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

Skilled trades

Wisconsin employs 3,180 sheet metal workers, with a statewide median of $77,760 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Wisconsin licensing picture, and where to train.

What Sheet metal workers Earn in Wisconsin (May 2025)

Wisconsin median pay: $77,760 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $45,160
Experienced (75th percentile): $97,320
Top earners (90th percentile): $107,060
Employed in Wisconsin: 3,180
U.S. median (for comparison): $60,750 (May 2024)

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

Duluth: $86,630 (110 employed)
Appleton: $81,400 (400 employed)
Milwaukee: $78,840 (1,020 employed)
Green Bay: $76,760 (280 employed)
Madison: $74,450 (340 employed)
Minneapolis: $72,970 (2,340 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Wisconsin

Prices in Wisconsin run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $77,760 median stretches to roughly $82,635 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Wisconsin (2024–2034)

Wisconsin is projected to grow sheet metal workers employment +7.5%, 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.

Wisconsin License and Certification Requirements

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

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin state license — SMART apprenticeship path →

Training in Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin include:

Blackhawk Technical College — Certificate
Chippewa Valley Technical College — Certificate / Associate
College of Menominee Nation — Certificate
Fox Valley Technical 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 Wisconsin?

The median wage for sheet metal workers in Wisconsin is $77,760 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $45,160, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $107,060. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

No state license; SMART/SMACNA apprenticeship, overseen by the No Wisconsin state license — SMART apprenticeship path. Wisconsin does not license sheet-metal workers.

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

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

Which Wisconsin metros pay sheet metal workers the most?

Among Wisconsin metro areas, Duluth leads at $86,630, followed by Appleton ($81,400), Milwaukee ($78,840). 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 Wisconsin?

Real Wisconsin options include Blackhawk Technical College, Chippewa Valley Technical College, College of Menominee Nation. 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 Wisconsin?

Wisconsin projects sheet metal workers employment to change +7.5% 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), Wisconsin statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2211. Licensing summary compiled from the No Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin wages · Wisconsin 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.