The sheet metal trade is undergoing significant growth, especially in regional locations like Ketchikan, Alaska, where skilled labor remains in high demand. With the projected Alaska workforce expanding across construction, HVAC, and aviation, local programs provide clear pathways for entering the industry—check out resources on the Alaska jobs forecast for more insights.
In Ketchikan, a sheet metal worker can expect a competitive salary range of $85,000 to $98,000 annually, significantly higher than the national average of $51,990, thanks to the higher cost of living and trade-specific demand 1. Apprenticeships offered through the Alaska Metal & Mechanical Apprenticeship (AMMA) significantly reduce barriers to entry, pairing education with practical experience—learn more at the AMMA website 2.
This article breaks down the essential elements of building a career in sheet metal in Alaska’s Ketchikan region—from education and certifications to salary insights, opportunities, and tips for standing out in the workforce. For apprenticeship details, explore ABC Alaska's programs 3.
A sheet metal worker operates across a variety of industrial and commercial sectors, including construction, manufacturing, HVAC, and aviation. Their responsibilities include fabricating, installing, assembling, and repairing metal components like ducts, siding, and equipment casings.
In Ketchikan, a major industrial hub in Southeast Alaska, key sectors for sheet metal workers include:
The work demands both physical stamina and a sharp attention to detail, blending precision with a strong understanding of blueprints and technical specs. For career salary insights, see the CareerExplorer data.
By pursuing opportunities in these fields, a sheet metal worker can become an integral part of Ketchikan’s evolving infrastructure and industrial landscape.
To work as a sheet metal worker in Ketchikan, Alaska, the following certifications and qualifications are either required or highly recommended 3. Visit the AMMA website for detailed eligibility guidelines:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Age Requirement | Must be at least 18 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED with accurate transcripts (plusses for mechanical coursework) |
| Physical Fitness | Must demonstrate physical ability to perform tasks such as climbing, lifting, and working at heights |
| WorkKeys Assessment | Completion is required for AMMA program applicants |
| Driver's License | Possess a valid, unrestricted Alaska driver’s license |
The cornerstones of formal expertise come through apprenticeship programs, with the Alaska Metal & Mechanical Apprenticeship (AMMA) as the leading pathway for aspiring workers in Ketchikan.
Upon completing the program, you’ll emerge as a qualified sheet metal journeyperson, able to work independently and apply for union job listings and licensed contractor positions throughout Alaska.
Apprentices in AMMA receive a well-rounded education spanning about 4-5 years. This involves:
Apprentices are encouraged to find placements with local Sheet Metal Workers Local 23, where hands-on mentorship accelerates technical mastery. Explore more apprenticeship options at ABC Alaska.
Salaries for skilled sheet metal workers in Ketchikan regularly surpass $95,000, with top-tier workers earning well into six-figure territory, especially those specializing in aviation and HVAC retrofitting 4.
AMMA not only provides an industry-recognized certificate but also opens doors to local, state, and national job markets.
Apprenticeship applicants must fulfill several mandatory criteria:
These conditions uphold the purpose of the program: to ensure only the most committed and capable individuals fill the ranks of Ketchikan's skilled tradesmen.
The AMMA application period for new apprentices opens on March 1 and runs until May 31 annually, with intake for each cycle limited 2.
The AMMA apprenticeship program offers several core advantages:
Through this process, potential workers in Ketchikan benefit from structured entry points, highly favorable salaries, and union backing that support long-term career development. For additional salary details, refer to Eri Economic Research.
If you're ready to start the journey, explore apprenticeship opportunities at Gild to find real-time listing options for Ketchikan’s sheet metal roles.
Several elements influence growth perspectives for sheet metal professionals in Ketchikan over the next five years 4:
Alaska’s relatively small pool of qualified sheet metal workers sets a high bar for skilled professionals entering the field, with opportunities likely to deepen as automation and infrastructure investments move forward.
Sheet metal professionals in Ketchikan enjoy one of the strongest pay scales in the nation, skewed higher due to Alaska’s higher regional needs. For comprehensive salary comparisons, visit Eri Economic Research.
| Location | Average Annual Salary($) | Median Salary ($) | Typical Hourly Rate ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ketchikan, AK | $85,000–98,000+ | $95,000 (est.) | $23–37+ |
| Anchorage, AL | $95,909–110,726+ | $106,018 | $37 |
| Alaska (Overall) | ~$85,940–96,520 | ~$94,640–96,520 | ~$23–35 |
| U.S. National Avg | $39,954–68,878 | $51,990 | ~$25 |
Additionally, benefits typically included:
This package, paired with competitive wages, positions the sheet metal industry in Ketchikan as among the most desired skilled trade roles statewide.
While Anchorage and Fairbanks retain the highest volumes of sheet metal jobs in Alaska, Ketchikan's tailor-specific industry provides niche, but profitable roles. For job search tools, use resources on CareerExplorer. These include:
Job boards reveal dozens of sheet metal job listings statewide, with Ketchikan-based roles listed a few times annually through union-connected programs.
Due to Ketchikan’s small population, opportunities rely heavily on staying connected with apprenticeship programs and professional networking within Sheet Metal Workers Local 23.
The reach may not be as comprehensive as Anchorage, but the steady flow of regional and seasonal work ensures consistent engagement with opportunities focused around training and critical local infrastructure.
Cutting-edge technologies are reshaping the sheet metal trade, and Ketchikan is no exception. Learn more about national trends through CareerExplorer:
Already seen in Anchorage, these technologies are steadily migrating toward Ketchikan's mechanical shops as new apprentices arrive and employer infrastructures evolve.
Your ability to embrace modern tools like CNC systems during training in Ketchikan amplifies not just your employment appeal within Southeast Alaska but also portability in other regions—both nationally and internationally. This adaptability becomes a key edge in high-competition trades.
Ketchikan’s sheet metal trade offers not only well-paying jobs, but also clear, no-cost entry pathways, supportive apprenticeships, and a growing industry outlook.
For aspiring sheet metal professionals, opportunities in Ketchikan are robust and aligned with Alaska-wide expansion in skilled trades. It's an ideal time to begin qualifying for roles that blend craft with technology and guarantee competitive salaries. Visit Gild for immediate job listings.
In particular, platforms like Gild and the AMMA program offer flexible entry opportunities suited to residents focused on trade-based careers.
Whether you're finishing high school or pivoting into a new profession, the sheet metal trade in Ketchikan provides substantial financial rewards and long-term job security. Start your educational and apprenticeship journey today to secure your future in this thriving sector. For more resources, check out ABC Alaska.
Ready to explore opportunities? Visit Gild’s Ketchikan sheet metal job listings and learn how easy it is to kickstart your career as a sheet metal worker.
