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Sheet metal operator vs air duct mechanic

The differences between sheet metal operators and air duct mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a sheet metal operator has an average salary of $45,015, which is higher than the $41,617 average annual salary of an air duct mechanic.

The top three skills for a sheet metal operator include CNC, punch press and spot welding. The most important skills for an air duct mechanic are HVAC, analyze blueprints, and air ducts.

Sheet metal operator vs air duct mechanic overview

Sheet Metal OperatorAir Duct Mechanic
Yearly salary$45,015$41,617
Hourly rate$21.64$20.01
Growth rate-1%-1%
Number of jobs43,19735,496
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 45%
Average age4545
Years of experience--

Sheet metal operator vs air duct mechanic salary

Sheet metal operators and air duct mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Sheet Metal OperatorAir Duct Mechanic
Average salary$45,015$41,617
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $61,000Between $34,000 And $50,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between sheet metal operator and air duct mechanic education

There are a few differences between a sheet metal operator and an air duct mechanic in terms of educational background:

Sheet Metal OperatorAir Duct Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 45%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Sheet metal operator vs air duct mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between sheet metal operators' and air duct mechanics' demographics:

Sheet Metal OperatorAir Duct Mechanic
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 91.8% Female, 8.2%Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 2.6% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 21.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between sheet metal operator and air duct mechanic duties and responsibilities

Sheet metal operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage large-scale industrial and commercial HVAC installation and service projects.
  • Create & run complex bend setup & forming operations.
  • Measure and then run sheets of metal into a machine that cut it into the exact measurement.
  • Perform fabrication and installation of copper and aluminum gutters for large-scale buildings.
  • Fire caulking, trim returns to fit above ceiling, install exhaust for bathrooms in each apartment.

Air duct mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Company engage in the business of HVAC and plumbing installation in new commercial and residential construction.
  • Demonstrate technical ability in both MIG and TIG welding, blueprint sketching, reading, and design implementation.
  • Work with computer numeric control (CNC) heavy machinery from setup to operation to produce parts and tools from metal.
  • Work to restore aircraft to optimal performance capacity by ensuring that necessary devices are repaired and install according to FAA guidelines.
  • Receive a modest amount of handrail fabrication, finishing and installation experience.

Sheet metal operator vs air duct mechanic skills

Common sheet metal operator skills
  • CNC, 25%
  • Punch Press, 14%
  • Spot Welding, 13%
  • MIG, 8%
  • Stamping Presses, 6%
  • Stainless Steel, 6%
Common air duct mechanic skills
  • HVAC, 55%
  • Analyze Blueprints, 15%
  • Air Ducts, 8%
  • Install Duct, 8%
  • RAN, 5%
  • Commercial Buildings, 5%

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