Becoming a sheet metal worker in Austin, TX, typically begins with an apprenticeship, which combines practical training with classroom instruction, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about three to five years, requiring approximately 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 600 hours of classroom instruction. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 126,200 sheet metal workers nationwide, with approximately 3,000 in Texas, and projects a 0.2% job growth from 2022 to 2032. Apprentices earn an average of $15.30 per hour in Texas, with an average annual salary of $44,200 for experienced professionals. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like the Sheet Metal Workers' National Training Fund help aspiring sheet metal workers find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential.
