Becoming a sheet metal worker in Cookeville, TN, typically starts with an apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about three to five years, requiring approximately 8,000 hours of training under licensed professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 126,200 sheet metal workers nationwide, with 1,049 in Cookeville, and projects a 0.2% job growth from 2022 to 2032. Apprentices earn an average of $1,399 per week in Cookeville, with an annual overtime average of $48,714. 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—often exceeding $56,000 annually for experienced professionals.
