Sheet metal apprentice vs helper

The differences between sheet metal apprentices and helpers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a sheet metal apprentice has an average salary of $39,020, which is higher than the $31,331 average annual salary of a helper.

The top three skills for a sheet metal apprentice include HVAC, hand tools and product specifications. The most important skills for a helper are food handling, safety procedures, and safety rules.

Sheet metal apprentice vs helper overview

	Sheet Metal Apprentice	Helper
Yearly salary	$39,020	$31,331
Hourly rate	$18.76	$15.06
Growth rate	-1%	4%
Number of jobs	11,342	29,873
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 52%
Average age	45	34
Years of experience	-	12

Sheet metal apprentice vs helper salary

Sheet metal apprentices and helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Sheet Metal Apprentice	Helper
Average salary	$39,020	$31,331
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $52,000	Between $24,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	-	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	National Grid plc
Best paying industry	-	Utilities

Differences between sheet metal apprentice and helper education

There are a few differences between a sheet metal apprentice and a helper in terms of educational background:

	Sheet Metal Apprentice	Helper
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 52%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Sheet metal apprentice vs helper demographics

Here are the differences between sheet metal apprentices' and helpers' demographics:

	Sheet Metal Apprentice	Helper
Average age	45	34
Gender ratio	Male, 93.4% Female, 6.6%	Male, 77.1% Female, 22.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 2.6% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 24.2% Asian, 2.2% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage	4%	2%

Differences between sheet metal apprentice and helper duties and responsibilities

Sheet metal apprentice example responsibilities.

Help hang duct work, make duct work, plumbing.
Certify by the USAF in MIG and TIG weld operations.
Use scribers, dividers, and squares to mark dimensions on materials
Measure parts with micrometers and calipers to verify dimensions.
Perform in visible, progressively responsible roles primarily involving the installation of commercial/ industrial HVAC equipment.
Work to restore aircraft to optimal performance capacity by ensuring that necessary devices are repaired and install according to FAA guidelines.

Helper example responsibilities.

Attach pulleys and blocks to fix overhead structures such as beams, etc.
Operate power nail guns, paint sprayers, ladders, power washers, drive company truck.
Clean areas that harbore pests, using rakes, brooms, shovels and mops, preparatory to fumigating.
Operate winches and hoisting devices.
Perform tack welding as necessary.
Install EMT and new wire throughout structure.

Sheet metal apprentice vs helper skills

Common sheet metal apprentice skills

HVAC, 16%
Hand Tools, 15%
Product Specifications, 12%
Tape Measure, 9%
Ladders, 7%
Safety Procedures, 5%

Common helper skills

Food Handling, 24%
Safety Procedures, 12%
Safety Rules, 7%
Construction Sites, 7%
Physical Labor, 5%
Windows, 3%