Sheet Metal Journeyperson

Average Salary Range: $72,000 - $116,000*

A sheet metal journeyman (now journeyperson) is part of a highly skilled and diversified trade. In the shop and on the job site, sheet metal journeypersons are responsible for fabrication, welding, and assembly of HVAC systems, duct work, and architectural projects and building exteriors — all from raw materials.

Most people in the industry climb up through a SMART apprenticeship for four to five years and then enter the trade as a sheet metal journeyperson debt-free. For many, this job role is a launching pad that can take them in a number of career directions.

Key Skills

The sheet metal journeyperson job is ideal for someone who is:

  • Detail-oriented
  • Hands-on
  • Hardworking
  • A team player
  • A problem solver
  • Knowledgeable about spatial relationships
  • Experienced with technical and mathematical instructions and calculations
  • Able to work with updated technology and programming

Requirements

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Relevant work experience
  • To become a journeyperson in the trade, you must first be an apprentice

Typical Benefits (May Vary)

  • Health insurance
  • Pension funds
  • Program reimbursement
  • Receive books and other educational material free of charge
  • Graduate without student loan debt

Wages/Average Annual Base Compensation*

  • $72,000 to $116,000 base wages depending on geography
  • $75,400 to $218,000 base wages including benefits depending on geography

*SMACNA Wages Database

Career Paths: By Discipline