Sheet Metal Worker in Nebraska: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Nebraska employs 440 sheet metal workers, with a statewide median of $64,440 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Nebraska licensing picture, and where to train.
What Sheet metal workers Earn in Nebraska (May 2025)
- Nebraska median pay
- $64,440 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $32,140
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $88,310
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $94,980
- Employed in Nebraska
- 440
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $60,750 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for sheet metal workers in major Nebraska markets:
- Omaha
- $75,440 (300 employed)
- Sioux City
- $67,350 (50 employed)
- Lincoln
- $52,740 (50 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Nebraska
Prices in Nebraska run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $64,440 median stretches to roughly $71,521 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Nebraska (2024–2034)
Nebraska is projected to grow sheet metal workers employment +6.7%, faster than the +2.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 40 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Nebraska License and Certification Requirements
No state license; SMART/SMACNA apprenticeship — regulated by the No Nebraska state license — SMART apprenticeship path.
- Nebraska 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 Nebraska state license — SMART apprenticeship path →
Training in Nebraska
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 Nebraska include:
- Central Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Metropolitan Community College Area — Certificate / Associate
- Mid-Plains Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Northeast Community 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 Nebraska?
The median wage for sheet metal workers in Nebraska is $64,440 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $32,140, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $94,980. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Sheet Metal Worker in Nebraska?
No state license; SMART/SMACNA apprenticeship, overseen by the No Nebraska state license — SMART apprenticeship path. Nebraska does not license sheet-metal workers.
Is being a Sheet Metal Worker a good career in Nebraska?
Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, and building components — skilled licensed work requiring physical presence on every job.
Which Nebraska metros pay sheet metal workers the most?
Among Nebraska metro areas, Omaha leads at $75,440, followed by Sioux City ($67,350), Lincoln ($52,740). 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 Nebraska?
Real Nebraska options include Central Community College, Metropolitan Community College Area, Mid-Plains 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 Nebraska?
Nebraska projects sheet metal workers employment to change +6.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 40 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), Nebraska statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2211. Licensing summary compiled from the No Nebraska 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 Nebraska wages · Nebraska 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.