Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Guiding people or projects, setting direction, taking responsibility, and helping others succeed.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Sheet metal workers employed in construction typically learn their trade through an apprenticeship. Those employed in manufacturing typically learn on the job or at a technical school. PayThe median annual wage for sheet metal workers was $61,800 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of sheet metal workers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 9,800 openings for sheet metal workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for sheet metal workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of sheet metal workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about sheet metal workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Learn about training pathways and use the career details above to identify the type of apprenticeship or technical preparation to research.
Pay
The median annual wage for sheet metal workers was $61,800 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of sheet metal workers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 9,800 openings for sheet metal workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for sheet metal workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of sheet metal workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about sheet metal workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of sheet metal workers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 9,800 openings for sheet metal workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for sheet metal workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of sheet metal workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about sheet metal workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets.
Work Environment
Sheet metal workers often lift heavy materials and stand for long periods of time. Those who install sheet metal must often bend, climb, and squat. Most work full time.
How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker
Sheet metal workers employed in construction typically learn their trade through an apprenticeship. Those employed in manufacturing typically learn on the job or at a technical school.
Pay
The median annual wage for sheet metal workers was $61,800 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of sheet metal workers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 9,800 openings for sheet metal workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for sheet metal workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of sheet metal workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about sheet metal workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Sheet metal workers often lift heavy materials and stand for long periods of time. Those who install sheet metal must often bend, climb, and squat. Most work full time.
How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker
Sheet metal workers employed in construction typically learn their trade through an apprenticeship. Those employed in manufacturing typically learn on the job or at a technical school.
Pay
The median annual wage for sheet metal workers was $61,800 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of sheet metal workers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 9,800 openings for sheet metal workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for sheet metal workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of sheet metal workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about sheet metal workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for sheet metal workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of sheet metal workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about sheet metal workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about sheet metal workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Explore Apprenticeship & Training
Learn about training pathways and use the career details above to identify the type of apprenticeship or technical preparation to research.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.