Construction

Sheet Metal Worker

Handy with tools? Have a keen eye for detail? Learn a variety of amazing skills as a Sheet Metal worker!

Fabricate, install, and maintain sheet metal products including ductwork, roofing, and siding using specialized tools and welding equipment.

Salary Range

$37,000 – $89,000

per year (10th–90th percentile)

Median Salary

$51,370

per year

Growth Outlook

Average Growth(+1%)

2024–2034 projected

1. Sheet metal workers are in demand. 2. Sheet metal workers are well paid. 3. Sheet metal workers have good benefits

Browse Sheet Metal Jobs

Tasks & Responsibilities

Convert blueprints into shop drawings to be followed in the construction or assembly of sheet metal products.
Determine project requirements, such as scope, assembly sequences, or required methods or materials, using blueprints, drawings, or written or verbal instructions.
Lay out, measure, and mark dimensions and reference lines on material, such as roofing panels, using calculators, scribes, dividers, squares, or rulers.
Fasten seams or joints together with welds, bolts, cement, rivets, solder, caulks, metal drive clips, or bonds to assemble components into products or to repair sheet metal items.
Trim, file, grind, deburr, buff, or smooth surfaces, seams, or joints of assembled parts, using hand tools or portable power tools.
Fabricate ducts for high efficiency heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to maximize efficiency of systems.
Select gauges or types of sheet metal or nonmetallic material, according to product specifications.
Finish parts, using hacksaws or hand, rotary, or squaring shears.
Shape metal material over anvils, blocks, or other forms, using hand tools.
Fabricate or alter parts at construction sites, using shears, hammers, punches, or drills.

Tools of the Trade

Punches or nail sets or driftsMetal folding machineShearsRivet toolsMetal cuttersPower drillsCompassesPower sawsHydraulic press brakeFlowmetersAmmetersDrill press or radial drillManometersHoistsHammersLevelsTachometersSheet metal pliersPressure indicatorsWelding masksSquaresPlasma arc welding machinePneumatic hammerSpot welding machineAir velocity and temperature monitorsWelding generatorOxygen gas analyzersRemote reading thermometersPipe or tube cutterHex keysHydraulic hand crimp toolDial indicator or dial gaugeMultimetersMill saw fileHygrometersFurnace soldering machineStencils or lettering aidsWelding or cutting tipPneumatic riveterCalipersAwlsHydraulic press framesManual press brakeSheet metal forming machinePower buffersSawing machinesDolliesProtective coverallsRolling pressSocket setsImpact wrenchesExplosimetersProtective glovesGogglesLaser cutting machineThreading die hand toolLocking pliersSheet metal grooving machineThreading tapsBall peen hammerDeburring toolThermographsTungsten inert gas welding machineTrim pressGas welding or brazing or cutting apparatusScalesStraight edgesEnd cut pliersSingle gas monitorsVoltage or current metersMetal inert gas welding machinePositioning jigLevel sensors or transmittersMetal band sawing machineLeak testing equipmentTinners snipsPipe reamerAngle grinderHacksawC clampsPneumatic impact wrenchesLaddersMicrometersScrewdriversHard hatsTape measuresCold chiselsTurning machinesWire cuttersSlingsNibblersOhmmetersPsychrometersScaffoldingNut driversSafety glassesAcoustic ear muffs or defendersBolt cuttersScribersTongsChalk linesPlumb bobsLaser printersProtractorsCaulking gunsAdjustable widemouth pliersDesktop computersAdjustable wrenchesPower routersPersonal computersPower sandersT squaresTemplates

Knowledge Areas

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. 75/100

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. 69/100

Building and Construction

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads. 65/100

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. 60/100

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 57/100

Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. 55/100

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. 52/100

Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. 52/100

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. 47/100

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. 43/100