Becoming a sheet metal worker in Birmingham, AL typically starts with an apprenticeship, which combines practical experience with classroom learning, 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 an average salary of $21.23 per hour, translating to approximately $44,200 annually. In Birmingham, AL, apprentices earn an average of $15.30 per hour in the initial stages, with experienced workers earning up to $56,000 annually. Trade schools, unions, and training centers help aspiring sheet metal workers find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential.
