Sheet Metal Worker Career Guide in Wisconsin
Explore sheet metal worker salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Wisconsin.
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How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s principal route is a five-year registered sheet metal apprenticeship. Apprentices receive paid employment and instruction in fabrication, welding, HVAC installation, architectural metal, testing and balancing, service work, and state 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 Wisconsin
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin is approximately $16,910 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Sheet Metal Workers in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin
Wisconsin sheet metal workers commonly qualify through a Wisconsin registered apprenticeship that combines paid employment with technical instruction.
- Complete approximately five years of paid apprenticeship and related classroom instruction.
- Study layout, fabrication, welding, HVAC duct systems, architectural metal, plans, mathematics, codes, and safety.
- Meet Wisconsin apprenticeship attendance and on-the-job-hour requirements.
- Maintain required welding, OSHA, equipment, and employer safety certifications.
- Obtain contractor, qualifier, or HVAC credentials when independently performing work covered by Wisconsin credentialing laws.
Sheet Metal Worker Training Providers in Wisconsin
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | Milwaukee | View Program |
| Madison Area Technical College | Madison | View Program |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Green Bay | View Program |
| Fox Valley Technical College | Appleton | 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 Wisconsin
Sheet Metal Worker Licensing Requirements in Wisconsin
Wisconsin does not require a separate occupational license for every sheet metal worker. Businesses and individuals undertaking regulated construction or HVAC work may need a dwelling contractor credential, dwelling contractor qualifier credential, HVAC contractor registration, or other project-specific credential. Local permits and code compliance also apply.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSSheet Metal Worker Job Outlook in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s 2022–2032 projections indicate relatively stable employment for sheet metal workers, with replacement demand continuing to generate approximately 400 openings annually.
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 Wisconsin?
The statewide median wage for sheet metal workers in Wisconsin is approximately $77,760 per year, or $37.38 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Wisconsin require sheet metal worker licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for sheet metal worker workers in Wisconsin. Local jurisdictions, employers, or specific work scopes may still impose requirements, so applicants should verify current rules before beginning work.
How long does it take to become a sheet metal worker in Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin?
Wisconsin projects sheet metal worker employment to grow by approximately 2% from 2022 to 2032, with about 400 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
- Wisconsin Wages for Sheet Metal Worker (SOC 47-2211) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Wisconsin Sheet Metal Worker Wages
- Wisconsin Sheet Metal Worker Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Wisconsin Sheet Metal Worker Employment Trends
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services — Licensing authority. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services