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

Skilled trades

Nevada employs 1,270 sheet metal workers, with a statewide median of $46,730 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Nevada licensing picture, and where to train.

What Sheet metal workers Earn in Nevada (May 2025)

Nevada median pay: $46,730 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $38,120
Experienced (75th percentile): $83,340
Top earners (90th percentile): $121,730
Employed in Nevada: 1,270
U.S. median (for comparison): $60,750 (May 2024)

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

Las Vegas: $46,450 (910 employed)
Reno: $46,080 (280 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Nevada

Prices in Nevada run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 100.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $46,730 median holds roughly its face value.

Job Outlook in Nevada (2022–2032)

Nevada is projected to grow sheet metal workers employment +7.4%, faster than the +2.4% projected nationally.

Nevada License and Certification Requirements

No individual license; SMART/SMACNA apprenticeship (contractor license via NSCB) — regulated by the No individual Nevada state license — SMART apprenticeship (sheet-metal contracting is licensed by NSCB).

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.
Sheet-metal contracting is licensed through the Nevada State Contractors Board.

Official requirements: No individual Nevada state license — SMART apprenticeship (sheet-metal contracting is licensed by NSCB) →

Training in Nevada

Combines fabrication and HVAC install; union (SMART/SMACNA) training centers are the main entry. Las Vegas's hospitality/commercial construction drives demand.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Nevada include:

College of Southern Nevada — Certificate / Associate
Great Basin College — Certificate / Associate
Truckee Meadows Community College — Certificate / Associate
Western Nevada 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 Nevada?

The median wage for sheet metal workers in Nevada is $46,730 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,120, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $121,730. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

No individual license; SMART/SMACNA apprenticeship (contractor license via NSCB), overseen by the No individual Nevada state license — SMART apprenticeship (sheet-metal contracting is licensed by NSCB). Apply to a SMART sheet-metal apprenticeship (earn-while-you-learn, ~4–5 years).

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

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

Which Nevada metros pay sheet metal workers the most?

Among Nevada metro areas, Las Vegas leads at $46,450, followed by Reno ($46,080). 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 Nevada?

Real Nevada options include College of Southern Nevada, Great Basin College, Truckee Meadows 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 Nevada?

Nevada projects sheet metal workers employment to change +7.4% from 2022 to 2032 — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Nevada statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2211. Licensing summary compiled from the No individual Nevada state license — SMART apprenticeship (sheet-metal contracting is licensed by NSCB) (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 Nevada wages · Nevada 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.