Sheet Metal Workers
Construction and Extraction
Sheet Metal Workers fabricate, assemble, and install metal products like ducts, casings, and pipes, shaping raw materials into functional structures that support ventilation, heating, and industrial systems. Their work ensures the safe and efficient operation of essential infrastructure, from residential buildings to large-scale facilities, contributing to comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. Daily tasks may include measuring and cutting metal, operating machinery, welding components, and fitting installations on-site, often collaborating with construction teams. This hands-on role offers fulfillment through problem-solving, craftsmanship, and seeing tangible results—transforming raw materials into durable, high-quality systems that serve communities.
What you might do
- Fabricate sheet metal products and equipment
- Assemble and install sheet metal components
- Repair sheet metal products and equipment
- Operate fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal
- Use soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts
- Inspect and smooth seams and joints of burred surfaces
AI & the future of this role
While some aspects of sheet metal work (e.g., machine operation) can be automated, the job requires manual dexterity, adaptability to irregular worksites, and problem-solving for custom fabrication, making full automation challenging in the near term.
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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