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What is a sheet metal mechanic and how to become one
A sheet metal mechanic can create almost anything using the material he/she or she masters. If you need to install heating or air conditioning ducts, stainless steel equipment, roofing, siding, or anything else made of sheet metal, a sheet metal mechanic is the person you need to call.
They will select the right type of metal for you, measure it, and cut it into the desired shape. They will read blueprints to check where to install it, secure it with drilling or welding, and smooth rough edges. They use other materials as well, such as fiberglass or plastic. They work with a set of hand tools and fabricating machines to shape, assemble, and smooth the material to the necessary form.
The more you work, the better you get at this job, as is the case with many other professions. Your initial hourly pay will be around $18.16 an hour, but you can work this up to around $21.28 an hour, once you have gained more than finve years of experience in the trade.
Avg. Salary $42,882
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate -1%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.84%
Asian 2.52%
Black or African American 8.12%
Hispanic or Latino 18.39%
Unknown 3.30%
White 66.83%
Genderfemale 7.48%
male 92.52%
Age - 45American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 45Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Sheet metal mechanic career paths
Key steps to become a sheet metal mechanic
Explore sheet metal mechanic education requirements
Start to develop specific sheet metal mechanic skills
Skills Percentages Hand Tools 18.15% Brazing 8.48% HVAC 7.42% Ladders 7.02% Air Handlers 4.54% Complete relevant sheet metal mechanic training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New sheet metal mechanics 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 mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real sheet metal mechanic resumes.Gain additional sheet metal mechanic certifications
More About CertificationsSheet metal mechanic certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific sheet metal mechanic certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for sheet metal mechanics include OSHA Safety Certificate and EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA).
Research sheet metal mechanic duties and responsibilities
- Adhere to OSHA regulations by inspection and documenting safety harnesses and PPE.
- Solder copper lines to set condensing, package and air handler units with oxygen and acetylene torches.
- Perform installation and assembly of air duct systems with use of hand and power tools, ladders, and lifts.
- Locate establish reference lines or points and perform sheet metal assembly work without aid of jigs, fixtures, or other tooling
Prepare your sheet metal mechanic resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your sheet metal mechanic 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 mechanic 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 mechanic resume templates
Build a professional sheet metal mechanic 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 mechanic resume.
Apply for sheet metal mechanic jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a sheet metal mechanic job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first sheet metal mechanic job
Are you a sheet metal mechanic?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average sheet metal mechanic salary
The average sheet metal mechanic salary in the United States is $42,882 per year or $21 per hour. Sheet metal mechanic salaries range between $30,000 and $59,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do sheet metal mechanics rate their job?
Sheet metal mechanic reviews
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.
Not receiving the right information about the project and the scope of work to be performed.
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
Waiting on delivery
I like sheet metal work because it is what I do best since 1998 till present. I like competing on how well save and of course fast and easy or simple way to accomplish the done job. I love leading my crew through satisfaction. I do read and understand blue print and I could also omitt or revise when there is abstraction.i do estimate sheet metal needed for the certain job. I do layout for fabrication,layout for installation of ducts and insulation I do everything regarding sheet metal duct
I don't like when Lacking projects.
Updated January 8, 2025
