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The differences between sheet metal mechanics and sheet metal helpers 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 $29,727 average annual salary of a sheet metal helper.
The top three skills for a sheet metal mechanic include hand tools, brazing and HVAC. The most important skills for a sheet metal helper are hand tools, HVAC, and ladders.
| Sheet Metal Mechanic | Sheet Metal Helper | |
| Yearly salary | $42,882 | $29,727 |
| Hourly rate | $20.62 | $14.29 |
| Growth rate | -1% | -1% |
| Number of jobs | 35,242 | 16,044 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 46% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
Sheet metal mechanics, also called sheet metal workers, create and install sheet metal-based building parts. These workers assemble, disassemble, and repair sheet metal in different applications. Their role is significant in the shipping industry and aviation. They identify the causes of the operating errors as well as in deciding for their resolution. It is expected from them to have the ability to read and interpret blueprints; they should also have exceptional excellence in mathematics.
A sheet metal helper fabricates and installs thin metal sheets. They use a wide range of systems to craft these sheets and to help workers install them. Typically, they work at construction sites, and they often use hand tools or power tools. They trim, buff, and grind sheet metals. They select suitable gauges of sheet metal for each job.
Sheet metal mechanics and sheet metal helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Sheet Metal Mechanic | Sheet Metal Helper | |
| Average salary | $42,882 | $29,727 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $59,000 | Between $24,000 And $35,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Wilmington, DE |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Constellation Energy Partners | Comfort Systems USA |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Construction |
There are a few differences between a sheet metal mechanic and a sheet metal helper in terms of educational background:
| Sheet Metal Mechanic | Sheet Metal Helper | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 46% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between sheet metal mechanics' and sheet metal helpers' demographics:
| Sheet Metal Mechanic | Sheet Metal Helper | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.5% Female, 7.5% | Male, 92.8% Female, 7.2% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 7.7% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |