โ
“The Metal Behind Every Building.”
Every time you feel warm air flow through a vent or cool air hit your face on a hot day — thank a sheet metal worker.
These pros build and install the ductwork, fittings, and systems that keep buildings breathing.
From massive industrial plants to neighborhood homes, their precision work keeps air moving and buildings running.
What Do Sheet Metal Workers Do?
Sheet metal workers fabricate, assemble, install, and repair products made from thin metal sheets — like ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings.
Their work can include:
-
Cutting, bending, and shaping metal using machines or hand tools
-
Welding, riveting, or soldering pieces together
-
Reading blueprints and layout drawings
-
Installing duct systems for heating, cooling, or ventilation
-
Inspecting and finishing seams for a perfect fit
Some specialize in shop fabrication, others in field installation.
Either way, it’s detail-oriented work that mixes math, craftsmanship, and physical skill.
Work Environment
Sheet metal workers are everywhere — from construction sites and factories to rooftops and mechanical rooms.
You might work indoors fabricating parts or outdoors installing them, sometimes in tight spaces or at heights.
The job demands strength, balance, and a steady hand, plus comfort working around welding, cutting, and power tools.
How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker
Most sheet metal workers enter the trade through a 4- to 5-year apprenticeship that blends classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training.
You’ll learn blueprint reading, math, welding, fabrication, and system installation — all while earning a paycheck.
Education:
-
High school diploma or GED recommended
-
Courses in math, drafting, and shop are helpful
-
Apprenticeships available through both union (SMWIA/SMART) and non-union programs
Pay in the Pacific Northwest (2025)
StateAverage Pay (2025)Range
Washington~$72,000/yr (~$35/hr)$52K – $95K+
Oregon~$68,000/yr (~$33/hr)$50K – $90K+
Idaho~$60,000/yr (~$29/hr)$45K – $75K
๐ฐ Union sheet metal workers (SMART locals) often earn more — especially on large commercial, HVAC, or fabrication projects.
Job Outlook
This trade is growing fast in the Pacific Northwest — driven by new construction, HVAC system upgrades, and clean energy projects.
National growth is projected around 8% (2024–2034), but regional growth in the Northwest is even stronger.
Key Growth Drivers:
-
Energy-efficient building systems
-
Commercial and industrial construction
-
Demand for skilled HVAC fabrication
-
Retirements opening the door for new talent
If you’re steady-handed, detail-oriented, and not afraid to get your hands dirty, sheet metal offers a rock-solid career path.
Real Talk for the PNW
Cities like Portland and Seattle offer higher pay — but come with higher costs.
Smaller towns often mean steadier work and tighter crews.
This trade rewards precision and pride in craftsmanship.
If you like seeing the results of your work every day, this one’s for you.
Learn More
Explore apprenticeship opportunities and training programs:
-
Sheet Metal Institute (Oregon & SW Washington) Here!
-
Oregon Apprenticeships Here!
-
Washington State L&I Apprenticeship Programs Here!
-
Idaho Department of Labor Apprenticeship Resources Here!
-
U.S. Department of Labor: Sheet Metal Workers Overview Here!
๐ฌ Ready to Build Something That Lasts?
If you like creating with your hands, working with precision, and seeing your work become part of a building that’ll stand for decades — sheet metal might be your trade.
๐ Learn more about career paths in the trades? Email us here! (We promise a quick reply)
โ
Background Photo Sheet Metal Institute, Portland, OR
โ