What does a tinsmith do?
Tinsmith responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real tinsmith resumes:
- Perform in visible, progressively responsible roles primarily involving the installation of commercial/ industrial HVAC equipment.
- Employ wide variety of hands and power tools including hoists, drills.
Tinsmith skills and personality traits
We calculated that 86% of Tinsmiths are proficient in Hand Tools, Ventilation, and Product Specifications. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Dexterity, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Tinsmiths that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 86%
Maintained and inspected hand tools and metalworking machinery.
- Ventilation, 8%
Installed ventilation and small foundations on Aegis class Destroyers for the U.S. Navy.
- Product Specifications, 6%
Selected gauges and types of sheet metal or non-metallic material, according to product specifications.
Common skills that a tinsmith uses to do their job include "hand tools," "ventilation," and "product specifications." You can find details on the most important tinsmith responsibilities below.
Dexterity. Another essential skill to perform tinsmith duties is dexterity. Tinsmiths responsibilities require that "sheet metal workers need good hand–eye coordination and motor control to make precise cuts and bends in metal pieces." Tinsmiths also use dexterity in their role according to a real resume snippet: "certified to drive forklift and aerial lift equipment. "
Math skills. This is an important skill for tinsmiths to perform their duties. For an example of how tinsmith responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "sheet metal workers must calculate the proper sizes and angles of fabricated sheet metal to ensure the alignment and fit of ductwork." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a tinsmith: "maintained industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout and machining procedures. ".
Mechanical skills. For certain tinsmith responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "mechanical skills." The day-to-day duties of a tinsmith rely on this skill, as "sheet metal workers use saws, lasers, shears, and presses." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what tinsmiths do: "trained to become a sheet metal journeyperson, fabricating and installing hvac duct work, sheet metal and associated mechanical devices. "
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Compare different tinsmiths
Tinsmith vs. Sheet metal apprentice
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.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a tinsmith are more likely to require skills like "ventilation," "security rules," "iam," and "bondo." On the other hand, a job as a sheet metal apprentice requires skills like "tape measure," "ladders," "work ethic," and "safety procedures." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Sheet metal apprentices tend to reach similar levels of education than tinsmiths. In fact, sheet metal apprentices are 1.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Tinsmith vs. Sheet metal mechanic
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, tinsmith responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "ventilation," "security rules," "iam," and "bondo." Meanwhile, a sheet metal mechanic has duties that require skills in areas such as "brazing," "ladders," "air handlers," and "aluminum." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Sheet metal mechanics earn similar levels of education than tinsmiths in general. They're 1.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Tinsmith vs. Sheet metal operator
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from tinsmith resumes include skills like "hand tools," "ventilation," "air ducts," and "security rules," whereas a sheet metal operator is more likely to list skills in "cnc," "punch press," "spot welding," and "grinders. "
Most sheet metal operators achieve a similar degree level compared to tinsmiths. For example, they're 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Tinsmith vs. Sheet metal foreman
Even though a few skill sets overlap between tinsmiths and sheet metal foremen, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a tinsmith might have more use for skills like "ventilation," "air ducts," "security rules," and "iam." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of sheet metal foremen require skills like "osha," "ladders," "roofing," and "plumbing. "
In general, sheet metal foremen hold similar degree levels compared to tinsmiths. Sheet metal foremen are 0.9% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of tinsmith
Updated January 8, 2025
