Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship in Washington

Wages, programs & career outlook
WA Median Salary
$93,230/yr
+53% vs. national
National Median
$60,850/yr
WA Employment
3,870
Sheet Metal Workers employed
WA Sponsors
434
Registered programs

Washington Wage Spread

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

10th %ile
$52,740
25th %ile
$67,250
Median
$93,230
75th %ile
$129,860
90th %ile
$140,940

Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship in Washington

At $93,230 per year, Washington Sheet Metal Workers earn 94% more than the typical American worker ($48,060 national median). The wage premium reflects both the trade's skill requirements and Washington's labor market.

Washington Sheet Metal Workers earn $93,230/yr — a 53% premium over the $60,850 national median for the trade. Strong union presence or high demand likely drives the spread.

Job growth for Sheet Metal Workers is projected at 2.4% through 2034 — slow but positive. Most of the 10,600 annual openings come from workers retiring rather than industry expansion.

With 2.9% of the nation's Sheet Metal Workers (3,870 workers), Washington sits in the middle of the pack. Apprenticeship programs exist but may concentrate in metro areas rather than spread statewide.

The Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship path spans 4 years in a time-based format. During those 8,000 hours, apprentices rotate between jobsite work under a journeyman and formal instruction in blueprint reading, building codes, and material estimation.

Apprenticeship seekers in Washington can contact any of 434 registered sponsors. Coverage is solid in metro areas, though rural regions may have fewer options for specific trades.

Wages for Sheet Metal Workers in Washington range from $52,740 at the entry level to $140,940 for veterans — a $88,200 spread that maps directly to experience, certifications, and willingness to take on complex jobs.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Washington

434 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Washington. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Grays Harbor Fire District #2 JATC Aberdeen
Grays Harbor P.U.D. No. 1 Apprenticeship Committee Aberdeen
WorkSource Grays Harbor Aberdeen
Construction Trades Training: Airway Heights Correctional Center (CTT) Airway Heights
Dakota Creek Industries Inc. Anacortes
THE TEMPLE OF GROOM BARBERSHOP LLC (Anacortes) Anacortes
R&S Electric Apprenticeship Training Cooperative Arlington
DM Stylists, LLC Auburn
Western Washington Operating Engineers Facilities Custodial Services Apprenticeship Committee Auburn
Western Washington Stationary Engineers Apprenticeship Committee Auburn
WorkSource Auburn Auburn
Northwest Line Construction Industry JATC Battle Ground
Power Line Clearance and Tree Trimmers Apprenticeship Committee Battle Ground
Tradesmen Apprenticeship & Comprehensive Training Battle Ground
Computing For All Pre-Apprenticeship Program Bellevue
Construction Industry Training Council of Washington - Carpenter Bellevue
Construction Industry Training Council of Washington - Construction Electrician Bellevue
Construction Industry Training Council of Washington - Construction Equipment Operator Bellevue
Construction Industry Training Council of Washington - Glazier Bellevue
Construction Industry Training Council of Washington - HVAC Bellevue
Construction Industry Training Council of Washington - LESCT/Residential Wireman Bellevue
Construction Industry Training Council of Washington - Laborer Bellevue
Construction Industry Training Council of Washington - Painter - Decorator Bellevue
Construction Industry Training Council of Washington - Plumber Bellevue
Construction Industry Training Council of Washington - Scaffold Erector Bellevue
+ 5 more sponsors in Washington

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Sheet Metal Worker salary in Washington?
The median annual wage for Sheet Metal Workers in Washington is $93,230 as of May 2024. Wages range from $52,740 at the 10th percentile to $140,940 at the 90th percentile.
What is the length of a Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship program?
A typical Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship lasts approximately 4 years (8,000 hours of on-the-job training). The program combines paid work experience with related classroom instruction.
Is an apprenticeship better than trade school for Sheet Metal Workers?
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.
Is there demand for Sheet Metal Workers?
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.
Where can I apply for a Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship in Washington?
There are 434 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Washington. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
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 $46,615/yr in Washington). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Sheet Metal Worker in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Washington

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