How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker in New York (2026)
New York employs about 6,570 sheet metal workers earning a median $73,760 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 New York.
New York employs approximately 6,570 sheet metal workers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $73,760 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 New York, 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 (New York): $73,760 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker in New York
How to become a Sheet Metal Worker in New York? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for sheet metal workers in New York.
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 New York? The median annual wage for sheet metal workers in New York is $73,760 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $40,330 and experienced professionals can earn $126,090 or more 1.
How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker in New York
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most New York training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an approved trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in New York that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Meet state and employer requirements. Confirm any registration, certification, or employer requirements that apply to sheet metal workers in New York 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 New York
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. New York’s apprenticeship program is administered by the New York Office of Apprenticeship 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: Apprenticeship Training Unit, New York State Department of Labor
- Address: State Campus Building, Albany, NY 12240
- Phone: (518) 457-4497
- Email: [email protected]
Sheet Metal Worker Wages by Metro Area in New York
Sheet Metal Workers Wages by Metro Area in New York
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), sheet metal workers wages in New York vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | 6,080 | $76,730 | $84,380 | $41,600 | $129,670 |
| Rochester | 510 | $63,710 | $65,130 | $37,700 | $97,170 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga | 440 | $72,580 | $72,210 | $44,630 | $111,500 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | 280 | $66,370 | $71,150 | $46,340 | $107,190 |
| Syracuse | 190 | $63,870 | $66,690 | $42,220 | $97,480 |
| Elmira | 180 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh | 170 | $63,160 | $66,290 | $37,940 | $112,620 |
| Binghamton | 90 | $63,600 | $65,400 | $41,130 | $98,480 |
| Kingston | 50 | $67,750 | $73,810 | $37,410 | $106,800 |
| Glens Falls | 40 | $78,220 | $75,780 | $49,400 | $96,660 |
| Utica-Rome | 40 | $56,500 | $61,740 | $41,180 | $83,320 |
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 New York? New York currently employs approximately 6,570 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 New York? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in New York. You can also contact the New York Office of Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do sheet metal workers earn in New York compared to the national average? The median annual wage for sheet metal workers in New York is $73,760, which is $12,910 above the national median of $60,850 according to BLS data 1.
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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
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
New York Office of Apprenticeship: https://www.labor.ny.gov/apprenticeship/sponsor/index.shtm ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / 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) |