Sheet Metal Worker
Precision fabrication meets skilled installation.
Median Salary
$57,720
Apprenticeship
4–5 years
Union Presence
Strong
Physical Demand
High
Job Demand
Moderate
Sheet metal workers fabricate and install HVAC ductwork, roofing, architectural metalwork, and cladding systems. The trade combines precision fabrication in a shop with physical installation on job sites.
What Sheet Metal Workers Earn
National data — Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS
25th Percentile
$41,760
Entry level
Median
$57,720
Mid-career
75th Percentile
$75,140
Experienced
90th Percentile
$96,060
Top earners
Salary by State
Teal bars = above national median · Blue bars = below national median · Source: BLS OEWS
Career Path
From day one to running your own operation
Apprentice Sheet Metal Worker
$34,000–$50,000Years 0–5
Complete a 4–5 year SMART union apprenticeship learning to read blueprints, operate fabrication equipment, and install ductwork systems. Classroom time covers HVAC fundamentals and layout math.
Journeyperson Sheet Metal Worker
$52,000–$72,000Years 5–10
Work on commercial HVAC installs, architectural metalwork, or industrial ventilation projects. Those who cross-train in HVAC controls and TAB (test and balance) earn higher rates.
Lead / Foreman
$68,000–$88,000Years 8–12
Supervise installation crews on large commercial or industrial projects. Coordinate with HVAC contractors, general contractors, and other trades.
Sheet Metal Contractor
$80,000–$160,000+Years 10+
Start your own sheet metal fabrication and installation shop. Commercial HVAC ductwork is a steady, high-margin business with long-term service contracts.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓Strong SMART union with solid wages, benefits, and pension
- ✓Shop fabrication work provides indoor, year-round employment
- ✓HVAC knowledge combined with metal skills opens multiple career paths
- ✓Commercial work is steady regardless of residential housing market
- ✓Architectural metalwork offers creative, high-end specialty niche
Challenges
- ✕Installation work can require significant work at heights
- ✕Sheet metal edges are sharp — cuts are an occupational hazard
- ✕Working in unfinished buildings means exposure to cold, heat, and dust
- ✕Heavy lifting and awkward overhead installation positions are common
How to Get Started
Step-by-step path into the sheet metal worker trade
- 1
Apply to a SMART union local (smartunion.org) — the Sheet Metal Workers union runs some of the best apprenticeship programs in the trades.
Browse SMART apprenticeship programs → - 2
Can't get a union spot yet? Find a sheet metal fabrication or HVAC contractor who hires entry-level and trains on the job.
Find hiring contractors → - 3
A community college HVAC or sheet metal program builds your technical foundation and makes you a stronger union applicant.
Find programs → - 4
Get your OSHA 10 card before applying — it's required on most commercial job sites.
- 5
Math matters more in this trade than most: layout and pattern development require solid geometry. Brush up before your aptitude test.
Get the Free Sheet Metal Worker Salary Guide
Median wages for sheet metal workers across all 50 states, pulled directly from BLS data. Free, no strings.