Are you looking to jumpstart a career in the sheet metal trade in Oklahoma City, OK? The first step to becoming a certified sheet metal worker is to join the SMART Local 124 apprenticeship program, which provides comprehensive training and leads to journeyperson certification; learn more about apprenticeship opportunities here. After completing a 5-year apprenticeship, you'll be eligible to work as a journeyperson, earning an average of $75,000 per year with full benefits 1; for detailed union info, visit the SMART website.
Before diving into the steps, it's essential to understand what being a sheet metal worker entails. Sheet metal workers fabricate, install, and maintain products made from thin metal sheets, including HVAC ductwork, architectural wall panels, and industrial metal components; for more on national trends, check the BLS Sheet Metal Workers page. This trade requires both technical skills and physical stamina, as workers often operate in commercial, industrial, and residential settings.
While Oklahoma does not require a statewide license for sheet metal workers, most employers in Oklahoma City prefer candidates who have completed a union apprenticeship program through SMART Local 124 1; explore Oklahoma's mechanical licensing details here. This program provides certification that demonstrates your skills and qualifications to potential employers. Additionally, Oklahoma requires journeyperson certification for those who wish to work independently or supervise apprentices.
The SMART Local 124 apprenticeship program in Oklahoma City is the primary pathway to becoming a certified sheet metal worker. This five-year program includes 175+ hours of classroom instruction annually and 1,600+ hours of on-the-job training each year 1; for employment projections, see the Oklahoma employment data. Apprentices earn a starting wage of $24.53 per hour, which increases annually, reaching 90% of the journeyperson wage by the fifth year 1.
To find an apprenticeship:
To become a sheet metal worker in Oklahoma City, you must meet specific basic requirements:
While not mandatory, completing a sheet metal education program can give you a solid foundation in the trade. These programs are offered by trade schools, community colleges, and technical institutes in Oklahoma City and usually cover topics like:
An apprenticeship is a crucial step in becoming a sheet metal worker. In Oklahoma City, the SMART Local 124 apprenticeship program is the primary pathway to certification; visit DataUSA for SOC profiles for additional career insights. Apprenticeships typically last 5 years and involve both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
During your apprenticeship, you'll work under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and learn the practical skills needed for the job, such as fabricating metal components, installing HVAC systems, and reading engineering drawings.
After completing your apprenticeship, you'll receive journeyperson certification, which allows you to work independently as a sheet metal worker in Oklahoma City. Journeypersons earn an average of $75,000 per year with full benefits 1; explore short-term forecasts here.
Once you've obtained journeyperson certification, you can explore opportunities for advancement, such as becoming a supervisor, project manager, or even starting your own sheet metal contracting business. Continuing education and specialized training in areas like industrial welding or architectural metalwork can further enhance your career prospects.
Starting a career as a sheet metal apprentice in Oklahoma City is an exciting opportunity to enter a field that is both essential and well-paid. Whether you're just finishing high school or considering a career change, following these steps will set you on the path to success in this critical industry; for more job listings, check Indeed. As you gain experience and build your credentials, the opportunities in the sheet metal trade will only continue to grow. Good luck on your journey and be sure to check out Gild for apprenticeship opportunities near you!
The sheet metal trade in Oklahoma City requires a range of technical skills, particularly in HVAC ductwork, light commercial HVAC systems, and industrial metal fabrication; reference the BLS OES data for detailed occupational stats. Employers are actively seeking workers with experience in:
To qualify for apprenticeship programs or entry-level positions, candidates should have at least a high school diploma or GED 1. Additionally, they must be authorized to work in the United States and have a valid state-issued ID and dependable transportation 1.
Beyond technical expertise, employers value soft skills such as:
Opportunities exist for all skill levels, from pre-apprentices starting at $18.87 per hour (plus benefits) to journeymen earning $37.74 per hour (plus benefits) 2. The strong demand in Oklahoma City is reflected by numerous job openings, with over 40 sheet metal jobs active on platforms like Indeed in the region 3; see more on DataUSA.
In Oklahoma City, OK, the average hourly salary for a Sheet Metal Mechanic is about $27.49 as of 2025 4. For an Experienced Sheet Metal Worker, the average annual salary is approximately $47,910 5. Statewide, the average annual salary for sheet metal workers is around $56,060 2; for updated salary info, visit Indeed salaries.
