Sheet Metal Worker is a skilled tradesperson who fabricates, shapes, and installs sheet metal products and components. These professionals possess expertise in bending, welding, assembling, and cutting sheet metal components to create products ranging from HVAC systems and architectural elements to machinery parts. Sheet Metal Workers work in various industries such as manufacturing, automotive, construction, aerospace, HVAC, and more. They work primarily with different types of sheet metal to create products, structures, and systems. Sheet Metal Workers remain at the forefront of crafting and shaping essential components across industries. So, let us dive into the details of the sheet metal worker job description.
Post Highlights:
- Position Levels
- Educational Qualifications
- Course Types
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Equipment Types
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Physical Requirements
- Resume Format
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Position Levels
The potential job levels include-
- Apprentice Sheet Metal Worker
- Journeyman Sheet Metal Worker
- Sheet Metal Fabricator
- Lead Sheet Metal Worker
- Sheet Metal Shop Supervisor
- Sheet Metal Project Manager
- Sheet Metal Specialist/Consultant
Educational Qualifications
Typical educational levels include-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Vocational or Technical Training
- Apprenticeships
- Specialized Training (sheet metal work)
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Advanced Sheet Metal Fabrication Course
- Blueprint Reading/Interpretation Course
- HVAC Ductwork Fabrication Program
- Professional Development Program
- Safety/OSHA Compliance Program
- Sheet Metal CAD Software Training Course
- Sheet Metal Fabrication Introduction Program
- Sheet Metal Layout/Pattern Development Course
- Sheet Metal Welding Techniques
- Specialized Topics/Workshops
Certification/License
Some common certification types include-
- CAD Software Certifications
- Certified HVAC Duct Construction (HVAC Duct) certification by SMACNA
- Certified Welder (CW) by AWS
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) by AWS
- Core Curriculum Certification by NCCER
- Local Union Certifications (by Local Labor Unions)
- Manufacturer-Specific Certifications
- NCCER Sheet Metal certification by NCCER
- Safety Certifications (OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour)
- Specialized Certifications
Work Experience
Some common experience types include-
- Apprenticeship Experience
- Architectural Sheet Metal Experience
- CAD Software Experience
- Continuous Learning Experience
- Fabrication Experience
- HVAC System Experience
- Leadership Experience
- Repair/Maintenance Experience
- Safety/Compliance Experience
- Sheet Metal Components Installation Experience
- Specialized Project Experience
- Welding Techniques Experience
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Adhere to safety protocols and regulations
- Collaborate with architects/designers
- Collaborate with other tradespeople
- Collaborate with team members
- Create a safe working environment
- Create decorative/functional architectural elements
- Create documentation for future reference
- Cut, shape, and bend sheet metal using tools
- Design, fabricate, and install ductwork systems
- Ensure a strong/secure connection
- Identify/address issues (wear, corrosion, damage)
- Inspect finished products for defects/quality
- Install fabricated sheet metal components
- Interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and design plans
- Lay out patterns on sheet metal
- Maintain accurate records of work activities
- Make adjustments or corrections as needed
- Perform metal maintenance and repair tasks
- Translate design specifications into actionable steps
- Use precision measurements
- Utilize computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Weld or join sheet metal components
Equipment Types
Some common equipment types include-
- Brakes
- CAD Software/Computers
- Grinders/Sanders
- Lifting/Handling Equipment
- Measurement Instruments
- Nibblers
- Nibbling Machines
- Nibbling Shears
- Power Drills/Hole Punches
- Presses
- Rollers
- Safety Equipment
- Scribes/Layout Tools
- Shears
- Spot Welders
- Squares/Protractors
- Welding Equipment
Abilities/Skills
Some essential skills include-
- Adaptability/flexibility
- Architectural expertise
- Attention to safety
- Blueprint reading/interpretation skills
- CAD software proficiency
- Communication skills
- Continuous learning temperament
- Fabrication skills
- HVAC systems knowledge
- Leadership skills
- Manual dexterity
- Mathematical skills
- Precision/attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills
- Project management skills
- Quality control skills
- Safety awareness
- Team collaboration skills
- Welding techniques
Work Environment
Some common working conditions include-
- Expose to weather conditions
- May work at heights or in confined spaces
- May work on outdoor sites
- Meet project deadlines and ensure components
- Might travel to different locations
- Must follow strict safety protocols
- Often wear necessary safety gears
- Spend a significant time in indoor fabrication shops
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Work in noise and vibrations
Physical Requirements
Some common physical demands include-
- May work on ladders, or elevated platforms
- Might need to stoop/kneel while working
- Often need to lift/carry heavy metal sheets/equipment
- Operate handling tools/equipment
- Operate heavy machinery
- Perform repetitive movements
- Require excellent hand-eye coordination
- Spend extended periods standing/moving around
- Sustain physical endurance
- Various welding positions can lead to physical stress
- Wear personal protective gears
Resume Format
A suggested resume format includes-
Contact Information
- Full Name
- Address
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- LinkedIn Profile (if applicable)
Summary/Objective (Optional)
- Highlight your experience, skills, and career goals briefly
Skills
- List your role-relevant key skills (welding methods, fabrication techniques, blueprint reading, HVAC systems, CAD software)
Work Experience
- List your work history (most recent first)
- For each position, include-
Job Title
Company/Organization Name
Location (City, State)
Dates of Employment (Month/Year – Month/Year)
Responsibilities/Achievements
- Describe your roles focusing on contributions
- Highlight specific tasks, projects, and skills
Education
- List relevant educational background (most recent first)
- You can include-
Degree Earned (e.g., Diploma in Sheet Metal Fabrication)
School/Institution Name
Location (City, State)
Graduation Date (Month/Year)
Certifications (Optional)
- Add any relevant certifications (e.g., NCCER certifications, SMACNA certifications, welding certifications)
Training/Workshops (Optional)
- If applicable, include any specialized workshops, training, or professional development
Projects (Optional)
- Add a section highlighting notable projects (showcasing your contributions/work)
Additional Sections (Optional)
- This section includes such as Languages, Honors, Awards, and Professional Affiliations.
References (Optional)
- Generally, if applicable (can produce upon request)
Resume Formatting Tips-
- Emphasize role-relevant skills and experiences
- Ensure no grammatical errors/mistakes
- Keep the resume focused, and concise (1-2 pages)
- Quantify your achievements when possible
- Use action verbs to start your bullet points
- Use bullet points to make information readable
Top Industries
Some common employment areas include-
- Aerospace/Aviation Industry
- Architectural/Ornamental Metalwork
- Automotive Industry
- Construction Industry
- Defense/Military Industry
- Historical Restoration Works
- Home Improvement/Construction Services
- HVAC/Mechanical Systems
- Maintenance/Repair Services
- Manufacturing/Fabrication Shops
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Renewable Energy Projects
- Shipbuilding/Maritime Industry
- Specialized Fabrication Projects
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Aerospace Sheet Metal Worker
- Architectural Sheet Metal Worker
- Automotive Sheet Metal Worker
- CAD Designer/Drafter
- Custom Fabricator
- Estimator
- Fabricator
- HVAC Sheet Metal Worker
- Installer
- Layout Technician
- Metal Sculptor/Artisan
- Quality Control Inspector
- Restoration Specialist
- Sheet Metal Foreman/Supervisor
- Sheet Metal Project Manager
- Shop Manager
- Welder
Salary Information
The average hourly wage for a Sheet Metal Worker in the United States is $26. But the factors like industry type, location, experience, specialization, and employer size affect salary trends.
However, the approximate salary ranges for Sheet Metal Workers include.
Hourly Wage
- Entry-level – $15 to $20
- Mid-level – $20 to $30
- Experienced – $30 to $40 or more
Monthly Salary
- Entry-level – $2,600 to $3,467
- Mid-level – $3,467 to $5,200
- Experienced – $5,200 to $6,933 or more
Yearly Salary
- Entry-level – $31,200 to $41,600
- Mid-level – $41,600 to $62,400
- Experienced – $62,400 to $83,200 or more
These salary figures are just approximate estimates, and actual ranges can vary significantly based on various local factors. Additionally, Sheet Metal Workers might earn more in high-demand sectors such as aerospace and specialized architectural metalwork areas.
Benefits/Perks
Some common benefits include-
- Bonuses/Incentives
- Career Growth Opportunities
- Competitive Salary
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- Employee Discounts
- Health/Medical Benefits
- Networking Opportunities
- Overtime Pay
- Paid Time Off
- Retirement Plans (401k)
- Safety Gear/Equipment
- Tool Allowance/Reimbursement
- Training/Professional Development
- Travel Opportunities
- Union Benefits
- Work Flexibility
Summary
Sheet Metal Workers play a crucial role in shaping structures and products. They offer a rewarding path within the construction and manufacturing sectors. These professionals bring designs to life by transforming raw materials into functional components. They are a strong blend of qualities like problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and attention to detail. The demand for skilled craftsmen remains high in various types of metal industries of modern times. Overall, Sheet Metal Workers are pivotal figures in running the metal business industry smoothly.
