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

Skilled trades

Oregon employs 3,250 sheet metal workers, with a statewide median of $73,750 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Oregon licensing picture, and where to train.

What Sheet metal workers Earn in Oregon (May 2025)

Oregon median pay: $73,750 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $48,150
Experienced (75th percentile): $108,920
Top earners (90th percentile): $120,600
Employed in Oregon: 3,250
U.S. median (for comparison): $60,750 (May 2024)

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

Portland: $79,570 (2,280 employed)
Albany: $63,310 (120 employed)
Bend: $63,300 (150 employed)
Eugene: $62,660 (240 employed)
Salem: $60,890 (270 employed)
Medford: $58,410 (90 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Oregon

Prices in Oregon run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $73,750 median is worth closer to $71,325 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Oregon (2024–2034)

Oregon is projected to grow sheet metal workers employment +9.1%, faster than the +2.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 290 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Oregon License and Certification Requirements

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

Oregon does not license sheet-metal workers (some HVAC-related work falls under BCD trade licenses).
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 Oregon state license — SMART apprenticeship path →

Training in Oregon

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 Oregon include:

Blue Mountain Community College — Certificate
Chemeketa Community College — Certificate / Associate
Clackamas Community College — Certificate / Associate
Clatsop 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 Oregon?

The median wage for sheet metal workers in Oregon is $73,750 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,150, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $120,600. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

No state license; SMART/SMACNA apprenticeship, overseen by the No Oregon state license — SMART apprenticeship path. Oregon does not license sheet-metal workers (some HVAC-related work falls under BCD trade licenses).

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

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

Which Oregon metros pay sheet metal workers the most?

Among Oregon metro areas, Portland leads at $79,570, followed by Albany ($63,310), Bend ($63,300). 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 Oregon?

Real Oregon options include Blue Mountain Community College, Chemeketa Community College, Clackamas 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 Oregon?

Oregon projects sheet metal workers employment to change +9.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 290 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), Oregon statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2211. Licensing summary compiled from the No Oregon 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 Oregon wages · Oregon 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.