What does a sheet metal worker do?
- Measure, cut, bend and join sheet metal.
- Fabricate and install ductwork for heating and cooling systems.
- Install metal roofing, siding and gutters.
- Read blueprints and use shop machines and hand tools.
Where do sheet metal workers work?
- Fabrication shops
- Construction sites, new and renovation
- Factories
Is a career as a sheet metal worker right for you?
It could be a good fit if:
- You like building things with precision.
- You enjoy both shop work and time on job sites.
- You want a trade that works closely with HVAC.
How to become a sheet metal worker
Sheet metal workers in construction usually learn through an apprenticeship. Those in manufacturing often learn on the job or at a technical school.
How much do sheet metal workers make?
The median pay for sheet metal workers in the U.S. was $61,800 a year in May 2025, and most earned between $38,630 to $105,650 a year. Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage: pay usually rises with experience, licenses and specialty.
Sheet metal worker pay by state
| State | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| United States | $61,800 |
| Massachusetts | $82,100 |
| New Hampshire | $59,800 |
Job outlook for sheet metal workers
U.S. employment of sheet metal workers is projected to change by +3% (as fast as average) from 2025 to 2035, with about 9,800 openings each year on average. There were 131,100 sheet metal worker jobs in the U.S. in 2025.
Things to know
- Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage. Pay rises with experience and skills.
- The work involves lifting heavy materials, standing for long periods, and climbing and bending on installations.
- Sheet metal and HVAC overlap a lot, especially in ductwork.
Sheet metal worker FAQ
What does a sheet metal worker do?
Sheet metal workers fabricate and install products made from thin metal sheets, such as ductwork, gutters, roofing and siding. Typical work includes: measure, cut, bend and join sheet metal; fabricate and install ductwork for heating and cooling systems; install metal roofing, siding and gutters; read blueprints and use shop machines and hand tools.
How do you become a sheet metal worker?
Sheet metal workers in construction usually learn through an apprenticeship. Those in manufacturing often learn on the job or at a technical school.
How much do sheet metal workers make?
The median pay for sheet metal workers in the U.S. was $61,800 a year (May 2025, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Sheet Metal Workers). Most earn between $38,630 to $105,650 a year. Pay varies by state, experience and specialty.
Are sheet metal workers in demand?
U.S. employment of sheet metal workers is projected to change by +3% (as fast as average) from 2025 to 2035, with about 9,800 job openings each year on average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Which states pay sheet metal workers the most?
By median annual wage in May 2025, the highest-paying states for sheet metal workers were Massachusetts ($82,100), New Hampshire ($59,800), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sources
Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wayforge is a career-planning tool, not an official licensing source; always confirm requirements with your state licensing board.