Becoming a sheet metal worker in Harlingen, TX, typically starts with a comprehensive apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships in the sheet metal trade last about three to five years, requiring approximately 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports approximately 126,200 sheet metal workers nationwide, with 11,010 in Texas, and the job market is projected to experience a slight contraction of 0.2% between 2022 and 2032. Apprentices in Harlingen earn an average of $516.67 per week, with an annual overtime average of $26,833. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like the Sheet Metal Workers Local 83 provide apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $56,000 annually for experienced professionals.
