There are currently an estimated 127,000 sheet metal workers in the United States. The sheet metal worker job market is expected to grow by 2.4% between 2024 and 2034.
How employable are sheet metal workers?
CareerExplorer rates sheet metal workers with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 3,100 sheet metal workers.
Are sheet metal workers in demand?
Demand and employment growth for sheet metal workers over the next decade will result from an expected increase in construction of industrial, commercial, and residential structures. The ongoing need to install and maintain energy-efficient air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems will also sustain job prospects in the field, as will architectural restorations and the increasing popularity of artistic and decorative sheet metal products. Companies looking to hire sheet metal workers will seek out applicants who have completed apprenticeships and who are trained in equipment programming and possess welding certifications. For candidates with these qualifications there will be opportunities across several industries: construction, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, roofing, and manufacturing.
What’s the supply of sheet metal workers?
The sheet metal worker industry is concentrated in Texas, California, Florida
Sheet Metal Worker job market by state
| State Name | Employed Sheet Metal Workers |
|---|---|
| Texas | 9,540 |
| California | 8,390 |
| Florida | 8,040 |
| New York | 6,570 |
| Indiana | 4,580 |
| Virginia | 4,520 |
| Ohio | 4,180 |
| Michigan | 4,000 |
| Georgia | 3,590 |
| Washington | 3,440 |
| Pennsylvania | 3,260 |
| Illinois | 3,260 |
| Oregon | 3,250 |
| Wisconsin | 3,180 |
| Arizona | 3,060 |
| Minnesota | 2,980 |
| Massachusetts | 2,890 |
| Oklahoma | 2,820 |
| New Jersey | 2,790 |
| North Carolina | 2,780 |
| Missouri | 2,640 |
| Kentucky | 2,210 |
| Maryland | 1,940 |
| Tennessee | 1,850 |
| Utah | 1,810 |
| Kansas | 1,730 |
| South Carolina | 1,710 |
| Colorado | 1,660 |
| Iowa | 1,650 |
| Connecticut | 1,480 |
| Alabama | 1,450 |
| Idaho | 1,290 |
| Nevada | 1,270 |
| Mississippi | 1,260 |
| Arkansas | 1,230 |
| Louisiana | 1,080 |
| Maine | 830 |
| New Hampshire | 760 |
| New Mexico | 640 |
| West Virginia | 540 |
| Hawaii | 490 |
| Nebraska | 440 |
| Delaware | 440 |
| Montana | 410 |
| Vermont | 370 |
| Rhode Island | 370 |
| South Dakota | 320 |
| North Dakota | 290 |
| Alaska | 240 |
| Wyoming | 160 |