Sheet Metal Worker Career Guide in Tennessee
Explore sheet metal worker salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Tennessee.
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How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker in Tennessee
Tennessee sheet metal apprentices typically complete four to five years of paid training in fabrication, welding, architectural sheet metal, HVAC duct systems, air balancing, safety, and mechanical codes.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Tennessee
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Tennessee median wage for sheet metal worker workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $60,850, the median wage in Tennessee is approximately $1,680 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Sheet Metal Workers in Tennessee
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONSheet Metal Worker Training Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee sheet metal workers normally enter the occupation through a paid apprenticeship, technical-college program, or structured employer training program.
- Complete four to five years of supervised on-the-job and classroom training.
- Study layout, fabrication, welding, HVAC ductwork, architectural metal, plans, specifications, and OSHA safety.
- Obtain job-specific welding, lift, rigging, or safety credentials when required by an employer.
- Check municipal or county licensing rules before performing regulated HVAC work.
- Obtain the appropriate Tennessee contractor license before bidding or contracting for projects subject to the state licensing threshold.
Sheet Metal Worker Training Providers in Tennessee
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| TCAT Nashville | Nashville | View Program |
| TCAT Knoxville | Knoxville | View Program |
| TCAT Memphis | Memphis | View Program |
| Chattanooga State Community College | Chattanooga | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESSheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship Programs in Tennessee
Tennessee Registered Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Sheet Metal Worker Licensing Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee does not license individual sheet metal workers at the state level. A state contractor license with an appropriate mechanical or HVAC classification is generally required when the total project reaches Tennessee’s contractor-licensing threshold. Counties and municipalities may impose additional licensing, examination, permit, and inspection requirements.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSSheet Metal Worker Job Outlook in Tennessee
Tennessee’s 2022–2032 long-term projections indicate continued demand for sheet metal workers, with approximately 200 annual openings generated by growth and worker replacement.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the sheet metal worker salary in Tennessee?
The statewide median wage for sheet metal workers in Tennessee is approximately $59,170 per year, or $28.45 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Tennessee require sheet metal worker licensing?
Tennessee does not use one uniform statewide licensing rule for all sheet metal worker work. Local requirements may apply, and applicants should verify the rules in the city or county where they plan to work.
How long does it take to become a sheet metal worker in Tennessee?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 4–5 Years Apprenticeship, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are sheet metal workers in demand in Tennessee?
Tennessee projects sheet metal worker employment to grow by approximately 5% from 2022 to 2032, with about 200 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Tennessee Wages for Sheet Metal Worker (SOC 47-2211) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Tennessee Sheet Metal Worker Wages
- Tennessee Sheet Metal Worker Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Tennessee Sheet Metal Worker Employment Trends
- Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Licensing authority. Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors