What does a sheet metal journeyman do?
Sheet metal journeyman responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real sheet metal journeyman resumes:
- Weld aircraft parts and support equipment utilizing MIG, TIG, SMAW and oxy-acetylene.
- Maintain inventory levels and conduct cyclical counts.
- Employ and supervise 5 employees, payroll, scheduling and all other operations of a small business.
- Skil tech in HVAC install department on commercial projects and jobs, train three HVAC installers and perform general labor.
- Fabricate ducts for high efficiency heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to maximize efficiency of system.
- 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.
Sheet metal journeyman skills and personality traits
We calculated that 23% of Sheet Metal Journeymen are proficient in Hand Tools, HVAC, and OSHA. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Dexterity, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Sheet Metal Journeymen that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 23%
Maintained and inspected hand tools and metalworking machinery.
- HVAC, 14%
Sheet Metal Fabrication Shop Commercial HVAC Installations
- OSHA, 6%
Execute safety; adhering to all OSHA and EPA standards while maintaining IAW Air Force regulations.
- Product Specifications, 5%
Performed Quality assurance inspections on all products to ensure conformance with product specifications.
- MIG, 4%
Qualified to do multiple types of welding such as: MIG, TIG, FLUX CORE welding.
- Stainless Steel, 4%
Worked at The Medical College of Wisconsin installing stainless steel duct work and welding stainless steel duct work.
Most sheet metal journeymen use their skills in "hand tools," "hvac," and "osha" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential sheet metal journeyman responsibilities here:
Dexterity. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling sheet metal journeyman duties is dexterity. The role rewards competence in this skill because "sheet metal workers need good hand–eye coordination and motor control to make precise cuts and bends in metal pieces." According to a sheet metal journeyman resume, here's how sheet metal journeymen can utilize dexterity in their job responsibilities: "install assemblies in supportive framework according to blueprints using hand tools, power tools and lifting and handling devices. "
Math skills. sheet metal journeymen are also known for math skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to sheet metal journeyman responsibilities, because "sheet metal workers must calculate the proper sizes and angles of fabricated sheet metal to ensure the alignment and fit of ductwork." A sheet metal journeyman resume example shows how math skills is used in the workplace: "maintained industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout and machining procedures. "
Mechanical skills. For certain sheet metal journeyman responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "mechanical skills." The day-to-day duties of a sheet metal journeyman rely on this skill, as "sheet metal workers use saws, lasers, shears, and presses." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what sheet metal journeymen do: "performed various hvac and mechanical duties, from layout to fabrication, installation and maintenance. "
Physical strength. Another crucial skill for a sheet metal journeyman to carry out their responsibilities is "physical strength." A big part of what sheet metal journeymen relies on this skill, since "sheet metal workers must be able to lift and move ductwork that is heavy and cumbersome." How this skill relates to sheet metal journeyman duties can be seen in an example from a sheet metal journeyman resume snippet: "repaired composite materials, utilizing high strength adhesives and hot bonding equipment. "
The three companies that hire the most sheet metal journeymans are:
- TDIndustries5 sheet metal journeymen jobs
- Engineered Cooling Services5 sheet metal journeymen jobs
- PeopleReady2 sheet metal journeymen jobs
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Sheet metal journeyman vs. Fabric worker
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between sheet metal journeymen and fabric worker. For instance, sheet metal journeyman responsibilities require skills such as "hvac," "osha," "product specifications," and "mig." Whereas a fabric worker is skilled in "ladders," "production processes," "cushions," and "protractors." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Fabric workers tend to make the most money working in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $36,499. In contrast, sheet metal journeymen make the biggest average salary, $42,899, in the construction industry.The education levels that fabric workers earn slightly differ from sheet metal journeymen. In particular, fabric workers are 4.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a sheet metal journeyman. Additionally, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Sheet metal journeyman vs. Tinner
Each career also uses different skills, according to real sheet metal journeyman resumes. While sheet metal journeyman responsibilities can utilize skills like "hand tools," "osha," "product specifications," and "mig," tinners use skills like "tin," "safety procedures," "tape measure," and "air ducts."
Tinners earn similar levels of education than sheet metal journeymen in general. They're 1.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Sheet metal journeyman vs. Fabricator/installer
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a sheet metal journeyman is likely to be skilled in "osha," "product specifications," "control boxes," and "duct systems," while a typical fabricator/installer is skilled in "customer service," "custom cabinets," "laminate countertops," and "install signs."
Fabricator/installers typically earn similar educational levels compared to sheet metal journeymen. Specifically, they're 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Sheet metal journeyman vs. Air duct mechanic
Types of sheet metal journeyman
Updated January 8, 2025











