How to hire a sheet metal foreman

How to hire a sheet metal foreman, step by step

Here's a step-by-step sheet metal foreman hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a sheet metal foreman job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new sheet metal foreman
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post a sheet metal foreman job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a sheet metal foreman, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A sheet metal foreman's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, sheet metal foremen from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of sheet metal foremen and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Sheet Metal Foreman	Description	Hourly rate
   Sheet Metal Foreman	Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets, such as ducts used in heating and air conditioning systems.	$17-33
   Gutter Installer	A gutter installer does the basic installation of gutters, inspects, and repairs them. An installer isn't afraid of enclosed spaces and, if need be, is comfortable making use of a ladder... Show more	$12-21
   Foreman	A foreman is a skilled worker in the construction industry, usually a tenured or experienced construction worker. The construction site's foremen act as the bridge between construction supervisors and construction workers... Show more	$19-35

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • OSHA
   • HVAC
   • Ladders
   • Roofing
   • Plumbing
   • Blueprint Specifications
   • Shop Drawings
   • Product Specifications
   • Hand Tools
   • Construction Sites
   • Commercial Buildings
   • Safety Procedures
   • Safety Regulations
   • MIG

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Perform and supervise installation of commercial HVAC systems.
   • Work to restore aircraft to optimal performance capacity by ensuring that necessary devices are repaired and install according to FAA guidelines.
   • Fire caulking, trim returns to fit above ceiling, install exhaust for bathrooms in each apartment.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your sheet metal foreman job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A sheet metal foreman salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, sheet metal foremen' average salary in arkansas is 52% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level sheet metal foremen earn 49% less than senior-level sheet metal foremen.
   • Certifications. A sheet metal foreman with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a sheet metal foreman's salary.

   Average sheet metal foreman salary

   $50,627yearly

   $24.34 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level sheet metal foreman salary

   $36,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a sheet metal foreman job description

   A good sheet metal foreman job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a sheet metal foreman job description:

   Sheet metal foreman job description example

   Foreman - Metal Refinisher –280 – Nashville, TN

   $26.00-$29.00

   $1,000 SIGN ON BONUS

   Experience Required

   Come and Find the Fun with MASS.

   Are you looking for a place you can make a difference, have advancement opportunity, be recognized and appreciated for your efforts, with a fun, family atmosphere, a real place you call home?

   
   

   We are looking for a motivated individual that likes to work in a fun and positive environment, desires advancement opportunities and recognition for their skills while understanding the value of quality workmanship to join our operations team in the Austin area to fill the Foreman position.

   
   

   This position has a pay range between $26.00 to $29.00 per hour with additional income opportunities and a $1,000 Sign on Bonus.

   Benefits:

   · Advancement Programs

   · Paid Vacation

   · Paid Holidays

   · Health Insurance

   · Dental Insurance

   · Vision Insurance

   · Life Insurance

   · 401K

   · 401K Match

   · Bonus Programs

   · Recognition Programs

   · Service Awards

   · Per Diem Allowance

   · Transportation to/from Job Sites

   · Equipment Supplied

   Minimum Experience:

   Three or more years working as a Foreman in Metal Refinishing.

   Preferred Skills:

   · Spraying of any type, Painter

   · Working with power tools

   · Experience in physical labor jobs

   · Any trades or skilled labor a plus

   
   

   Desired Experience : High school diploma or equivalent experience. Comfortable in confined spaces, working with power tools, and high level of attention to detail/cleanliness.

   Required: Ability to work a night shift with a flex in schedule for occasional days or weekends, some travel, have a current and valid driver's license and must be 18 years of age.

   
   

   Mid America Specialty Services (MASS) is a national restoration company that specializes in surface refinishing of metal, wood, stone & glass surfaces in commercial buildings. We are a leader in our industry and have been in business since 1985. We have a strong entrepreneurial culture that values hard work while also finding the fun in all that we do. We are a team of life-long learners putting a strong emphasis on the power of knowledge. We thrive to continue to provide superior service and solutions to our customers while creating a sustainable future for all employees.

   
   

   MASS is a Federal Contractor and is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

   
   

   For more information about our company, visit our website: www.massus.com

   
   

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right sheet metal foreman for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with sheet metal foremen they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit sheet metal foremen who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your sheet metal foreman job on Zippia to find and attract quality sheet metal foreman candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as constructionjobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit sheet metal foremen, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new sheet metal foreman

   Once you've decided on a perfect sheet metal foreman candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new sheet metal foreman first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a sheet metal foreman?