Sheet Metal Workers
Construction and Extraction
Lays out measurements on metal, then cuts, bends, and joins pieces into ducts, furnace casings, gutters, and similar products using shop machines, hammers, solder, welds, rivets, or fasteners. Prefabricated parts are hauled to construction sites, where they are assembled into frameworks and installed as flashing, piping, or heating and air-conditioning ducts; pieces are often altered on the spot with shears, punches, or drills. Seams and joints are checked and smoothed, and equipment is repaired or adjusted as needed. Some workers also train or supervise apprentices. Suits people who like shop fabrication, practical measuring, and installing finished metal work on buildings.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$61'800
Median Wage Market Position
$61'800
What you might do
- Make heating and cooling ducts from sheet metal
- Set ducts, flashing, gutters, and furnace casings in place
- Fasten seams with welds, rivets, or solder
- Measure and mark cut lines on sheet metal
- Shape or alter parts on the job site
- Haul prefabricated parts to the construction site
Skills that matter
- Layout and measurement of sheet metal
- Fabricating ducts for HVAC systems
- Fastening seams with welds or rivets
- Installing ducts, flashing, and gutters
- Training and supervising apprentices
- Repairing or modifying shop equipment
AI & the future of this role
Shop fabrication may see more software-guided cutting and forming, yet field install still needs fitting ducts and casings into messy real spaces. Hands-on assembly, welding, and jobsite problem-solving tend to keep demand fairly solid.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details