Sheet Metal Worker in Kansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Kansas employs 1,730 sheet metal workers, with a statewide median of $62,670 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Kansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Sheet metal workers Earn in Kansas (May 2025)
- Kansas median pay
- $62,670 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $38,690
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $86,680
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $108,530
- Employed in Kansas
- 1,730
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $60,750 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for sheet metal workers in major Kansas markets:
- St. Joseph
- $83,060 (130 employed)
- Kansas City
- $82,830 (1,080 employed)
- Manhattan
- $76,750 (40 employed)
- Topeka
- $63,560 (180 employed)
- Wichita
- $49,610 (690 employed)
- Joplin
- $40,570 (30 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Kansas
Prices in Kansas run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,670 median stretches to roughly $69,556 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Kansas (2024–2034)
Kansas is projected to grow sheet metal workers employment +9.3%, faster than the +2.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 160 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Kansas License and Certification Requirements
No state license; SMART/SMACNA apprenticeship — regulated by the No Kansas state license — SMART apprenticeship path.
- Kansas does not license sheet-metal workers.
- Apply to a SMART sheet-metal apprenticeship (earn-while-you-learn, ~4–5 years).
- Complete on-the-job training plus related instruction in fabrication and HVAC duct work.
Official requirements: No Kansas state license — SMART apprenticeship path →
Training in Kansas
Combines fabrication and HVAC install; union (SMART/SMACNA) training centers are the main entry. Commercial and industrial construction drive demand.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Kansas include:
- Barton County Community College — Certificate
- Butler Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Cloud County Community College — Certificate
- Coffeyville Community College — Certificate / Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who like precision fabrication work and are comfortable with rooftops, ladders, and construction sites.
Think twice if: Sharp metal edges, heights, loud fabrication shops, and seasonal outdoor work sound unappealing.
Why it's resilient: Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, and building components — skilled licensed work requiring physical presence on every job.
First Steps
Look for SMART (International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers) apprenticeship openings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sheet metal workers make in Kansas?
The median wage for sheet metal workers in Kansas is $62,670 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,690, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $108,530. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Sheet Metal Worker in Kansas?
No state license; SMART/SMACNA apprenticeship, overseen by the No Kansas state license — SMART apprenticeship path. Kansas does not license sheet-metal workers.
Is being a Sheet Metal Worker a good career in Kansas?
Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, and building components — skilled licensed work requiring physical presence on every job.
Which Kansas metros pay sheet metal workers the most?
Among Kansas metro areas, St. Joseph leads at $83,060, followed by Kansas City ($82,830), Manhattan ($76,750). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Sheet Metal Worker in Kansas?
Real Kansas options include Barton County Community College, Butler Community College, Cloud County Community College. Most sheet metal workers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Sheet Metal Worker a growing career in Kansas?
Kansas projects sheet metal workers employment to change +9.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 160 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Kansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2211. Licensing summary compiled from the No Kansas state license — SMART apprenticeship path (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Kansas wages · Kansas licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.