Sheet Metal Worker in Rhode Island: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Rhode Island employs 370 sheet metal workers, with a statewide median of $65,100 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Rhode Island licensing picture, and where to train.
What Sheet metal workers Earn in Rhode Island (May 2025)
- Rhode Island median pay
- $65,100 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $42,670
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $81,980
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $81,980
- Employed in Rhode Island
- 370
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $60,750 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for sheet metal workers in major Rhode Island markets:
- Providence
- $65,100 (520 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Rhode Island
Prices in Rhode Island run about 2% above the national average (cost-of-living index 102.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $65,100 median is worth closer to $63,636 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Rhode Island (2024–2034)
Rhode Island is projected to grow sheet metal workers employment +30.3%, faster than the +2.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 60 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Rhode Island License and Certification Requirements
Sheet Metal Worker license (apprentice/journeyman/master) — regulated by the Rhode Island DLT — Division of Professional Regulation (sheet metal license).
- 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.
- Rhode Island licenses sheet-metal work through DLT — pass the journeyman exam.
Training in Rhode Island
Rhode Island licenses sheet-metal work directly. Union (SMART/SMACNA) training centers are the main entry; commercial/industrial construction drives demand.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Rhode Island include:
- Community College of Rhode Island — 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 Rhode Island?
The median wage for sheet metal workers in Rhode Island is $65,100 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $42,670, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $81,980. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Sheet Metal Worker in Rhode Island?
Sheet Metal Worker license (apprentice/journeyman/master), overseen by the Rhode Island DLT — Division of Professional Regulation (sheet metal license). Apply to a SMART sheet-metal apprenticeship (earn-while-you-learn, ~4–5 years).
Is being a Sheet Metal Worker a good career in Rhode Island?
Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, and building components — skilled licensed work requiring physical presence on every job.
Which Rhode Island metros pay sheet metal workers the most?
Among Rhode Island metro areas, Providence leads at $65,100. 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 Rhode Island?
Real Rhode Island options include Community College of Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island?
Rhode Island projects sheet metal workers employment to change +30.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 60 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), Rhode Island statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2211. Licensing summary compiled from the Rhode Island DLT — Division of Professional Regulation (sheet metal license) (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 Rhode Island wages · Rhode Island 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.