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.

$60,850
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+2% projected 2024โ€“2034
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Sheet metal workers transform flat pieces of metal into functional products used throughout homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. They measure, cut, bend, and shape materials like steel, aluminum, and copper to create items such as ventilation ducts, roofing panels, rain gutters, and custom metal fixtures. Using specialized tools like shears, brakes, and computer-controlled cutting machines, they carefully craft pieces that must fit precisely with other components. Much of their work involves installing heating and air conditioning systems, where they connect ductwork throughout buildings to ensure proper airflow. They also solder or weld seams together, seal joints to prevent leaks, and secure finished pieces in place.

Programs That Prepare You

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