The sheet metal trade in Anchorage, AK is poised for strong opportunity in 2025, with multiple pathways to certification, high wages, and long-term career growth. According to data from placement organizations and union programs, becoming a sheet metal worker in Anchorage typically begins with an apprenticeship that combines 8,000 work hours with 960 hours of technical classroom training 1. By completing this four-year program, workers gain eligibility for journeyman certification, which allows independent employment with companies that take on commercial, residential, and industrial HVAC and sheet metal projects 21.
Many aspiring professionals begin their journeys by applying through union-sponsored programs, such as Sheet Metal Workers Local #23’s apprenticeship, offering stable entry points into the field 1. With an average salary of $95,909 per year in Anchorage, and competitive earnings reaching over $112,000 for experienced workers, this trade presents a valuable option for those looking to avoid student debt while building a high-paying career 3.
Whether you're a recent high school graduate, career switcher, or someone seeking job stability, this guide outlines everything you need to know about launching and growing a sheet metal trade career in Anchorage, including licensing, earnings, job outlook, and next steps to take.
To explore salary benchmark tools, check out ClassET's data page or BLS statistics. Additionally, you can view job listings on Indeed for more real-time opportunities.
Sheet metal trade workers fabricate, assemble, install, and repair metal products used in commercial and industrial settings. Common tasks include:
These skills are in high demand across Anchorage's construction, aviation, and infrastructure development sectors. Workers may specialize in niche areas such as architectural sheet metal, industrial ventilation, or aerospace manufacturing, with growing opportunities for those with experience in computer-aided design (CAD) and precision aircraft sheet metal layout 56.
For more resources on career opportunities, visit Sheet Metal Inc.'s careers page.
Yes! The Municipality of Anchorage requires journeyman-level sheet metal workers to obtain formal certification through an application and trade knowledge exam 7. To qualify, applicants must provide notarized proof of at least 8,000 hours working under the supervision of a licensed sheet metal contractor across various installation, fabrication, modification, and repair projects 7.
If you're aiming to run your own sheet metal contracting business, you must complete 12,000 on-the-job training hours and pass a broader exam that includes business operations knowledge, mechanical code guidelines, and labor regulation compliance 7.
To pursue a certification and launch your sheet metal trade journey, most aspiring professionals start with a registered apprenticeship program.
Apprenticeships provide structured training in Anchorage’s sheet metal workforce while offering competitive wages, paid education, and a pathway to certification. The most recognized option in the city is the Sheet Metal Worker and Service Technician Apprenticeship Program offered by Sheet Metal Workers Local #23 1.
This local apprenticeship program includes:
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Applications are typically open between March and May each year. You can apply directly through the Sheet Metal Workers Local #23 website 5, or find apprenticeship listings via job search platforms like Gild 8. For additional insights, review Alaska labor statistics.
To enter an apprenticeship or job in the sheet metal sector, you must be:
Enrolling in a structured apprenticeship program delivers both the training and experience needed for licensing. The Local #23 apprenticeship provides a detailed progressive training curriculum, with classroom instruction and direct mentorship. For more training options, visit Alaska Works Partnership. Alternately, private employers occasionally offer training pathways, though most Anchorage-based professionals start through the union system.
Going through an apprenticeship is the most cost-effective and structured way to build toward certification. Many apprentices earn an average of $23.28/hour while enrolled, with placements in active HVAC, fabrication, and commercial sheet metal construction projects 3.
Upon completing apprenticeship requirements, you can apply for a Journeyman Sheet Metal License from the Municipality of Anchorage. Submit a certification packet that includes:
For advanced leadership roles, professionals can attain a Sheet Metal Contractor License, a credential necessary for owning a business that hires other sheet metal trade professionals. Requirements include:
Some advance to union leadership and apprenticeship instructor positions, contributing to workforce development over time 6.
Anchorage leads Alaska in sheet metal trade earnings, with datasets showing a wide earnings band based on experience, specialization, and union participation.
| Source | Average Salary | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ClassET | $95,909 | $69,773 | $112,563 |
| Career Explorer* | $96,520 (AK) | $48,450 (AK) | $98,570 (AK) |
| Erieri | $77,998 | N/A | N/A |
*Note: Career Explorer data is state-based rather than Anchorage-specific.
Some senior HVAC duct installation specialists or aircraft sheet metal mechanics may command hourly rates exceeding $44 per hour, especially for work with aircraft maintenance contractors 8. For more salary details, check Eriieri's estimator.
Earnings typically progress in line with experience and certifications:
Moving into estimator, project coordination, or union training instructor roles is also possible, offering alternative income scaling through leadership rather than physical trade labor 8.
Anchorage stands out as the Alaskan city with the largest concentration of sheet metal jobs, especially in HVAC, construction, and commercial retrofitting sectors 8. While Fairbanks maintains a competitive wage structure with experienced roles reaching up to $119,658 per year, fewer job openings make Anchorage a more accessible entry option for newcomers 3.
Key Anchorage employers and project types in 2025 include:
Ongoing government and private investment in climate-resilient infrastructure increases demand for skilled sheet metal professionals even further 5.
Given Anchorage’s diverse industry composition, both technical and adaptive skills are vital in 2025:
Like any skilled trade, starting out comes with hurdles. Many aspiring sheet metal workers in Anchorage encounter:
To navigate these challenges effectively:
Sheet metal work remains a critical trade across Alaska, and Anchorage stands as the regional hub for projects involving aircraft maintenance, industrial HVAC, and new commercial construction 6. By 2025, the CPF3 Pipeline Repair Initiative and other infrastructure projects create even more demand for metal fabrication and ductwork expertise, even as remote contracting opportunities grow 5.
Participation in union-backed training programs ensures ongoing education, wage increases, job placement, and benefits like healthcare, childcare stipends, and industry mentorship networks 83. Apprentices often continue in unions after certification, benefiting from strike protections, contract work guarantees, and exclusive job postings 6.
Landing your first opportunity in Anchorage’s sheet metal trade starts with connecting to an apprenticeship or entry-level pathway. You can begin by browsing live sheet metal trade jobs and apprenticeship openings in Anchorage through Gild or applying directly to union programs like Sheet Metal Workers Local #23.
You now have the information and steps needed to start a well-paying, stable trade job with long-term growth potential. Begin your journey today and join Anchorage’s skilled sheet metal workforce.
https://aatca.org/sheetmetal-workers/anchorage/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Sheet-Metal-Worker-Salary-in-Anchorage,AK ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
https://www.muni.org/Departments/OCPD/development-services/permits-inspections/Forms/Exam%20form%20SMC.pdf ↩
https://www.abcalaska.org/Apprenticeship/Apprenticeship-Trades/Sheet-Metal ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.indeed.com/q-sheet-metal-l-alaska-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
https://www.muni.org/departments/ocpd/development-services/permits-inspections/forms/exam%20form%20jsm.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8
https://live.laborstats.alaska.gov/occfcst/occupations ↩ ↩2 ↩3
