Sheet Metal Worker Career
Sheet metal workers perform various jobs using thin sheets of metal. While jobs vary, some sheet metal workers make (or, as it’s sometimes termed, “fabricate”) metal parts for different industries in a factory setting. Other sheet metal workers install metal ducts for HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) in buildings. A third group of sheet metal workers repair leaks or breaks in HVAC systems and are known as maintenance sheet metal workers.
Sheet metal fabrication workers often use automated machines – like computer-controlled saws or lasers – to cut and bend the metal sheets in a factory setting. Installation sheet metal workers, on the other hand, manually install the sheet metal on construction or renovation sites.
Sheet Metal Worker Career Snapshot
Most sheet metal workers work full time in their respective work environments, either on a construction site or in a factory. Because of the equipment used to bend, cut and form the sheet metal, this type of work does have some risk of injury, so it’s important to be properly trained if you wish to become a sheet metal worker.
Further details on a career as a sheet metal worker are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the typical annual salary for sheet metal workers.
increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.
have a High school diploma or equivalent while 18% have less than a High school diploma.
Sheet Metal Worker Education
While no formal education is required for these positions, most businesses seek employees with a high school diploma or equivalent. Many technical programs have metalworking classes that can serve as an introduction to sheet metal work. Construction sheet metal workers often must complete a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship, while fabrication sheet metal workers are often provided on-the-job training.
Sheet Metal Worker Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor statistics estimates that by the year 2024, nearly 150,500 sheet metal workers will be needed to keep up with demand. That’s a 7% increase from the number of workers in 2014.
Sheet Metal Worker Salaries
The average sheet metal worker makes around $45,750 in a year as reported in May 2015 by the BLS.gov. Some sheet metal workers make as much as $83,230 annually, while the lowest ten percent of workers make $25,760 a year.
Sheet Metal Worker Job Duties
Sheet metal workers are responsible for determining each project’s requirements, including the correct measurements, tools and materials needed to complete the job. As a sheet metal worker, you may be required to use hand tools or power tools to complete tasks, and will need to be knowledgeable about what tool does what job. Sheet metal work is a great career option for those who enjoy hands on projects.
Sheet Metal Worker Skills & Traits
| Sheet Metal Worker Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Sheet Metal Workers: | Typical Work Activities: |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Critical Thinking • Coordination • Making Decisions • Mathematics • Monitoring | • Near Vision • Multilimb Coordination • Visualization • Information Ordering • Arm-Hand Steadiness | • Metal cutters • Metal folding machine • Punches or nail sets or drifts • Rivet tools • Shears | • Getting Information • Communicating with Others • Handling and Moving Objects • Performing General Physical Activities • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material |
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