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Sheet metal operator vs sheet metal apprentice

The differences between sheet metal operators and sheet metal apprentices 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 $39,020 average annual salary of a sheet metal apprentice.

The top three skills for a sheet metal operator include CNC, punch press and spot welding. The most important skills for a sheet metal apprentice are HVAC, hand tools, and product specifications.

Sheet metal operator vs sheet metal apprentice overview

Sheet Metal OperatorSheet Metal Apprentice
Yearly salary$45,015$39,020
Hourly rate$21.64$18.76
Growth rate-1%-1%
Number of jobs43,19711,342
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 47%
Average age4545
Years of experience--

Sheet metal operator vs sheet metal apprentice salary

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

Sheet Metal OperatorSheet Metal Apprentice
Average salary$45,015$39,020
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $61,000Between $29,000 And $52,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between sheet metal operator and sheet metal apprentice education

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

Sheet Metal OperatorSheet Metal Apprentice
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 47%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Sheet metal operator vs sheet metal apprentice demographics

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

Sheet Metal OperatorSheet Metal Apprentice
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 91.8% Female, 8.2%Male, 93.4% Female, 6.6%
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, 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 operator and sheet metal apprentice 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.

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.
  • Show more

Sheet metal operator vs sheet metal apprentice skills

Common sheet metal operator skills
  • CNC, 25%
  • Punch Press, 14%
  • Spot Welding, 13%
  • MIG, 8%
  • Stamping Presses, 6%
  • Stainless Steel, 6%
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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