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Sheet metal mechanic vs sheet metal apprentice

The differences between sheet metal mechanics and sheet metal apprentices can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a sheet metal mechanic has an average salary of $42,882, which is higher than the $39,020 average annual salary of a sheet metal apprentice.

The top three skills for a sheet metal mechanic include hand tools, brazing and HVAC. The most important skills for a sheet metal apprentice are HVAC, hand tools, and product specifications.

Sheet metal mechanic vs sheet metal apprentice overview

Sheet Metal MechanicSheet Metal Apprentice
Yearly salary$42,882$39,020
Hourly rate$20.62$18.76
Growth rate-1%-1%
Number of jobs35,24211,342
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 47%
Average age4545
Years of experience--

Sheet metal mechanic vs sheet metal apprentice salary

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

Sheet Metal MechanicSheet Metal Apprentice
Average salary$42,882$39,020
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $59,000Between $29,000 And $52,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WA-
Highest paying stateWashington-
Best paying companyConstellation Energy Partners-
Best paying industryTransportation-

Differences between sheet metal mechanic and sheet metal apprentice education

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

Sheet Metal MechanicSheet Metal Apprentice
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 47%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Sheet metal mechanic vs sheet metal apprentice demographics

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

Sheet Metal MechanicSheet Metal Apprentice
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 92.5% Female, 7.5%Male, 93.4% Female, 6.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%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%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between sheet metal mechanic and sheet metal apprentice duties and responsibilities

Sheet metal mechanic example 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
  • Green handle and red handle snips )
  • Build and hang Tdc and duct mate duct.
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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.
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Sheet metal mechanic vs sheet metal apprentice skills

Common sheet metal mechanic skills
  • Hand Tools, 18%
  • Brazing, 8%
  • HVAC, 7%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • Air Handlers, 5%
  • Aluminum, 4%
Common sheet metal apprentice skills
  • HVAC, 16%
  • Hand Tools, 15%
  • Product Specifications, 12%
  • Tape Measure, 9%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%

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