The sheet metal trade continues to be a thriving industry in Dallas, TX, with 120-170 job openings reported across the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 2025, and salaries ranging from $34,600 to $49,035 annually for entry-level positions123. High demand is driven by a construction boom, industrial resurgence, and critical workforce shortages13, making Dallas one of the strongest markets for skilled sheet metal workers in Texas. With certificate programs as short as 4-12 weeks and multi-year apprenticeships, individuals can choose a training path that fits their goals45. In this guide, we'll explore the exact steps, certifications, salary expectations, and resources you need to launch your career in this in-demand trade.
Sheet metal workers in Dallas fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment. Common applications include HVAC systems, roofing, siding, ventilation ducts, and industrial equipment. Dallas’ booming construction industry and expansion of manufacturing facilities have created a wide array of job opportunities throughout the metro area13.
Typical responsibilities of a sheet metal worker include:
This trade demands physical stamina, technical precision, and a strong attention to detail, offering a hands-on, high-demand career path with growth potential51.
While there is no general statewide license required to work as a sheet metal worker in Texas, certifications and apprenticeships are critical for advancement in the field. Industry-recognized credentials demonstrate expertise and can significantly boost employment opportunities12.
Key certifications include:
These certifications validate specific skill sets and ensure workers meet industry standards in safety, efficiency, and craftsmanship. While a license isn’t mandatory, many employers prefer or require certification2, especially for more complex projects or union-affiliated positions.
Apprenticeships remain the most common and effective way to begin a career in the sheet metal trade in Dallas5. These programs typically combine on-the-job training with supplemental technical instruction, allowing participants to earn while they learn.
To find an apprenticeship:
Apprenticeships in skilled trades like sheet metal work typically last 3 to 5 years, depending on the program and specialty5. During this time, apprentices gradually gain experience and often start at $17–$22/hour, with wages increasing as skills develop17.
To begin your journey in the sheet metal trades, you must meet these requirements:
Technical schools and vocational organizations in Dallas offer hands-on programs designed to teach essential metalworking skills:
Some WIOA-funded short-term certificate programs take just 4-12 weeks to complete and prepare students for entry-level roles4.
An apprenticeship is the most recommended path for launching a long-term career in the sheet metal trade. These structured programs provide:
SMART Local 68 and other organizations accept apprenticeship applications annually, and selection is competitive1.
While not mandatory in Texas, earning specialized certifications enhances employability and earning potential2. Certifications like:
Once you've earned your foundational experience and certifications, multiple pathways for advancement become available:
Entry-level sheet metal workers in Dallas earned between $17 and $22.18/hour in 2025, with annual earnings averaging $34,600 – $49,035, depending on the employer and level of experience123. Journeyman sheet metal workers, particularly those who are union-affiliated, often earn significantly more, with national median wages reaching $60,850 annually9.
| Job Title | Hourly Pay Range (Dallas, 2025) | Annual Pay Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Sheet Metal Worker | $17–$22.18/hour | $34,600–$46,100/year |
| Apprentice Sheet Metal Worker | $22/hour average | $45,760/year |
| Journeyman Sheet Metal Worker | $24–$55/hour | $49,920–$114,400/year |
| Union or Specialized Sheet Metal Worker | $28–$55/hour | $58,240–$114,400/year |
Dallas offers above-average pay for skilled trades compared to other Texas cities, with abundant opportunities for skilled sheet metal workers throughout both residential and commercial construction projects3.
When compared with other major Texas metro areas, Dallas remains a standout market for sheet metal workers:
Dallas benefits from a larger industrial footprint, stronger union representation, and a more robust construction market, making it generally a better environment for growth in the sheet metal trade than other Texas cities3.
Like all skilled trades, the sheet metal industry faces several evolving challenges in 2025, including:
Automation, CNC machines, and 3D metal printing are changing how sheet metal components are manufactured9. Workers who pursue continued training, particularly in computerized systems and CAD software, will have the best chances for long-term career stability.
Smart-TD Training Seminars and industry events like METALCON provide up-to-date learning opportunities to keep sheet metal specialists current with modern industry tools and practices82.
Economic downturns or supply chain disruptions can affect demand for construction and industrial work. To build resilience in your career:
The construction trade faces a growing labor shortage, which means high demand for skilled workers, but also increased competition for the best-paying roles. By completing certifications, participating in union programs, and actively attending industry networking events, you can position yourself for the best opportunities89.
Starting a career in the sheet metal trade in Dallas, TX, in 2025 is a strategic move into a thriving industry with strong job availability, competitive wages, and long-term growth potential13. From short-term certificate programs to multi-year apprenticeships, you have multiple pathways to enter the field based on your career goals.
Here’s how to get started today:
Whether you're recently out of high school, transitioning careers, or looking for a hands-on trade with above-average earnings, pursuing a career in the sheet metal industry in Dallas could be your next big opportunity. Good luck—and don’t forget to check out Gild for apprenticeship opportunities near you!
https://www.indeed.com/q-sheet-metal-l-dallas,-tx-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11
https://www.indeed.com/q-sheet-metal-l-dallas-fort-worth,-tx-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
https://www.smart-union.org/smartcareers/sheet-metal-opportunities-in-the-dallas-fort-worth/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9
https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-local-training.aspx?location=Texas&radius=&ajax=0&post=y&lang=en ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://abccentraltexas.org/workforce-development/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Sheet-Metal/-in-Dallas,TX ↩
https://www.smart-union.org/smart-td-announces-2025-regional-training-seminars/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
