If you're looking to jumpstart a career in the sheet metal trade in Russellville, AL, the first step is to become an apprentice through a structured program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training. With 2,400 projected job openings statewide and entry-level wages ranging from $16.94 to $22.42 per hour, the sheet metal trade offers stable employment opportunities in Russellville through 2025, primarily filled by replacement needs and modest growth in related construction and fabrication sectors 123.
Before diving into the steps, it's essential to understand what being a sheet metal worker entails. Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products made from thin metal sheets, including HVAC systems, gutters, downspouts, and roofing. They work in various settings such as schools, hospitals, airports, and factories, operating cutting, bending, and welding machinery while handling heavy equipment 3.
Sheet metal workers in Russellville may specialize in different areas:
While Alabama does not require a general state license to work as a sheet metal worker, there are specific requirements if you plan to work as a roofing and sheet metal contractor on projects exceeding $50,000. In this case, you must pass the Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor exam, which includes both the Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor exam and the Alabama Business and Law exam, with a minimum passing score of 70% on the 60-question exam 2345.
You must also register with the Alabama Secretary of State and designate a qualifying party to obtain the license 2.
According to the research, a 4–5 year apprenticeship with documented educational and safety training qualifications is essential for sheet metal workers in Russellville 235. These programs combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training, covering skills such as safety practices (OSHA 10 Construction course), benchwork, welding, ductwork installation, and equipment use 65.
To qualify for apprenticeships, applicants must:
| Apprenticeship Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4-5 years |
| Classroom Instruction | Safety practices, welding, ductwork installation |
| On-the-Job Training | Hands-on experience with metal fabrication |
| Entry-Level Pay | Starts at $19.07/hour with benefits |
| Journey-Level Pay | Over $100,000 annually possible |
To find an apprenticeship:
To become a sheet metal worker in Russellville, you must meet specific basic requirements:
While not always 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 Alabama and usually cover topics like:
An apprenticeship is a crucial step in becoming a sheet metal worker. In Russellville, you'll need to complete a sheet metal apprenticeship to gain the hands-on experience required for certification. Apprenticeships typically last 4-5 years and involve both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
To find an apprenticeship:
During your apprenticeship, you'll work under the supervision of experienced workers and learn practical skills needed for the job, such as installing HVAC systems, fabricating custom ductwork, and adhering to safety protocols.
After completing your apprenticeship, you can achieve journey-level status, which allows you to work independently as a sheet metal worker in Russellville. This certification demonstrates your mastery of the trade and opens up more advanced job opportunities.
If you're interested in starting your own business or managing larger projects, you may want to pursue a roofing and sheet metal contractor license. This requires passing two state exams and formal registration with the Alabama Secretary of State 2.
Entry-level sheet metal worker salaries in Russellville, Alabama in 2025 typically range from about $16.94 to $22.42 per hour, or roughly $28,000 to $46,600 annually based on hourly equivalents and typical work hours 236. The average hourly wage for sheet metal workers in Alabama is around $20.32, with entry-level wages nationally averaging $22.42 but showing variance down to about $16.94 for less than 1 year experience and up to around $25.96 in the 75th percentile range for entry-level roles 236.
Benefits for entry-level sheet metal workers often include health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans, although specific benefit offerings vary by employer. Given the physically demanding nature of the role involving tasks like bending, lifting, and standing for long periods, job benefits may also encompass safety equipment and training 2364.
From 2020 to 2025, the demand for sheet metal careers in Russellville, Alabama, has shown positive growth supported by local metal fabrication expansions. Specifically, in Russellville, there were two reported projects in metal fabrication and metal furniture, creating approximately 30 new jobs with a combined investment of $2.7 million as of early 2025 3. This indicates direct local job growth in the sheet metal sector due to industry expansion.
Statewide, Alabama's metals and fabricated metal product manufacturing industries are substantial, with over 1,159 establishments employing nearly 26,000 workers in fabricated metal product manufacturing as of recent data 6. Major investments in Alabama include large-scale projects in primary and fabricated metals manufacturing:
These substantial state-level investments suggest a strong industry environment driving demand for skilled sheet metal workers.
Sheet metal workers in Russellville, AL, in 2025 face several challenges related to labor shortages and safety issues. Alabama ranks last (50th) among U.S. states for sheet metal worker salaries, with an average hourly wage of $20.32 but a wide range from $11.55 to $31.59 per hour 5. This low compensation level compared to national standards may exacerbate labor shortages as workers might seek opportunities in other states or industries offering better pay.
Additionally, sheet metal workers commonly engage in physically demanding and potentially hazardous tasks, including fabricating, installing, and maintaining HVAC systems. Their work involves operating cutting, bending, and welding machinery, shaping metal by hammering, and handling heavy equipment, which inherently carries risk of injury 3.
Key skills and qualifications essential for success in the sheet metal industry in Russellville, AL include:
Starting a career as a sheet metal apprentice in Russellville, AL, is an exciting opportunity to enter a field that is 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. 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!
https://www.ache.edu/wp-content/Instruction/2025_Statewide_InDemand_Occ.pdf ↩
https://rocketcert.com/construction/alabama/roofing-and-sheet-metal-contractor-exam-prep ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9
https://www.examprep.org/contractors-license/seminars/alabama/alabama-roofing-and-sheet-metal-contractor/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10
https://rocketcert.com/blog/168-construction/1131-how-to-become-a-roofing-and-sheet-metal-contractor-in-alabama ↩ ↩2 ↩3
How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker in Eufaula AL 2025 | Gild ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9
https://www.alabamatalenttriad.com/credentials/e803c754-b6b3-486f-b7cf-c219660526ae ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
