Sheet metal workers
SOC Code: 47-2211
Sheet metal workers carries a 23% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $60,850 and +2.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 127,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 23% AI exposure, Sheet metal workers sits 14 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 11% of them. It ranks among the more AI-resilient roles in the dataset.
Where Sheet metal workers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Sheet metal workers has ai exposure of 23%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Sheet metal workers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Sheet metal workers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Sheet metal workers (SOC 47-2211) carries an AI exposure score of 23%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 127,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +2.4% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $60,850, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Sheet metal workers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Registered Apprenticeship Pathway Available
Sheet metal workers is a recognized registered apprenticeship occupation under the DOL RAPIDS system. Earn while you train, apprentices typically start at ~$16/hr and reach $28–$46/hr upon completion, depending on the specific trade and region.
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Inspect individual parts, assemblies, or installations, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, scales, or micrometers.
- 2. Maintain equipment, making repairs or modifications when necessary.
- 3. Fabricate ducts for high efficiency heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to maximize efficiency of systems.
- 4. Fasten seams or joints together with welds, bolts, cement, rivets, solder, caulks, metal drive clips, or bonds to assemble components into products or to repair sheet metal items.
- 5. Transport prefabricated parts to construction sites for assembly and installation.
- 6. Install assemblies, such as flashing, pipes, tubes, heating and air conditioning ducts, furnace casings, rain gutters, or downspouts in supportive frameworks.
- 7. Hire, train, or supervise new employees or apprentices.
- 8. Lay out, measure, and mark dimensions and reference lines on material, such as roofing panels, using calculators, scribes, dividers, squares, or rulers.
- 9. Fabricate or alter parts at construction sites, using shears, hammers, punches, or drills.
- 10. Determine project requirements, such as scope, assembly sequences, or required methods or materials, using blueprints, drawings, or written or verbal instructions.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Mathematics
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Mathematics
- Design
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- Production and Processing
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Sheet metal workers?
Sheet metal workers has an AI exposure score of 23%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Sheet metal workers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Sheet metal workers is projected to grow by 2.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 127,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Sheet metal workers?
Key skills for Sheet metal workers include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Sheet metal workers earn?
The median annual wage for Sheet metal workers is $60,850, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Sheet metal workers?
The typical entry-level education for Sheet metal workers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Apprenticeship. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Sheet metal workers?
Sheet metal workers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).