Becoming a sheet metal worker in Port Royal, SC, typically begins with an apprenticeship, which combines practical experience with classroom instruction, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about four to five years, requiring approximately 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 126,200 sheet metal workers nationwide, with an average salary of $21.23 per hour, equating to approximately $44,200 annually. Apprentices in Port Royal, SC, earn an average of $15.30 per hour, with an annual overtime average of $2,656. 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.
