Post job

What is a sheet metal installer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

If you're eyeing a career in construction, becoming a sheet metal installer might just be a good place to start. A sheet metal installer is a skilled worker who creates, installs, assembles, and repairs metal sheets for use in the drainage, roofing, and ventilation systems of a structure. They typically work in manufacturing plants and construction sites. Their tasks involve measuring, welding, soldering and bolting different types of steel or alloyed metal.

Since their work environment exposes them to various risks, they may sustain injuries such as cuts and burns. They are also prone to height-related accidents. They generally occupy full-time positions and render 40 hours in a workweek. The need to work additional hours may vary depending on the industry that they are working in.

An aspiring sheet metal installer must have at least a high school diploma. Obtaining certifications and completing apprenticeship programs are also advantageous to get this job. They must also have good math skills and familiarity with building blueprints and codes.

ScoreSheet Metal InstallerUS Average
Salary
3.3

Avg. Salary $42,181

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.5

Growth rate -1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
7.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.83%

Asian 2.25%

Black or African American 6.61%

Hispanic or Latino 22.08%

Unknown 3.24%

White 64.99%

Gender

female 2.64%

male 97.36%

Age - 45
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45
Stress level
6.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.1

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.9

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Sheet metal installer career paths

Key steps to become a sheet metal installer

  1. Explore sheet metal installer education requirements

    Most common sheet metal installer degrees

    High School Diploma

    46.2 %

    Diploma

    16.7 %

    Associate

    16.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific sheet metal installer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    HVAC25.80%
    OSHA10.63%
    Product Specifications7.00%
    Ladders6.41%
    Hand Tools5.90%
  3. Complete relevant sheet metal installer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New sheet metal installers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a sheet metal installer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real sheet metal installer resumes.
  4. Research sheet metal installer duties and responsibilities

    • Enforce all OSHA safety regulations and instill EEOC compliance.
    • Experience with industry welding techniques; including TIG and MIG.
    • Install heating, plumbing and air conditioning systems in residential and commercial buildings.
    • Lay out and mark dimensions and reference lines on material, using scribers, dividers, squares and rulers.
  5. Prepare your sheet metal installer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your sheet metal installer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a sheet metal installer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable sheet metal installer resume templates

    Build a professional sheet metal installer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your sheet metal installer resume.
    Sheet Metal Installer Resume
    Sheet Metal Installer Resume
    Sheet Metal Installer Resume
    Sheet Metal Installer Resume
    Sheet Metal Installer Resume
    Sheet Metal Installer Resume
    Sheet Metal Installer Resume
    Sheet Metal Installer Resume
    Sheet Metal Installer Resume
  6. Apply for sheet metal installer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a sheet metal installer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first sheet metal installer job

Zippi

Are you a sheet metal installer?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average sheet metal installer salary

The average sheet metal installer salary in the United States is $42,181 per year or $20 per hour. Sheet metal installer salaries range between $31,000 and $56,000 per year.

Average sheet metal installer salary
$42,181 Yearly
$20.28 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do sheet metal installers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Sheet metal installer reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Because i have an experience about gutter installing

Cons

I know how to work at height and climbing on top of staplather


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Pros

It’s a daily challenge, but when you can get the right personnel, it runs great. I take challenges head on and we complete the projects as scheduled.

Cons

Not receiving the right information about the project and the scope of work to be performed.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Pros

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing General Physical Activities Communicating with Persons Outside Organization Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Cons

Waiting on delivery


Working as a sheet metal installer? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse construction and extraction jobs