Becoming a sheet metal worker in Buffalo, NY typically starts with an apprenticeship, which involves approximately 8,000 hours of on-the-job training over three to five years and 600 hours of classroom instruction. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 126,200 sheet metal workers nationwide, with approximately 8,000 in New York, and projects a 0.2% job growth from 2022 to 2032. Apprentices in New York earn an average of $1,060 per week, with experienced workers earning up to $1,140 per week. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Guild help aspiring sheet metal workers find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $54,000 annually for experienced professionals.
