Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship in New York

Wages, programs & career outlook
NY Median Salary
$73,470/yr
+21% vs. national
National Median
$60,850/yr
NY Employment
6,190
Sheet Metal Workers employed
NY Sponsors
823
Registered programs

New York Wage Spread

Annual wages for Sheet Metal Workers in New York across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$43,260
25th %ile
$56,090
Median
$73,470
75th %ile
$91,990
90th %ile
$120,490

Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship in New York

Sheet Metal Workers in New York earn a median of $73,470/yr — 53% above the national all-occupation median of $48,060. That puts this apprenticeship path well into upper-middle-income territory for the state.

Compared to the $60,850 national median for Sheet Metal Workers, New York pays 21% more. The state ranks among the top-paying markets for this trade nationally.

Growth projections are modest at 2.4%, though the 10,600 annual replacement openings tell a better story. Retiring baby boomers in the trades create persistent demand regardless of economic cycles.

The 6,190 Sheet Metal Workers in New York (4.7% of the national total) place the state in the middle tier for trade employment. Apprenticeship availability tracks accordingly — present but not abundant.

Expect a 4-year commitment for a Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship: 8,000 hours of supervised field work alongside coursework in blueprint reading, building codes, and material estimation. Pay starts lower but scales up — most programs bump wages every six months.

With 823 sponsors on record, New York ranks among the top states for apprenticeship access. Whether through IBEW locals, contractor-run programs, or state-sponsored initiatives, entry points are plentiful.

The earning trajectory in New York is solid: a Sheet Metal Worker starting near $43,260/yr can work toward $120,490 at the 90th percentile. The $77,230 progression typically takes 10-15 years of steady advancement.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in New York

823 registered apprenticeship sponsors in New York. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Cold Spring Construction Company Akron
Ae Rosen Electrical Co., Inc. Albany
Albany Career Central Albany
B.B.A. Inc. Dba Bonacquisti Brothers Construction Albany
Best Paving & Sealcoating Inc Albany
Boilermakers Northeastern Jac Local #5, Zone 197 Albany
Bricklayers And Allied Craftworkers Lu #2 (Oswego) Albany
Bricklayers And Allied Craftworkers Lu #2 (Utica) Albany
Bricklayers-Allied Craftworkers Lu #2 (Albany) Albany
Carver Construction, Inc. Albany
Cek Rn Consulting, Inc Albany
Colonie Mechanical Contractors, Inc Albany
Comalli Group, Inc. Albany
Crisafulli Mechanical Llc Albany
E.W. Tompkinsco., Inc. Albany
Empire State Marine Trades Association Albany
Int'L Assoc Heat & Frost Insulators/Allied Workers Albany
Loc. #35 Int'L Union Of Elevator Constructors Jatc Albany
MTX Group Inc Albany
New York State Apprenticeship Agency Albany
New York State Department of Labor Albany
New York State Department of Labor | Division of Employment and Workforce Solutions| Apprenticeship Office Albany
New York State Office Of The State Comptroller Albany
North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund Albany
Nsh Usa Corporation Albany
+ 5 more sponsors in New York

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Sheet Metal Workers make in New York?
The BLS reports a median wage of $73,470/yr for Sheet Metal Workers in New York (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
What is the length of a Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship program?
Most Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeships run 4 years. Apprentices work under a journeyman while attending classes, typically earning wages from day one with scheduled increases.
What's the difference between a Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship and trade school?
An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn over 4 years with no tuition cost. Trade school is faster (6-24 months) but costs money upfront. Both can lead to the same journeyman credential.
What is the job outlook for Sheet Metal Workers?
Demand for Sheet Metal Workers is modest, with 2.4% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
How do I find a Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship in New York?
Contact one of the 823 registered apprenticeship sponsors in New York, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
How much do Sheet Metal Worker apprentices earn?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $36,735/yr in New York). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Sheet Metal Worker in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in New York

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.