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

Skilled trades

New Hampshire employs 760 sheet metal workers, with a statewide median of $59,800 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Hampshire licensing picture, and where to train.

What Sheet metal workers Earn in New Hampshire (May 2025)

New Hampshire median pay: $59,800 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $34,170
Experienced (75th percentile): $70,840
Top earners (90th percentile): $79,930
Employed in New Hampshire: 760
U.S. median (for comparison): $60,750 (May 2024)

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

Boston: $82,550 (2,330 employed)
Manchester: $60,630 (340 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in New Hampshire

Prices in New Hampshire run about 4% above the national average (cost-of-living index 104.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $59,800 median is worth closer to $57,390 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in New Hampshire (2024–2034)

New Hampshire is projected to grow sheet metal workers employment +4.4%, faster than the +2.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 70 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

New Hampshire License and Certification Requirements

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

New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire state license — SMART apprenticeship path →

Training in New Hampshire

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 New Hampshire include:

Great Bay Community College — Certificate
Manchester Community College — Certificate / Associate
NHTI-Concord's Community College — Certificate / Associate
Nashua 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 New Hampshire?

The median wage for sheet metal workers in New Hampshire is $59,800 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $34,170, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $79,930. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

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

Is being a Sheet Metal Worker a good career in New Hampshire?

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

Which New Hampshire metros pay sheet metal workers the most?

Among New Hampshire metro areas, Boston leads at $82,550, followed by Manchester ($60,630). 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 New Hampshire?

Real New Hampshire options include Great Bay Community College, Manchester Community College, NHTI-Concord's 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 New Hampshire?

New Hampshire projects sheet metal workers employment to change +4.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 70 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), New Hampshire statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2211. Licensing summary compiled from the No New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire wages · New Hampshire 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.