Overall, while Oklahoma City offers competitive hourly rates, the state's overall average salary for sheet metal workers is lower than the national average. Benefits and union representation, such as those provided by SMART, can enhance the overall compensation package; learn about union opportunities here.
Between 2020 and 2022, Oklahoma City's employment of sheet metal workers slightly decreased from 2,600 to 2,200 36. This indicates a 15% reduction in employment numbers during this period; for projections, refer to Oklahoma's occupational forecasts.
The average annual wage for sheet metal workers in Oklahoma as a whole was reported to be $51,620 in 2020 3. By 2021, this had increased to an average of $56,060 2. This suggests a positive wage trend, though the national average is slightly higher.
The sheet metal industry is projected to experience minimal growth, with an estimated job growth rate of -0.158% 5. However, specific projections for Oklahoma City are not detailed in the available data.
In summary, while employment numbers have decreased slightly, wages have increased, and the industry is facing minimal growth overall. For precise 2025 projections, more detailed local data would be necessary.
The sheet metal industry, like other construction sectors, is experiencing a skilled labor shortage. This shortage stems from an aging workforce and a need for new talent, which can affect project quality and efficiency 2; industry reports are available here.
Economic factors such as recessions, inflation, and tariffs can impact the construction industry, leading to reduced construction activity and increased competition for projects. Recent tariffs have added uncertainty in the industry 32.
Oklahoma City continues to face labor shortages, and material pricing remains unstable, affecting lead times and project costs. This instability makes it difficult for contractors to secure steady pricing from suppliers 4.
The HVAC industry, which uses sheet metal extensively, has faced supply chain disruptions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to extended lead times and challenges in sourcing materials 6.
The sheet metal industry is encouraged to become more inclusive, which might present opportunities but also challenges in creating a diverse workforce 5.
To overcome these challenges, individuals may need to seek training programs, network with industry professionals, and stay adaptable to changing market conditions.
Overall, while sheet metal has modest growth projections, it offers structured job opportunities with competitive wages through unionized labor, which is a significant advantage compared to other trades where growth may be more variable.
Local organizations and unions, such as SMART Local 124 in Oklahoma City, play a significant role in supporting sheet metal workers by providing competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and quality training; access union resources here.
These total packages are designed to ensure that benefits are not deducted from the hourly wage but are additional to it.
SMART Local 124 offers apprenticeship programs and ongoing training for journeymen. This includes practical, job-related training to ensure a skilled workforce 52. The union emphasizes quality education to prepare workers for various roles in the sheet metal industry, including commercial HVAC, light commercial HVAC, architectural wall panels, and industrial sheet metal/welding 6.
The union actively seeks workers of all skill levels, promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce 6. It offers opportunities in different sectors, ensuring that members have a variety of job options within the industry.
SMART Local 124 is part of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART), which represents over 210,000 workers across various industries 4. This affiliation allows local unions to advocate for workers' rights and interests on a broader scale.
Overall, local organizations and unions like SMART Local 124 play a crucial role in supporting sheet metal workers in Oklahoma City by providing secure employment conditions, career advancement opportunities, and comprehensive benefits.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Apprenticeship Duration | 5 years |
| Classroom Instruction | 175+ hours/year |
| On-the-Job Training | 1,600+ hours/year |
| Starting Wage (Apprentice) | $24.53/hour |
| Journeyperson Wage | $37.74/hour |
| Total Benefits (Annual) | Over $30,000 |
| Journeyperson Annual Salary | $75,000 |
| Employment in Oklahoma City (2022) | 2,200 |
| Statewide Average Salary (2021) | $56,060 |
| Projected Employment Growth (Oklahoma) | 1.14% (2023-2025) |
| National Employment Growth Projection | 2% (2023-2033) |
This table provides a quick overview of the key statistics and requirements for pursuing a career in the sheet metal trade in Oklahoma City. It highlights the apprenticeship structure, wage progression, benefits, and employment trends that are essential for aspiring sheet metal workers to understand; for more data, explore BLS resources.
https://www.smw124jac.com/apprenticeship ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12
https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/sheet-metal-worker/salary/oklahoma/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9
https://oklahoma.gov/oesc/labor-market/employment-projections.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
https://datausa.io/profile/soc/sheet-metal-workers ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
