Sheet Metal Worker in Tennessee: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Tennessee employs 1,850 sheet metal workers, with a statewide median of $59,170 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Tennessee licensing picture, and where to train.
What Sheet metal workers Earn in Tennessee (May 2025)
- Tennessee median pay
- $59,170 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $38,710
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $73,640
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $79,360
- Employed in Tennessee
- 1,850
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $60,750 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for sheet metal workers in major Tennessee markets:
- Nashville
- $62,200 (750 employed)
- Knoxville
- $61,340 (270 employed)
- Memphis
- $60,780 (310 employed)
- Clarksville
- $44,830 (50 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Tennessee
Prices in Tennessee run about 8% below the national average (cost-of-living index 91.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $59,170 median stretches to roughly $64,385 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Tennessee (2024–2034)
Tennessee is projected to grow sheet metal workers employment +11.3%, faster than the +2.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 250 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Tennessee License and Certification Requirements
SMART Journeyman Sheet Metal Worker credential (no state license) — regulated by the No Tennessee state license required for sheet metal workers.
- Tennessee does not require a state license for sheet metal workers. The primary path is a SMART/SMACNA Joint Apprenticeship: 5 years, approximately 10,000 OJT hours covering HVAC duct fabrication, architectural sheet metal, welding, and blueprint reading.
- Apprenticeship includes OSHA 30 and rigging certifications. Commercial HVAC duct work is the dominant application in Tennessee's growing commercial construction market.
- Apply through SMART Local 177 (Nashville), SMART Local 91 (Chattanooga), or SMART Local 110 (Memphis) for apprenticeship opportunities. Commercial HVAC contractors and mechanical contractors are the main employers.
Official requirements: No Tennessee state license required for sheet metal workers →
Training in Tennessee
Nashville's commercial construction boom drives substantial sheet metal demand — high-rise developments, healthcare facility expansions, and large distribution centers all require HVAC duct work. SMART Local 177 covers Middle Tennessee, the hottest construction market in the state.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Tennessee include:
- Chattanooga State Community College — Certificate
- Cleveland State Community College — Certificate
- Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga — Certificate
- Nashville Auto-Diesel College — 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 Tennessee?
The median wage for sheet metal workers in Tennessee is $59,170 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,710, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $79,360. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Sheet Metal Worker in Tennessee?
SMART Journeyman Sheet Metal Worker credential (no state license), overseen by the No Tennessee state license required for sheet metal workers. Tennessee does not require a state license for sheet metal workers. The primary path is a SMART/SMACNA Joint Apprenticeship: 5 years, approximately 10,000 OJT hours covering HVAC duct fabrication, architectural sheet metal, welding, and blueprint reading.
Is being a Sheet Metal Worker a good career in Tennessee?
Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, and building components — skilled licensed work requiring physical presence on every job.
Which Tennessee metros pay sheet metal workers the most?
Among Tennessee metro areas, Nashville leads at $62,200, followed by Knoxville ($61,340), Memphis ($60,780). 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 Tennessee?
Real Tennessee options include Chattanooga State Community College, Cleveland State Community College, Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga. 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 Tennessee?
Tennessee projects sheet metal workers employment to change +11.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 250 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), Tennessee statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2211. Licensing summary compiled from the No Tennessee state license required for sheet metal workers (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 Tennessee wages · Tennessee 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.