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What is a sheet metal technician and how to become one
The sheet metal technician is in charge of setting up and operating machinery used for making sheet metal into the required specifications. These machines include drill presses, shears, brakes, and numerical control equipment. They study blueprints, work instructions, and other technical documents to ensure the sheet metal is accurately configured. Also, they determine the dimensions to make holes patterns, install clips, brackets, and similar items. As a sheet metal technician, you inspect and evaluate completed assemblies for adherence to the client's specifications. However, sheet metal technicians report to a supervisor or manager.
Sheet metal technician requires a high school diploma or its equivalent to apply for this position. Employers also expect at least a year of working experience. Sheet metal technicians must possess analytical, technical, time-management, and communication skills. Also, they must be conversant with the general aspects of the job. They earn an average annual salary of $41,118.
Avg. Salary $43,278
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 8.13%
Hispanic or Latino 18.71%
Unknown 3.30%
White 66.49%
Genderfemale 5.73%
male 94.27%
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 technician career paths
Key steps to become a sheet metal technician
Explore sheet metal technician education requirements
Start to develop specific sheet metal technician skills
Skills Percentages Engineering Drawings 11.31% Hand Tools 9.77% Calipers 8.88% CNC 8.53% FAA 7.77% Complete relevant sheet metal technician training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New sheet metal technicians 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 technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real sheet metal technician resumes.Research sheet metal technician duties and responsibilities
- Handle necessary tools such as torches and plasma cutters frequently.
- Perform LIMS data entry to meet USEPA CLP and USDOD protocols.
- Repair SA-330J helicopters from a crash or store state to complete FAA air worthiness.3.
- Install major components and sub-assemblies in fixtures and jigs for assembly per manufacturing work orders.
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Prepare your sheet metal technician resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your sheet metal technician 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 technician 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 technician resume templates
Build a professional sheet metal technician 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 technician resume.
Apply for sheet metal technician jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a sheet metal technician 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 technician job
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Average sheet metal technician salary
The average sheet metal technician salary in the United States is $43,278 per year or $21 per hour. Sheet metal technician salaries range between $30,000 and $60,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do sheet metal technicians rate their job?
Sheet metal technician reviews
I do not dislike anything
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
