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

Skilled trades

Washington employs 3,440 sheet metal workers, with a statewide median of $98,550 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Washington licensing picture, and where to train.

What Sheet metal workers Earn in Washington (May 2025)

Washington median pay: $98,550 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $57,650
Experienced (75th percentile): $134,590
Top earners (90th percentile): $149,260
Employed in Washington: 3,440
U.S. median (for comparison): $60,750 (May 2024)

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

Seattle–Tacoma: $109,830 (2,190 employed)
Olympia: $100,650 (100 employed)
Tri-Cities: $96,000 (190 employed)
Bellingham: $90,840 (100 employed)
Spokane: $76,080 (190 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Washington

Prices in Washington run about 7% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $98,550 median is worth closer to $92,103 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Washington (2024–2034)

Washington is projected to shrink sheet metal workers employment -0.1%, slower than the +2.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 350 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Washington License and Certification Requirements

SMART Journeyman Sheet Metal Worker credential (no state license) — regulated by the No Washington state license required for sheet metal workers.

Washington does not require a state license for sheet metal workers. The primary path is a SMART (Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers) / SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors) Joint Apprenticeship: 5 years, approximately 10,000 OJT hours.
Apprenticeship covers HVAC duct fabrication and installation, architectural sheet metal, roofing, welding, and blueprint/shop drawing reading. OSHA 30 and rigging certifications are typically included.
Apply through SMART Local 66 (Seattle/Western WA) or SMART Local 55 (Spokane/Eastern WA) for apprenticeship. Commercial HVAC contractors, mechanical contractors, and architectural metal firms are the main employers.

Official requirements: No Washington state license required for sheet metal workers →

Training in Washington

Western Washington's large commercial construction market — including major hospital expansions, data centers, and high-rise development in Seattle and Bellevue — drives strong sheet metal demand. SMART Local 66 is one of the stronger locals in the Pacific Northwest.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Washington include:

Bates Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Bellingham Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Big Bend Community College — Certificate / Associate
Centralia 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 Washington?

The median wage for sheet metal workers in Washington is $98,550 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $57,650, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $149,260. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

SMART Journeyman Sheet Metal Worker credential (no state license), overseen by the No Washington state license required for sheet metal workers. Washington does not require a state license for sheet metal workers. The primary path is a SMART (Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers) / SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors) Joint Apprenticeship: 5 years, approximately 10,000 OJT hours.

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

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

Which Washington metros pay sheet metal workers the most?

Among Washington metro areas, Seattle–Tacoma leads at $109,830, followed by Olympia ($100,650), Tri-Cities ($96,000). 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 Washington?

Real Washington options include Bates Technical College, Bellingham Technical College, Big Bend 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 Washington?

Washington projects sheet metal workers employment to change -0.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 350 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), Washington statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2211. Licensing summary compiled from the No Washington 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 Washington wages · Washington 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.