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

Skilled trades

New York employs 6,570 sheet metal workers, with a statewide median of $73,760 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New York licensing picture, and where to train.

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

New York median pay: $73,760 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $40,330
Experienced (75th percentile): $96,120
Top earners (90th percentile): $126,090
Employed in New York: 6,570
U.S. median (for comparison): $60,750 (May 2024)

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

Buffalo: $72,580 (440 employed)
Albany: $66,370 (280 employed)
Rochester: $63,710 (510 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in New York

Prices in New York run about 8% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $73,760 median is worth closer to $68,360 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in New York (2024–2034)

New York is projected to shrink sheet metal workers employment -5.9%, slower than the +2.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 480 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

New York License and Certification Requirements

SMART Journeyman Sheet Metal Worker (apprenticeship credential — no state license) — regulated by the No New York state individual sheet metal worker license — SMART apprenticeship is the credential.

New York does not require a state license for individual sheet metal workers. The entry path is a SMART (International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers) Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) apprenticeship: 4–5 years, 8,000+ OJT hours, covering HVAC ductwork fabrication/installation, architectural sheet metal, roofing, and industrial ventilation.
Apprentices receive training in blueprint reading, layout and fabrication, soldering, welding, and HVAC system installation. EPA 608 refrigerant handling certification is required for those working on HVAC refrigeration circuits.
Apply to the local SMART JATC. Major employers include HVAC mechanical contractors, commercial construction firms, and industrial ventilation companies. Sheet metal workers often overlap with HVAC mechanics on large commercial and industrial projects.

Official requirements: No New York state individual sheet metal worker license — SMART apprenticeship is the credential →

Training in New York

Contact SMART Local 28 (NYC), Local 46 (Upstate NY) for application timing. Sheet metal apprentices earn wages from day one. HVAC ductwork for large commercial buildings — hospitals, data centers, office towers — is the primary work in New York's major metro areas.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New York include:

Apex Technical School — Certificate
Cayuga County Community College — Certificate
Clinton Essex Warren Washington BOCES — Certificate
Erie 1 BOCES — 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 New York?

The median wage for sheet metal workers in New York is $73,760 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $40,330, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $126,090. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

SMART Journeyman Sheet Metal Worker (apprenticeship credential — no state license), overseen by the No New York state individual sheet metal worker license — SMART apprenticeship is the credential. New York does not require a state license for individual sheet metal workers. The entry path is a SMART (International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers) Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) apprenticeship: 4–5 years, 8,000+ OJT hours, covering HVAC ductwork fabrication/installation, architectural sheet metal, roofing, and industrial ventilation.

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

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

Which New York metros pay sheet metal workers the most?

Among New York metro areas, Buffalo leads at $72,580, followed by Albany ($66,370), Rochester ($63,710). 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 York?

Real New York options include Apex Technical School, Cayuga County Community College, Clinton Essex Warren Washington BOCES. 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 York?

New York projects sheet metal workers employment to change -5.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 480 openings a year — a declining field in the state.

Sources and Verification

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