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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Sheet Metal Workers

Median Salary
58,780
Job Outlook
+10%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

84%

Self-employed

10%

Private not for profit

2%

State and local government

2%

Federal Government

1%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$27,080

10%

$58,780

Median

$99,590

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    49%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    43%

  • Less than high school

    7%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Mechanical
  • Building and Construction
  • Mathematics
  • Design
  • Engineering and Technology

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.