Becoming a sheet metal worker in Oneonta, NY typically begins with a structured apprenticeship, which combines approximately 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 600 hours of classroom instruction over three to five years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 126,200 sheet metal workers nationwide, with a slight job market contraction of 0.2% projected between 2022 and 2032. Apprentices in New York earn an average of $1,048 per week, with experienced professionals earning up to $2,272 per week. This career path offers strong earning potential and diverse opportunities across industries such as HVAC, industrial facilities, and architectural metalwork.