6% per year)

Entry Requirements

SHEET METAL WORKERS generally learn skills in apprenticeship programs consist of 4 to 5 years of on-the-job training and an average of 200 hours per year of classroom instruction. Apprenticeship programs provide comprehensive instruction in both sheet metal fabrication and installation. Local apprenticeship committees require a high school education or its equivalent. Courses in algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mechanical drawing, and shop, or experience obtained in the armed services will be helpful. No special licensing or certification is required for sheet metal workers.