Sheet Metal Workers
Sheet metal workers fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products like ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. They work in factories, manufacturing plants, construction sites, and repair shops, using machines to cut and bend metal and hand tools to shape and finish components.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against sheet metal workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes operating shears and brakes to cut and bend sheet metal according to specifications, assembling components using rivets or welding, and installing ductwork or other products at job sites. Workers measure materials carefully, read blueprints, inspect finished products for quality, and may troubleshoot problems with existing installations or equipment.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy practical, hands-on work with measurable results and prefer following established procedures and standards. You're detail-oriented, comfortable working with tools and machinery, and take satisfaction in producing quality work that fits together precisely.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Sheet Metal Worker Supervisor (Sheet Metal Worker Foreman) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · El Reno, Oklahoma · $35.35–$41.21
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $72,220 | $98,550 | $134,590 | 3,440 |
| Hawaii | $77,790 | $96,350 | $105,460 | 490 |
| Alaska | $57,690 | $94,600 | $103,520 | 240 |
| New Jersey | $58,390 | $92,840 | $119,870 | 2,790 |
| Illinois | $59,400 | $86,630 | $105,330 | 3,260 |
| Massachusetts | $52,760 | $82,100 | $92,630 | 2,890 |
| Connecticut | $57,860 | $78,750 | $92,620 | 1,480 |
| Wisconsin | $50,350 | $77,760 | $97,320 | 3,180 |
| California | $59,220 | $76,590 | $107,360 | 8,390 |
| Ohio | $49,680 | $74,790 | $82,750 | 4,180 |
| New York | $49,920 | $73,760 | $96,120 | 6,570 |
| Oregon | $58,410 | $73,750 | $108,920 | 3,250 |
All 50 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against sheet metal workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-2211.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.