Sheet Metal Workers
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.
Common Job Titles
- HVAC Sheet Metal Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer)
- Sheet Metal Fabricator
- Sheet Metal Mechanic
- Sheet Metal Worker
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Sheet Metal Workers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
117,470
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $38,030. 25th percentile: U.S. $47,290. 50th percentile: U.S. $60,850. 75th percentile: U.S. $79,620. 90th percentile: U.S. $102,680. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $38,030 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $102,680 |
| Workers on average earn | $66,110 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Mechanical4.2/5
- Building and Construction3.8/5
- Mathematics3.8/5
- Design3.6/5
- English Language3.4/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Applied Production ProFab
- Applied Production ProFold
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Corte Certo
- FCC Software AutoPOL Series
- JETCAM Expert
- Merry Mechanization SMP/IS
Tools & Equipment
- AC welding power units
- AC/DC welding power units
- Acoustic ear muffs or defenders
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Adjustable wrenches
- Allen wrenches
- Ammeters
- Angle grinders