Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship in Tennessee

Wages, programs & career outlook
TN Median Salary
$53,680/yr
-12% vs. national
National Median
$60,850/yr
TN Employment
2,040
Sheet Metal Workers employed
TN Sponsors
802
Registered programs

Tennessee Wage Spread

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

10th %ile
$36,680
25th %ile
$42,320
Median
$53,680
75th %ile
$68,350
90th %ile
$76,010

Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship in Tennessee

At $53,680 per year, Sheet Metal Worker wages in Tennessee are near the national median of $48,060. Combine that with zero tuition and the effective return exceeds what the raw salary suggests.

At $53,680 per year, Tennessee pays 12% less than the national Sheet Metal Worker median. The gap isn't dramatic but worth factoring into an apprenticeship decision.

The 2.4% growth projection is below average, but 10,600 replacement openings per year still create steady demand for trained Sheet Metal Workers.

Tennessee's 2,040 Sheet Metal Workers represent just 1.6% of the national workforce. A thinner market means fewer apprenticeship sponsors and potentially longer waits for program openings.

At 8,000 hours over 4 years, the Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship is comprehensive. You'll spend most of your time working alongside certified professionals, supplemented by classroom training in blueprint reading, building codes, and material estimation. Every hour is paid.

Tennessee's 802 registered apprenticeship sponsors create one of the more competitive markets for program placement. Candidates should apply to multiple programs, as the most popular ones fill quickly.

Wages for Sheet Metal Workers in Tennessee range from $36,680 at the entry level to $76,010 for veterans — a $39,330 spread that maps directly to experience, certifications, and willingness to take on complex jobs.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Tennessee

802 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Tennessee. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Alamo Water & Sewer Division Alamo
County Wide Utility District of Crockett Alamo
Arconic Alcoa Blount County
Massey Construction, Inc. Alcoa Blount County
Connexus Incorporated Antioch
Evergreen Life Services Antioch
Feintool Tennessee Antioch Davidson County
RevSpring Inc. Antioch Davidson County
Aztec Construction Group Inc Arlington
Steamfitters Local Union 614 Joint Apprenticeship Training Program Arlington Shelby County
American Job Center of Tennessee - Cheatham County Ashland City
INDUSTRIAL ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. Ashland City Cheatham County
Industrial Electric Services, Inc Ashland City Cheatham County
VAUGHN MANUFACTURING Ashland City Cheatham County
ABB Athens Mcminn County
Adient US LLC Athens
American Job Center of Tennessee - Athens Athens
E&E Manufacturing Athens
E&E Manufacturing of Tennessee, LLC Athens Mcminn County
Wilson Construction Group, LLC Athens Mcminn County
GPM Drones, LLC. Atoka Tipton County
Copperhead Electrical Contractors Bartlett
Fluffy Pawz Pet Center & Spa Services Bartlett
Greater Memphis Medical Device Council Bartlett Shelby County
Lowrie Electric Co Bartlett
+ 5 more sponsors in Tennessee

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Sheet Metal Workers earn in Tennessee?
The median annual wage for Sheet Metal Workers in Tennessee is $53,680 as of May 2024. Wages range from $36,680 at the 10th percentile to $76,010 at the 90th percentile.
How many years does it take to become a Sheet Metal Worker through apprenticeship?
The standard Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship is 4 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom education. Some programs offer accelerated paths for candidates with prior experience.
What's the difference between a Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship and trade school?
Apprenticeships offer paid training with no tuition, while trade school requires upfront costs but may be shorter. Many Sheet Metal Workers combine both — starting with trade school basics before entering an apprenticeship.
Are Sheet Metal Worker jobs growing?
The BLS projects 2.4% employment growth for Sheet Metal Workers through 2034 — modest demand. About 10600 positions open annually through both growth and retirements.
How do I find a Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship in Tennessee?
There are 802 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Tennessee. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
Do Sheet Metal Worker apprentices get paid during training?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $26,840/yr in Tennessee). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Sheet Metal Worker in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Tennessee

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