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.

SOC: 47-2211.00

Common Job Titles

HVAC Sheet Metal Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer)Sheet Metal FabricatorSheet Metal MechanicSheet 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

MetricU.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 AutoCADMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Word

Technology Skills

Applied Production ProFabApplied Production ProFoldComputer aided design CAD softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareCorte CertoFCC Software AutoPOL SeriesJETCAM ExpertMerry Mechanization SMP/IS

Tools & Equipment

AC welding power unitsAC/DC welding power unitsAcoustic ear muffs or defendersAdjustable widemouth pliersAdjustable wrenchesAllen wrenchesAmmetersAngle grinders