How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker in Nebraska (2026)

Nebraska employs about 440 sheet metal workers earning a median $64,440 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most sheet metal workers train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in Nebraska.

Nebraska employs approximately 440 sheet metal workers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $64,440 1. Nationally, sheet metal worker employment is projected to grow 2.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 10,600 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Sheet Metal Worker in Nebraska, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.

At a Glance

  • Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
  • Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
  • Median wage (Nebraska): $64,440 per year 1

Quick Answers About How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker in Nebraska

How to become a Sheet Metal Worker in Nebraska? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for sheet metal workers in Nebraska.

How long does it take? Most paths into the sheet metal worker field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.

What do sheet metal workers earn in Nebraska? The median annual wage for sheet metal workers in Nebraska is $64,440 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $32,140 and experienced professionals can earn $94,980 or more 1.

How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker in Nebraska

  1. Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Nebraska training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
  2. Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an approved trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Nebraska that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
  3. Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
  4. Meet state and employer requirements. Confirm any registration, certification, or employer requirements that apply to sheet metal workers in Nebraska before you start working.

Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.

Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship Information in Nebraska

Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Nebraska’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Nebraska Division of Employment and Training - Registered Apprenticeship 3.

Contact Information:

  • Office: Omaha Field Office
  • Address: 222 South 15th Street, Omaha, NE 68102-1608
  • Phone: (515) 284-4632
  • Email: [email protected]

Sheet Metal Worker Wages by Metro Area in Nebraska

Sheet Metal Workers Wages by Metro Area in Nebraska

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), sheet metal workers wages in Nebraska vary by metro area.

Metro AreaEmploymentMedian Annual WageAvg. Annual WageEntry Level
(10th pctile)
Experienced
(90th pctile)
Omaha300$75,440$71,560$40,340$98,650
Sioux City50$67,350$64,010$44,480$80,370
Lincoln50$52,740$57,590$31,250$94,960

Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job outlook for sheet metal workers in Nebraska? Nebraska currently employs approximately 440 sheet metal workers 1. Nationally, sheet metal worker employment is projected to grow 2.4% from 2024 to 2034 2.

What training programs are available in Nebraska? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Nebraska. You can also contact the Nebraska Division of Employment and Training - Registered Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.

How much do sheet metal workers earn in Nebraska compared to the national average? The median annual wage for sheet metal workers in Nebraska is $64,440, which is $3,590 above the national median of $60,850 according to BLS data 1.

In Nebraska

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Citations

About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.

References


  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎

  3. Nebraska Division of Employment and Training - Registered Apprenticeship: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/ ↩︎

Data sources

Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.

DataProviderVintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsMay 2025
Employment ProjectionsU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics2024-2034
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data SystemNational Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS)2024
College Scorecard (school-level outcomes)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release
College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release (updated 2026-06-12)
Occupational licensing requirementsCareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)latest release (updated 2026-02-22)
Registered apprenticeship programsCareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor)latest release (updated 2025-10-25)
O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones)U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.)O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13)