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

Skilled trades

Minnesota employs 2,980 sheet metal workers, with a statewide median of $72,970 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Minnesota licensing picture, and where to train.

What Sheet metal workers Earn in Minnesota (May 2025)

Minnesota median pay: $72,970 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $47,520
Experienced (75th percentile): $106,870
Top earners (90th percentile): $116,990
Employed in Minnesota: 2,980
U.S. median (for comparison): $60,750 (May 2024)

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

Duluth: $86,630 (110 employed)
Fargo: $80,290 (100 employed)
Rochester: $73,680 (60 employed)
Minneapolis: $72,970 (2,340 employed)
Sioux Falls: $48,310 (170 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Minnesota

Prices in Minnesota run about 1% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $72,970 median stretches to roughly $74,006 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Minnesota (2024–2034)

Minnesota is projected to grow sheet metal workers employment +3.1%, faster than the +2.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 200 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Minnesota License and Certification Requirements

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

Minnesota 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 Minnesota state license — SMART apprenticeship path →

Training in Minnesota

Combines fabrication and HVAC install; union (SMART/SMACNA) training centers are the main entry. Commercial construction drives demand.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Minnesota include:

Alexandria Technical & Community College — Certificate
Anoka Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Central Lakes College-Brainerd — Certificate / Associate
Century College — 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 Minnesota?

The median wage for sheet metal workers in Minnesota is $72,970 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,520, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $116,990. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

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

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

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

Which Minnesota metros pay sheet metal workers the most?

Among Minnesota metro areas, Duluth leads at $86,630, followed by Fargo ($80,290), Rochester ($73,680). 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 Minnesota?

Real Minnesota options include Alexandria Technical & Community College, Anoka Technical College, Central Lakes College-Brainerd. 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 Minnesota?

Minnesota projects sheet metal workers employment to change +3.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 200 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), Minnesota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2211. Licensing summary compiled from the No Minnesota 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 Minnesota wages · Minnesota 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.