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Sheet Metal Worker in Kentucky: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Skilled trades

Kentucky employs 2,210 sheet metal workers, with a statewide median of $60,680 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Kentucky licensing picture, and where to train.

What Sheet metal workers Earn in Kentucky (May 2025)

Kentucky median pay: $60,680 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $40,570
Experienced (75th percentile): $82,550
Top earners (90th percentile): $85,310
Employed in Kentucky: 2,210
U.S. median (for comparison): $60,750 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for sheet metal workers in major Kentucky markets:

Huntington: $73,960 (130 employed)
Cincinnati: $73,690 (910 employed)
Louisville/Jefferson County: $61,010 (970 employed)
Bowling Green: $48,610 (70 employed)
Clarksville: $44,830 (50 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Kentucky

Prices in Kentucky run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $60,680 median stretches to roughly $67,273 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Kentucky (2024–2034)

Kentucky is projected to grow sheet metal workers employment +4.9%, faster than the +2.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 80 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Kentucky License and Certification Requirements

No state license; SMART/SMACNA apprenticeship — regulated by the No Kentucky state license — SMART apprenticeship path.

Kentucky 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 Kentucky state license — SMART apprenticeship path →

Training in Kentucky

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 Kentucky include:

Ashland Community and Technical College — Certificate
Big Sandy Community and Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Bluegrass Community and Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Campbellsville University — Certificate

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 Kentucky?

The median wage for sheet metal workers in Kentucky is $60,680 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $40,570, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $85,310. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Sheet Metal Worker in Kentucky?

No state license; SMART/SMACNA apprenticeship, overseen by the No Kentucky state license — SMART apprenticeship path. Kentucky does not license sheet-metal workers.

Is being a Sheet Metal Worker a good career in Kentucky?

Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, and building components — skilled licensed work requiring physical presence on every job.

Which Kentucky metros pay sheet metal workers the most?

Among Kentucky metro areas, Huntington leads at $73,960, followed by Cincinnati ($73,690), Louisville/Jefferson County ($61,010). 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 Kentucky?

Real Kentucky options include Ashland Community and Technical College, Big Sandy Community and Technical College, Bluegrass Community and Technical 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 Kentucky?

Kentucky projects sheet metal workers employment to change +4.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 80 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), Kentucky statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2211. Licensing summary compiled from the No Kentucky 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 Kentucky wages · Kentucky 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.