How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker in 2026
Median salary: $60,850 · +2.4% projected growth (2024–2034)
What does a Sheet Metal Worker do?
Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal; shaping metal over anvils, blocks, or forms using hammer; operating soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts; or inspecting, assembling, and smoothing seams and joints of burred surfaces. Includes sheet metal duct installers who install prefabricated sheet metal ducts used for heating, air conditioning, or other purposes.
Sheet Metal Worker Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Sheet Metal Workers is $60,850. The bottom 10% earn around $38,030 while the top 10% earn over $102,680.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $38,030 |
| Early career (P25) | $47,290 |
| Median | $60,850 |
| Experienced (P75) | $79,620 |
| Top earners (P90) | $102,680 |
Highest-paying metros
Sheet Metal Worker salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Jerseytop | $94,310 |
| Illinois | $93,570 |
| Washington | $93,230 |
| Hawaii | $91,540 |
| Alaska | $82,750 |
| California | $79,630 |
| Massachusetts | $79,260 |
| North Dakota | $78,910 |
| District of Columbia | $76,450 |
| Wisconsin | $75,970 |
| New York | $73,470 |
| West Virginia | $71,800 |
| Pennsylvania | $69,240 |
| Missouri | $66,340 |
| Idaho | $65,680 |
| Oregon | $65,190 |
| Oklahoma | $64,420 |
| Delaware | $63,850 |
| Ohio | $62,940 |
| Minnesota | $62,550 |
| Connecticut | $62,360 |
| Montana | $61,940 |
| Michigan | $61,680 |
| Maryland | $61,630 |
| Iowa | $61,620 |
| Utah | $60,490 |
| Maine | $60,320 |
| Indiana | $59,600 |
| New Mexico | $59,220 |
| Nebraska | $58,560 |
| Virginia | $58,490 |
| Colorado | $57,870 |
| Rhode Island | $56,950 |
| Vermont | $56,890 |
| Texas | $55,840 |
| Louisiana | $54,870 |
| Georgia | $53,960 |
| Tennessee | $53,680 |
| New Hampshire | $53,380 |
| North Carolina | $52,370 |
| Arizona | $51,440 |
| Wyoming | $51,240 |
| Kansas | $50,920 |
| South Dakota | $49,780 |
| Florida | $49,170 |
| Kentucky | $49,100 |
| Mississippi | $49,020 |
| Nevada | $47,590 |
| Alabama | $46,100 |
| South Carolina | $46,080 |
| Arkansas | $42,640 |
How to earn more as a Sheet Metal Worker
The salary range for Sheet Metal Workers spans $64,650 — from $38,030 at entry level to $102,680 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA at $115,970 — $55,120 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
On-the-job training: Apprenticeship
Starting from high school
- Complete on-the-job training (apprenticeship)
- Earn industry-recognized certifications (NCCER, OSHA 10/30-Hour, equipment-specific operator certifications)
- Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
- Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
- Advance to journeyman level or specialized role
Look into union apprenticeship programs — they combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3–4 years. The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) offers standardized craft training recognized nationwide. Trade schools offer shorter programs (6–12 months) that get you working faster, though without the union benefits. Community colleges also offer construction technology programs. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry or Construction certification is required by many employers and is available online for about $25.
Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.
Switching from another career
- Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
- Complete a short certification or orientation program (NCCER, OSHA 10/30-Hour, equipment-specific operator certifications)
- Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
- Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
- Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience
Career changers with any mechanical, driving, physical labor, or supervisory experience have a significant head start. Union apprenticeship programs accept career changers and provide paid training — typical starting wage is $15–$25/hour while you learn. Many programs offer accelerated tracks for applicants with relevant experience. If you're coming from a related trade, you may be able to enter at an advanced apprentice level. Contact your local building trades council or visit unionjobs.com to find openings.
Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.
Already working in another career?
See how your skills transfer to Sheet Metal Worker — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.
See how your skills transfer — freeAI and automation outlook
The Sheet Metal Worker role has a low AI exposure score — one of the safer careers from automation. Most day-to-day tasks require human judgment, physical presence, or interpersonal skills that AI cannot replicate.
See full AI risk breakdownRelated careers to consider
Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Sheet Metal Worker.
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SOC: 47-2211.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034