Sheet Metal Worker in North Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
North Dakota employs 290 sheet metal workers, with a statewide median of $65,180 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Sheet metal workers Earn in North Dakota (May 2025)
- North Dakota median pay
- $65,180 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $48,080
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $80,940
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $84,740
- Employed in North Dakota
- 290
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $60,750 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for sheet metal workers in major North Dakota markets:
- Fargo
- $80,290 (100 employed)
- Grand Forks
- $61,460 (100 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in North Dakota
Prices in North Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 89.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $65,180 median stretches to roughly $73,236 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in North Dakota (2024–2034)
North Dakota is projected to grow sheet metal workers employment +5.9%, faster than the +2.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 30 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
North Dakota License and Certification Requirements
No state license; SMART/SMACNA apprenticeship — regulated by the No North Dakota state license — SMART apprenticeship path.
- North Dakota 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 North Dakota state license — SMART apprenticeship path →
Training in North Dakota
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 North Dakota include:
- Bismarck State College — Certificate / Associate
- Dickinson State University — Certificate
- Lynnes Welding Training — Certificate
- North Dakota State College of Science — 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 North Dakota?
The median wage for sheet metal workers in North Dakota is $65,180 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,080, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $84,740. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Sheet Metal Worker in North Dakota?
No state license; SMART/SMACNA apprenticeship, overseen by the No North Dakota state license — SMART apprenticeship path. North Dakota does not license sheet-metal workers.
Is being a Sheet Metal Worker a good career in North Dakota?
Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, and building components — skilled licensed work requiring physical presence on every job.
Which North Dakota metros pay sheet metal workers the most?
Among North Dakota metro areas, Fargo leads at $80,290, followed by Grand Forks ($61,460). 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 North Dakota?
Real North Dakota options include Bismarck State College, Dickinson State University, Lynnes Welding Training. 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 North Dakota?
North Dakota projects sheet metal workers employment to change +5.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 30 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), North Dakota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2211. Licensing summary compiled from the No North Dakota 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 North Dakota wages · North Dakota 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.