The sheet metal trade is experiencing steady demand in Austin, TX, especially as local construction and green energy manufacturing sectors expand. With major projects from companies like Tesla and Samsung, Austin is becoming a hub for skilled trades, and the sheet metal industry is no exception. By 2025, the U.S. sheet metal market is projected to grow, driven by sustainable building practices and HVAC demand1. In Texas, employment for sheet metal workers is expected to rise slightly, with about 920 annual job openings statewide by 20322. Although no exact figures exist specifically for Austin, the city's construction growth and strong industrial market—with 19.1 million square feet under construction in 2024—indicates positive momentum3.
For aspiring sheet metal workers, apprenticeship is the primary path to enter this trade. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, typically spanning 4 to 5 years and including up to 10,000 hours of hands-on experience3. The Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union 67 oversees a registered apprenticeship program in Austin, ensuring trainees receive high-quality, structured education aligned with federal standards4.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
Whether you're finishing school, transitioning careers, or looking for a stable trade with above-average pay and steady growth, the sheet metal trade in Austin may offer a promising future.
Sheet metal workers play a critical role in the construction, HVAC systems, and industrial manufacturing sectors. Their responsibilities include:
This trade is highly specialized, requiring both technical precision and physical endurance, and it plays a vital role in infrastructure development, especially for large-scale projects like data centers, commercial buildings, and clean energy facilities in Austin.
In Austin, TX, sheet metal workers are not required to obtain a state-issued license. However, completing a formal apprenticeship program—such as the one managed by Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 67 Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC)—is the industry standard and often required by employers3. This 4 to 5-year apprenticeship includes:
| Training Component | Description |
|---|---|
| On-the-job Training | Approximately 8,000–10,000 hours |
| Classroom Instruction | 1,000–1,225 hours in blueprint reading, math, safety, and welding |
The program follows U.S. Department of Labor guidelines3, and apprentices earn wages starting at 55% of the journeyman rate, increasing as skills develop5. Upon completion, workers are certified at the journey-level, qualified to work independently on complex metalwork projects4.
While not required, additional certifications can improve job prospects and earning potential:
Entering the trade requires a structured path through formal apprenticeship and on-the-job learning. Here’s how to get started:
Before applying for an apprenticeship in Austin, ensure you meet these criteria:
While not mandatory, completing foundational training helps applicants stand out. Options include:
These programs often cover:
Completing a pre-program can fast-track entry into an apprenticeship and help applicants better prepare for the rigorous selection process5.
The main apprenticeship provider in Austin is Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 67, which runs a competitive apprenticeship program accepting new trainees periodically4. To apply:
Apprenticeships are union-based, and once accepted, trainees follow a strict curriculum combining classroom and on-site field experience over 4–5 years.
Alternative pathways:
Once accepted, apprentices work under journey-level sheet metal workers, gaining experience in:
Apprentices also attend classroom or lab instruction, often provided by local unions or trade organizations. Training typically includes:
Apprentices start at around 55% of journeyman wages, with incremental raises tied to performance and training milestones3.
Upon successfully completing the program—usually after 4 to 5 years—apprentices become certified journeyman sheet metal workers4. This allows independent work on HVAC, construction, and industrial projects in Austin and across Texas.
To increase earning potential and career mobility, consider pursuing optional credentials such as:
These certifications help specialize in fields such as sustainable metal fabrication, industrial HVAC systems, and custom architectural sheet metal work.
Sheet metal workers in Austin, TX, earn an average hourly wage of $21.56 to $22.22, which equates to about $44,850 annually31. Entry-level jobs start at $35,100 per year, while experienced union members with certifications can earn upwards of $65,000 per year.
Union wages vary, but for example, SMART Local Union 67 members report a wage range of $16.64 to $31.50 per hour, depending on skills and seniority3. Union jobs typically offer:
For non-union sheet metal workers, benefit packages vary but often include:
The sheet metal industry in Austin is poised for steady growth, driven by:
State-level forecasts project 920 annual job openings in Texas through 2032, and although Austin-specific projections aren’t published, its fast-growing construction and tech infrastructure likely exceed statewide averages2. The Austin-area industrial job market grew by 5% over 12 months in early 2025, signaling strong employment opportunities for skilled trades, including sheet metal workers4.
However, the trade is also facing challenges such as:
By 2025, employers in Austin's sheet metal trade seek candidates with a mix of technical, mechanical, and soft skills, particularly:
For supervisor and lead roles, companies prefer candidates with:
These skills align with the evolving construction trends in Central Texas, where modular fabrication, energy-efficient systems, and digital workflows are becoming the norm4.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage in Austin | $21.56–$22.22 |
| Annual Salary (Avg) | $44,850 |
| Entry-Level Salary | $35,100 |
| Union Hourly Range | $16.64–$31.50 |
| Apprenticeship Duration | 4–5 years |
| Required Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Apprenticeship Hours | 8,000–10,000 (on-the-job), 1,000–1,225 (classroom) |
| Annual TX Job Openings (2032) | ~920 |
| Top Austin Employers | Tesla, Samsung, Austin ISD, HVAC contractors, Local 67 |
| Common Certifications | AWS, BIM, FMA Precision Sheet Metal |
| Union Path? | Yes – via Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 67 |
Starting a career in the sheet metal trade in Austin is not only achievable—it's a smart move in a growing and technologically evolving industry. With the right training, union affiliation, and skill development, this trade offers a stable, well-paying, and in-demand career path for the next decade.
To begin your journey:
Whether you're looking for a career change, hands-on work, or a trade with long-term growth, the sheet metal field in Austin could provide a lucrative and fulfilling opportunity.
https://www.smart-union.org/smartcareers/sheet-metal-opportunities-in-austin-and-san-antonio/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
https://texascareercheck.com/OccupationInfo/OccupationSummary/47-2211.00/ ↩ ↩2
https://www.wfscapitalarea.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WFSCA-Union-Apprenticeships-Guide-2024.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9
https://sheetmetalinstitute.org/apprenticeship/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
https://www.wrksolutions.com/for-individuals/career-exploration/sheet-metal-workers ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Careers/Occupations/occupation-profile.aspx?location=Austin%2C+TX&onetcode=47221100 ↩ ↩2
